What Causes Indigestion?
An unhealthy eating habit is the main cause of your upset stomach. However, there are a few other causes that may lead to dyspepsia. They include:
Overeating Eating spicy and greasy food Lying down immediately after a meal Smoking Drinking alcohol Certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen Medical conditions like acid reflux disease, gastric cancer, pancreatic abnormalities, or peptic ulcers
Indigestion is often confused with acid reflux. Amidst the nuances of gastrointestinal distress, distinguishing these conditions is crucial, so scroll below to learn more about it!
Indigestion Vs. Acid Reflux
Indigestion and acid reflux are often confusing due to overlapping symptoms. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, encompasses symptoms like bloating, fullness, and nausea after meals, which is triggered by overeating or consuming spicy or fatty foods. Whereas, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. While indigestion is a broader term, acid reflux specifically refers to irritation caused by stomach acid. Indigestion can often result due to overeating or stress, while acid reflux is primarily due to a weak lower esophageal sphincter. Both conditions require proper diagnosis and management for effective relief. Although bloating and nausea are common symptoms of such digestive issues, people with indigestion may experience various other symptoms. You can explore various home remedies for digestive problems that can help keep your system functioning smoothly and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of Indigestion
Vomiting Heartburn Sudden feeling of fullness and discomfort after eating or during a meal Burning sensation in the stomach Abdominal pain or stomach cramps Burping, flatulence, or gas Blood in vomit Weight loss Food or acid regurgitation Black stool
These symptoms are a clear sign that you are experiencing indigestion. However, you don’t have to worry. You can treat and even prevent indigestion with the help of some simple and effective home remedies that are listed below.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Indigestion
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is believed to be a natural antacid. It may help treat indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. However, there is no scientific research to back this claim.
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 glass of warm water
Do this 2-3 times a day for a couple of weeks. Caution: You must not ingest baking soda if you feel full after a meal.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid (1). Acetic acid is a weaker acid as compared to hydrochloric acid. This acetic acid in ACV may help in buffering the acidity levels in the stomach.
1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar 1 glass of water
Consume this solution 1-2 times a day.
3. Essential Oils
(a) Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil exhibits antibacterial and detoxifying properties (2). These properties may help in cleansing the digestive system and aid in treating indigestion.
1 drop of lemon essential oil 1 glass of water
Consume this solution 2-3 times a day, preferably before every meal.
(b) Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (3). These properties may make it an excellent remedy for gastrointestinal issues like indigestion. 1-2 drops of ginger essential oil Do this 2-3 times a day.
4. Milk
Milk contains lactic acid, which is a weak acid (4). Its pH ranges between 6.5 – 6.7. This may help in neutralizing the stomach acids and treat indigestion. Note: Full cream milk can lead to the production of more acid in the stomach (5). Hence, use fat-free skimmed milk if you have indigestion. A cup of fat-free skim milk Consume a cup of fat-free skim milk. Do this 1-2 times a day.
5. Honey
Honey possesses anti-inflammatory properties (6). These anti-inflammatory properties may help in reducing inflammation and treating indigestion (7).
1 teaspoon of organic honey or Manuka honey 1 glass of water (optional)
Consume honey an hour before every meal and before going to bed daily.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera exhibits anti-ulcer property. This may help in treating dyspepsia (8). A study showed that aloe vera syrup could be a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of GERD (9). 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice Consume one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel. Do this 1-2 times a day, preferably before meals. Bob Nagy, a lifestyle vlogger, in one of his videos, shares his recipe of what he calls his “healing elixir” for gastrointestinal issues. The recipe incorporates aloe vera pulp, coconut water, glutamine, and sweetener. He says, “I get about three, two-ounce gulps out of it (through the night) and then I’ll have breakfast an hour later. So, that spreads out the dosing and also puts it into a stomach that doesn’t have much in it, plus it helps to bring down stomach acids during the course of the night. I know a lot of you have lost your gallbladder like me and that means that your acids are continuously dumping into the upper part here of your intestine and you want to sort of have something to knock that out, would be awfully nice, so it helps with that (i).”
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains saturated fats like lauric acidi A natural chemical compound that is a fatty acid and forms a major component in palm kernel oil and coconut oil. and capric acidi A naturally occurring fatty acid found in coconut and palm oils that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. (10). These may soothe the stomach and digestive tract by neutralizing the microbes present in them. Moreover, coconut oil can be easily absorbed by the body (11). Thus, coconut oil may aid in treating indigestion. 1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil Do this 2-3 times a day.
8. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds contain volatile compounds, like myrcenei A colorless oily liquid that has a pleasant odor and is found in essential oils used in foods and beverages as a flavoring agent. , fenchonei A colorless natural chemical compound in the form of an oily liquid that smells similar to camphor and bitter taste. , chavicoli A colorless natural compound found in the oil of the leaves of the betel pepper and bay leaf that has long been used as an insecticide. , and cineolei A colorless liquid with a spicy and cooling taste that is used in essential oil for its fragrance and as a flavoring agent in food. Lauric acid . These compounds have digestive and carminativei A herb or a drug that prevents or relieves the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and in turn abdominal pain. effects (12). Hence, fennel seeds may help in treating your stomach ache and indigestion.
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds 1 cup of water (optional)
Do this 3 times a day.
9. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help in reducing the inflammation occurring due to indigestion (13). It may also relax the digestive tract muscles, thus facilitating digestion (14).
1 teaspoon of chamomile tea 1 cup of hot water Honey
Consume chamomile tea 2 -3 times a day.
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon possesses antispasmodic properties (15). This may help in relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract. Cinnamon also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (16). This may help reduce inflammation that occurs due to indigestion.
1 inch of cinnamon stick 1 cup of hot water Honey
Do this 2-3 times a day.
11. Carbonated Water
Studies have found that carbonated water decreases satiety and improves dyspepsia (17). Hence, carbonated water may help in treating indigestion. 1 can of carbonated water Sip on a can of carbonated water throughout the day. Do this daily until you feel relief.
12. Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains lactic acid (18). Lactic acid is known to be beneficial for the stomach and may treat indigestion and its symptoms. 1 cup of buttermilk Consume a cup of cold buttermilk whenever you experience indigestion. Note: You can also add some fennel powder to the buttermilk to increase its effectiveness. Consume buttermilk after a meal or whenever you experience indigestion.
13. Lemon And Ginger Tea
Both lemon and ginger exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties (19), (20). These properties may help in relieving inflammation and acidity in the stomach.
1 inch of ginger 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1 cup of hot water Honey
Consume this tea 2-3 times a day or whenever you experience a sour stomach.
14. Black cumin Seeds
Black cumin seeds exhibit antibacterial properties and are widely used to treat dyspepsia (21).
1 teaspoon of black cumin seeds 1 cup of hot water
Do this daily.
15. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of dietary fiber (22). Hence, oatmeal may aid in digestion. A bowl of cooked oatmeal Consume a bowl of cooked oatmeal. Do this once a day. Although there are natural remedies to help treat indigestion, you can follow a few tips to speed up recovery.
Relief Tips
Have small meals at regular intervals instead of heavy meals. Eat slowly. Avoid spicy and fried foods. Don’t lie down soon after eating. Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake. Get plenty of rest. Stop taking medications that worsen your symptoms of indigestion. Workout regularly.
A survey involving 1,010 respondents aged 18 years and over revealed that the daily activities and quality of life of 40% of Americans were adversely affected by their uncomfortable bowel symptoms in the last year. These activities include exercising (19%), running errands (17%), and hanging out with friends and family (16%). 15% of them admitted that talking about their symptoms with their relatives or even a doctor would make them uncomfortable. Some foods may help in treating indigestion and its symptoms. They are listed below.
Best Foods For Indigestion
Vegetables: Vegetables, such as green beans, asparagus, and broccoli, are low in fat and sugar and may treat indigestion. Bananas: Banana is a prebiotici A type of food compound that induces the growth of beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in your gut. that can help relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (23). Melons: Melons are high alkaline foods that may help bring down the acidity in your stomach. Egg Whites: Egg whites are not only low in acid content but are also a good source of protein, which makes them an ideal choice to combat indigestion.
Sick of indigestion and bloating? Clove tea and ajwain tea are great for relieving symptoms of indigestion and stomach discomfort. Watch this video to learn more! What is the difference between heartburn and indigestion? Heartburn is a condition in which a person experiences a burning sensation in the chest or behind the breastbone. Indigestion is a collection of symptoms caused due to overeating or a chronic digestive condition. How long does indigestion last? Indigestion may be severe for a few days or months and then less frequent or severe for the coming days, weeks, or months. It can disappear if you break bad habits – like eating on the run or drinking too much coffee. Does walking help with indigestion? Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that walking after a meal helps digestion and reduces bloating and heartburn symptoms. Is pineapple good for indigestion? Yes, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps in digesting proteins and relieves symptoms of indigestion (24) Is cucumber good for indigestion? There is limited research available in this regard. However, cucumber contains the protease enzyme (which helps digest protein-rich food) and is rich in water and fiber, which may help in aiding regular bowel movements and treating indigestion.
Illustration: Home Remedies For Indigestion Relief Tips & Foods To Take
