Quick and Highly Effective Home Remedies for Indigestion
10-03-2018 | Posted By: Chhavi | 4931 View(s)
When our stomach is upset, we don’t feel good at all. Indigestion makes us feel full when we haven’t even eaten anything which makes us feel uneasy. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is caused when the acid in the stomach flows back to your oesophagus. Generally, indigestion occurs after eating spicy or fatty foods. Overeating is another factor that leads to indigestion. Indigestion can also be triggered by irritable bowel syndrome, stress, ulcers, obesity, stomach infection, smoking, thyroid disease and certain medications. Here we have enlisted the top home remedies for indigestion. But before that, let us understand the various causes and symptoms of indigestion.
What is Indigestion?
Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia and is a condition that often causes pain or discomfort in the stomach. Eating habits and digestive problems can trigger indigestion.
What are the Causes of Indigestion?
Indigestion is a common condition. However, certain things make people more prone to it.
Some of the common causes of indigestion are:
1. Stomach cancer
2. GERD
3. Stomach infections
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
5. Thyroid disease
6. Gastroparesis
7. Pancreatitis
8. Certain medications
9. Eating junk food
10. Drinking too much alcohol
11. Smoking
12. Stress
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms persistently, consult a doctor.
What are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
Some of the major symptoms of indigestion are:
1. Gas and belching
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Bloating
4. Stomach pain
5. Burning in your stomach
6. An acidic taste in the mouth
These symptoms can get worse if you are stressed. Swallowing too much air when you eat can also make bloating worse. Many people experience indigestion with heartburn which happens when stomach acids rise into the oesophagus.
How is Indigestion Diagnosed?
Indigestion is a broad term, and that is why the patient should give a precise idea of how he/she is feeling to the doctor. The doctor might ask the patient to go for blood tests and X-rays of the stomach or small intestine to understand the cause of the problem.
Which are the Top Home Remedies for Indigestion?
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature. However, it has an alkalizing effect that helps in treating indigestion.For this remedy, you will need one tablespoon of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar and a cup of water. Mix the ingredients and add one teaspoon of honey to it. Stir well and drink this two to three times a day to get quick relief
2. Milk
There are many health benefits of milk. Milk helps to neutralise the stomach acids and treat indigestion. Simply consume a cup of fat-free skim milk to treat indigestion. Do not take full cream milk because it can produce more acid in the stomach.
3. Ginger
If indigestion is caused by overeating, then ginger is the best remedy to treat it. Ginger stimulates the flow of enzymes that stimulate the digestion process.
For this remedy, you will need two teaspoons of ginger juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of table salt and some black salt. Have these ingredients in front of you? Great! Mix the ingredients properly and take it with or without water.
You can also take ginger juice with honey to treat indigestion. Take a cup of warm water and add two teaspoons of ginger juice and add one teaspoon of honey to it. Stir well and drink it. You can also drink ginger tea to get relief from gas, cramps, bloating and stomach aches.
4. Honey
Honey is loaded with nutrients that treat indigestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation, thereby curing indigestion.
In a glass of water, add a teaspoon of honey and take this an hour before every meal.
5.Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as an excellent antacid, and hence it is considered one of the best home remedies for indigestion.
In a glass of water, mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda. Drink this to get instant relief from bloating and stomach ache.
6. Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, have digestive properties that help in treating diarrhoea and indigestion. Take some carom seeds and dried ginger and grind them into a fine powder. Now, take a cup of warm water and add one teaspoon of this powder and a pinch of black pepper to it. Drink this to get instant relief from indigestion.
7. Coriander
Coriander promotes the production of digestive enzymes that help treat indigestion. Take one teaspoon of roasted coriander seed powder and add it to a glass of buttermilk. Drink this 1 to 2 times a day to get relief from indigestion.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has saturated fats and lauric acid which soothe the stomach and digestive tract by neutralising the microbes present in them.
Consume a tablespoon of coconut oil, or you can also mix it with your favourite beverage or salad.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antispasmodic properties that keep the muscles of the digestive tract relaxed. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon help reduce inflammation that can occur due to indigestion.
Take one inch of cinnamon stick and add it to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for about five and then strain. Allow the tea to cool down a bit and then add some honey. Consume immediately.
Drink this two times a day.
10. Cumin
Cumin seeds stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that improve digestion. Take one teaspoon of roasted cumin seed powder and mix it in a glass of water. Drink this to treat indigestion instantly.
If you are feeling full when you haven’t eaten anything, add one-quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and roasted cumin seed powder to a glass of buttermilk and drink this two times a day to get rid of indigestion.
11. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is loaded with lactic acid that helps to neutralise the stomach acid and treat indigestion. Drink buttermilk after a meal to get relief from indigestion.
12. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is loaded with fibre and helps treat indigestion. Consume a bowl of cooked oatmeal to treat indigestion.
13. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains menthol that has soothing effects which help in keeping the stomach muscles relaxed.
Take a few peppermint leaves and add them to a cup of steaming hot water. Let it steep for five to ten minutes and strain. Add honey and consume immediately.
14. Fennel Seeds
The volatile oils present in fennel seeds help reduce nausea and treat indigestion caused by eating spicy or fatty foods.
Dry roast, grind and sieve some fennel seeds. Take ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds powder along with water.
You can also drink fennel tea twice a day to get relief from indigestion.
15. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme Bromelain that helps in regulating the acid levels in the stomach. Drink a glass of pineapple juice to get quick relief from indigestion. It is indeed one of the best home remedies for indigestion.
16. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation. It also helps relax the digestive tract muscles.
Add a teaspoon of chamomile tea to a cup of steaming hot water and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and mix honey in the tea. Consume immediately.
17. Lemon
Lemon is one of the best remedies for reducing nausea and treating indigestion. It calms the stomach and gives instant energy to people. Take a teaspoon of lemon juice and mix it with some mint juice and honey. Consume this mixture to get rid of indigestion.
18. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains mild laxative properties that promote digestion. It also neutralises stomach acids, and that is why it is considered one of the best home remedies for indigestion. Simply drink some aloe vera juice to get relief from indigestion.
Try these effective home remedies for indigestion. Also, eat a nutritious diet and stay away from junk food to keep your stomach healthy.
If you do not get relief even after trying the above-mentioned remedies, do not hesitate to consult the best doctor nearby.
Which are The Best Foods for Indigestion?
1. Vegetables: You should eat vegetables that are low in fat and sugar. Broccoli, green beans and asparagus should be eaten when you have indigestion.
2. Bananas: Bananas are loaded with fibre and help treat indigestion. Eat bananas whenever you experience symptoms of indigestion.
3. Yoghurt: Yoghurt helps soothe your stomach and ease indigestion.
4. Apple: Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fibre and helps improve digestion. Eat an apple daily to treat indigestion.
5. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are loaded with fibre and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. Consume a handful of chia seeds whenever you experience the symptoms of indigestion.
When should you Consult a Doctor?
Indigestion can be a sign of a severe health problem. Consult a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
1. Loss of appetite
2. Vomiting or blood in your vomit.
3. Stools that are black, tarry, or bloody
4. Pain in the upper-or-lower-rights part of your belly
5. Sudden weight loss
6. Feeling uncomfortable even if you have not eaten.
How to Prevent Indigestion?
In order to prevent indigestion, you should avoid eating foods that cause indigestion. Some other ways to prevent indigestion are:
1. Chew your food slowly and eat small meals.
2. Avoid foods with lots of fats and acid.
3. Limit the consumption of drinks that have caffeine.
4. Lower your stress levels
5. Quit smoking.
6. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight-fitted.
7. Avoid drinking alcohol.
8. Do not exercise immediately after a meal.
9. Do not lie down right after you have eaten.
10. Wait for 3 hours after dinner before you go to bed.
This was all you needed to know about indigestion. Living a healthy life is important to be happy. Go for a regular health checkup to keep health disorders at bay.