Who doesn’t love food? Many of us survive to try everything anything we can get our hands on. But by not maintaining a portion size and eating in a hurry can result in indigestion. Though it is a problem, every one of us faces in our life and can be treated with the home remedies for indigestion. Although not life-threatening, Indigestion indicates gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers, acid reflux, etc. Some of the symptoms you need to look for to rule out indigestion are bloating, nausea, gas, belching, acidity, burning sensation in your chest, etc. You must treat the symptoms of indigestion as soon as possible so that it doesn’t culminate into something dangerous. Go through some of the natural and best home remedies for indigestion.
TOC:
- What is Indigestion?
- Causes of Indigestion
- Home Remedies for Indigestion
- Prevention Tips for Indigestion
- When to Consult a Doctor?
- FAQ
What is Indigestion?:
Indigestion is not a disease and is a set of symptoms you feel, also known as dyspepsia. It is generally described as a condition where you feel full as soon as you eat, abdominal pain, your upper abdomen feels uncomfortable, etc. It is also a common issue among people who are obese, along with other health issues.
Causes of Indigestion:
Indigestion is a common issue many of us face in our life. Some of the reasons that result in ingestion are:
- Drinking alcohol in excess.
- Excess smoking.
- Stressful job.
- Excess eating.
- Using some medications like thyroid medicine, birth control pills, estrogen shots, birth control pills, to name a few.
- Eating in a hurry.
- Fatty foods.
- Medical conditions like GERD, ulcers, stomach infection, pancreatitis, stomach cancer, gastroparesis, thyroid, etc.
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Home Remedies for Indigestion:
Here is a list of the best tips on how to treat dyspepsia by using natural remedies at home.
1. Fresh Ginger With Salt And Lemon Juice:
Ginger with salt and lemon juice is considered one of the best natural remedies for indigestion as lemon juice and ginger are ingredients that are readily available in any household. Ginger detoxifies your body by flushing out unwanted toxins, whereas the digestive process is improved with the fresh lemon juice. The combination of lemon juice, ginger with salt keeps you fired up by boosting your metabolism.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup freshly prepared ginger juice.
- ¼ cup of lemon juice.
- A glass of water.
- Spoonful honey.
How To Prepare:
- Mix the fresh ginger juice, lemon juice, and honey to a glass of warm water.
- Consuming this drink after a heavy meal can be beneficial.
- This concoction can also be taken on an empty stomach, early mornings.
Caution: Make sure the glass of water is lukewarm and not too hot.
2. Black Cumin With Ajwain (Carom Seeds):
Cumin seeds with ajwain play an essential role and act as a natural remedy for indigestion. When prepared with a glass of warm water, it gets rid of acidity, bloating, and acid reflux. Abdominal and stomach pain can also be cured with the help of this magical concoction.
Ingredients:
- Half spoonful cumin seeds.
- Half spoonful ajwain.
- A cup of water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water in a bowl.
- Add the cumin seeds and ajwain to the boiling water and place the lid.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Then strain the contents and make a fresh tea.
3. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea is a natural indigestion relief that has an antispasmodic effect on your body. It relieves you from issues like nausea, making it the best indigestion treatment at home. You can either suck on a peppermint when you are outside or drink a warm cup of peppermint tea after your meal. (1)
Ingredients:
- Spoonful peppermint leaves.
- Two cups of water.
- Spoonful honey.
How To Prepare:
- Boil two cups of water in a bowl.
- Switch off the stove and add the peppermint leaves to the water.
- Let it steep for five minutes and keep the pot covered.
- Strain the leaves and drink the tea by adding the honey.
Caution: Peppermint tea may not be suitable for people who have indigestion because of GERD, ulcers, and acid reflux.
4. Cinnamon:
Another readily available ingredient that works as a quick indigestion relief is cinnamon. Eugenol, linalool, cinnamaldehyde are some of the antioxidants present in cinnamon that help ease digestion, thereby preventing any damage for your digestive tract. (2)
Ingredients:
- One spoonful cinnamon powder.
- A cup of water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water in a pan.
- Add cinnamon powder to the boiling water and let it steep for few minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
- Drinking this tea for two or three times will do the trick.
5. Cloves:
Cloves help increase gastric secretions that improve digestion, reducing gas. It also reduces nausea and vomiting, which are some of the prominent indicators of heartburn.
Ingredients:
- ½ spoon cloves.
- A cup of water.
- Spoonful honey.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water (approx 80z).
- Add the cloves to the boiling water.
- Switch off the stove, close the lid, and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the contents, add the honey, and your tea is ready.
Caution: Do not drink clove tea more than twice as it may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.
6. Basil:
The anti-inflammatory properties of linoleic acid that is available in abundance in basil, making it the best indigestion treatment at home. Basil helps reduce acid in your stomach with the help of a substance called Eugenol, thereby improving your overall digestion. (3)
Ingredients:
- Half spoonful fresh basil leaves.
- A cup of water.
- Spoonful honey.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water in a bowl and add the fresh basil leaves to it.
- Switch off the stove and close the pot with a lid and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the tea and add honey, preparing a fresh cup of tea.
7. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera juice provides you with enough digestive bacteria that result in healthy bowel movements. The amount of acid is also reduced in your stomach, and it also flushes out unnecessary toxins that reduce any inflammation in your body, making it one of the top home remedies for indigestion. (4)
Ingredients:
- Two spoonfuls fresh aloe gel.
- A cup of water.
- Spoonful lemon juice.
How To Prepare:
- Add the fresh ale juice and some water in a blender.
- Blend the contents thoroughly for five minutes.
- Take a glass and pour the liquid into it.
- You can add a spoonful lemon juice to elevate the taste.
8. Coconut Water:
Coconut water is another option that works wonders for heartburn, and it is considered one of the safe home remedies for indigestion in kids. The high levels of magnesium and potassium in coconut water ease an upset stomach. Pain, cramps, and muscle spasms are also reduced with the help of the nutrients. Unlike other sports drinks filled with calories and sugar, coconut water is considered a healthy option. Try drinking three glasses of this water every four hours for effective results.
9. Licorice Root:
Licorice root is slowly gaining popularity in the world of home remedies. It has glycyrrhizic acid that has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce stomach lining inflammation or gastritis. It also soothes you from gastrointestinal problems. (5)
Ingredients:
- One spoonful licorice root powder.
- A cup of water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water in a bowl and switch off the stove once boiled.
- Add the licorice root powder to the boiling water and close the lid.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the contents of the bowl into a cup.
Caution: Drink licorice root tea not more than twice a day as taken in excess can cause blood pressure.
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10. Increase Water Intake:
Hydrating your body is imperative, especially if you have digestive issues. Your body loses a lot of water if you have diarrhea and vomiting, dehydrating your body. Nutrients are also absorbed from the foods with the help of water. Dehydration makes your stomach upset, which also makes your digestive process less effective. It is suggested that adults need at least 8 liters per day. (6)
11. Avoid Spicy Food:
Heartburn is one of the leading problems that can be avoided by reducing the intake of spicy food, and it is the best way to get rid of indigestion. Consumption of tasty food slows down the digestive process because of the compound called capsaicin, and it also worsens the symptoms of heartburn as it may irritate your inflamed esophagus. Therefore it is better if you avoid consuming spicy foods to lead a healthy life. (7)
12. Avoid Caffeine:
Coffee is one of the beverages that are popular among young adults to battle the stress caused by work pressures. But did you know that caffeine increases the chances of heartburn or acid reflux? The lower esophageal sphincter is relaxed when you consume a cup of coffee, resulting in indigestion. Unless you feel heartburn when you drink caffeinated drinks, you can consume them limitedly. (8)
13. Avoid Drinking Alcohol and Smoking:
Even the people who manufacture cigarettes print that smoking is harmful to health, and rightly so. Smoking can irritate your throat if you have vomiting as a symptom of indigestion and further the chances of an upset stomach. Whereas alcohol damages your stomach and liver lining since it acts as a toxin. So it is better to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking to prevent heartburn.
14. Baking Soda:
Another ingredient that is readily available almost in every house proves it is Baking soda that is one of the top home remedies for indigestion. It gives you instant relief from heartburn and stomach pain as it soaks away all the acids in the esophagus. It is also very good at healing indigestion because of its alkaline nature.
Ingredients:
- Spoonful baking soda.
- A small glass of water.
- A pinch of salt.
- One spoonful lime.
How To Prepare:
- Add the lime juice, a pinch of salt and baking soda to a glass of water.
- Mix it well and drink it immediately.
- You can find yourself burping within 5 to 15 minutes of drinking this concoction.
15. Orange Juice:
If not a glass, a spoonful orange juice also relieves flatulence and is an excellent cure for indigestion. Orange, in the form of fruit, as well as juice, is considered the best natural remedies for indigestion. Eat an orange after a heavy meal that prevents any discomfort from arising. It has vitamin C in abundance, making it easier on the digestive process, helping you relieve gas.
Caution: Some people may be allergic to the juice form of the orange. Do have a check before you consume it in large amounts.
16. Grapes:
Grapes are small fruits available in bunches that are nutritious as well as enhances the digestive process. Being a fruit, it is one of the prominent ways to cure indigestion and can be taken after having a heavy meal. Caution is always necessary when you consume grapes, especially during indigestion, as it might not suit everyone.
Caution: Diarrhea and nausea are some of the side effects of the fructose in grapes if you are allergic to it.
17. Chamomile Tea:
Keeping your digestive process in control is necessary for maintaining a healthy body. Chamomile tea is a natural herbal remedy for indigestion. It creates aversion from gas and bloating by increasing the metabolism of your body. Stress is also considered a major factor resulting in heartburn, and chamomile tea is known to reduce stress.
Ingredients:
- Two spoonfuls dried chamomile.
- One cup of boiling water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water and add the two spoonfuls dried chamomile.
- Place a lid and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Strain the flowers and drink the fresh tea.
Caution: If taken in large doses, chamomile tea causes drowsiness, vomiting, etc.
18. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is a beverage that has both acidic and alkaline effects making it a perfect home remedy for digestion. ACV has many healing properties since it has little acid content as opposed to its name. This is one of the best natural remedies for severe indigestion.
Ingredients:
- One spoonful ACV.
- A glass of water.
- Spoonful honey.
How To Prepare:
- Add the Apple Cider Vinegar to the glass of water along with a spoonful of honey.
- Mix the contents of the glass well.
- Drink the glass of this concoction for a healthy start.
Caution: Remember not to consume undiluted ACV as it may cause severe digestive distress.
19. Fennel:
One of the best natural remedies for indigestion is fennel seeds that help reduces flatulence. The toxins accumulated in your body throughout the day result in pain and discomfort, and spicy food adds to your digestive problems.
Ingredients:
- Spoonful fennel seeds.
- One cup of hot water.
How To Prepare:
- Boil a cup of water and add the fennel seeds to the boiling water.
- Let it steep for about ten minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
Caution: Unless you are allergic to it, fennel seeds are safe.
20. Coriander Leaves:
Coriander leaves have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help relieve indigestion, stomach pain, and increases the digestive process. The green leafy veggie is similar to broccoli and gourd that intensifies the metabolism of your body. Coriander leaves not only add flavour to your dish, but it also has healing qualities that aid digestion. Curries, soups, salads are some of the recipes that use coriander leaves as a garnish, making it a tasty home remedy for indigestion. (9)
21. Banana:
One of the readily available fruits is banana, and it has many properties that help aid digestion. Folate, potassium, vitamin B6 are abundantly available in bananas, and that can correct your improper bowel problems. Indigestion can never be an issue if your bowel movements are regular. Pectin is a substance present in this fruit that makes it easier for contents to move through the digestive tract. Since it is a fibrous fruit and available readily, making it one of the popular home remedies for indigestion in kids.
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Prevention Tips for Indigestion:
Since heartburn can happen to anyone, it is necessary to prevent indigestion rather than struggling with it in the first place. Here are some of the tips so that you can follow to avoid indigestion.
- Don’t keep your mouth open while you eat food.
- Avoid drinking water or beverage of any type in between meals, and there should be at least a half an hour gap after a meal to drink water.
- Try to consume food atleast two hours before your bedtime.
When to Consult a Doctor:
Indigestion is not a severe issue, and the symptoms usually go away within hours. But it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- If symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting last more than a day as older adults and kids dehydrate much quickly proving dangerous.
- Fever.
- If you cannot pass gas.
- Lightheadedness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Swallowing becomes difficult.
- Pain during urination.
Indigestion or upset stomach can be an uncomfortable issue that can be easily tackled with the help of the home remedies for indigestion. With several causes that result in heartburn all around, it is necessary to take a few precautions and make some lifestyle changes so that the simple issue may not lead to something serious.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article are mere suggestions and in no way a replacement for a doctor’s advice. If there are any side effects of the remedies, the website is no way responsible for how your body reacts.
FAQ:
1. Are The Symptoms Of Esophagitis and Acidity The Same?
Ans. Both Esophagitis and acidity are caused due to indigestion, but both have different symptoms.
- Acid reflux is a condition when the stomach acids and bile go back to the esophagus, causing acidity. In most cases, it causes heartburn and pain in the chest cavity.
- Esophagitis is a condition when the stomach acids go back to the esophagus too many times that the lining in the esophagus gets injured. This injury leads to an inflammation in the esophagus called esophagitis.
- Acid Reflux causes irritation and swelling in the throat.
- Esophagitis can cause bleeding and sometimes can also pass through the digestive tract.
2. What Foods Commonly Cause Indigestion?
Ans. Indigestion is a widespread issue that can happen at any time. But knowing what foods can potentially cause indigestion can keep you ahead in the game. Some of the typical meals are,
- Coffee: excessive coffee can cause heartburn as it is acidic.
- Tea
- Black Pepper: Black pepper can cause a burning sensation in the stomach causing indigestion.
- Citrus Fruits and products
- Carbonated drinks
- Spicy Foods: Spicy foods cause a burning sensation in the stomach and cause acidity. They are stronger flavours and can potentially even cause stomach ulcers.
- Garlic and Raw Onions
3. Why Does Stress Aggravate The Problem Of Indigestion?
Ans. Stress can cause many issues in the stomach like cramping, loss of appetite, bloating, etc. stress can potentially affect every part of the digestion system.
- The abdomen is controlled by the central nervous system, which is in the brain and the spinal cord.
- There is a network of neurons in the lining of the gastrointestinal system known as the enteric or intrinsic nervous system.
- There are many neurons present in the gut than there are in the spinal cord.
- The enteric nervous system regulates swallowing and other important digestive processes.
Hence stress can significantly affect the digestive system.
