You enjoy a delicious meal and start to relax. After a while, you notice a burning sensation emanating from your stomach. Soon, you start to experience bloating, belching, and nausea.
All the deliciousness from the meal is now replaced with an unpleasant feeling in your mouth as well as your stomach. Do you find yourself in such situations? If you do, then you may be suffering from indigestion.
Indigestion is a common issue, and almost everyone has experienced it at some point in time or another. It affects one in four people annually (1). If it happens rarely and can be related to the food you ate, the timing, or some other similar factors, then it will go away in a while with the use of natural remedies for indigestion.
However, if the problem is persistent, then indigestion may be a symptom of an underlying issue, such as ulcers, gallbladder disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In such cases, you need to consult a doctor and treat the underlying issues.
Want to know more about what to do for indigestion or how to cure indigestion? You will have answers to these questions by the end of this article.
Table of Contents
Naturopathic Remedies for Indigestion
- Home Remedies
- Herbs
- Lifestyle Changes
Did You Know!
| You can be genetically susceptible to indigestion. |
What are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
Different people experience indigestion in several forms. While some suffer from bloating, some others experience a burning sensation in the stomach, and some others may suffer from vomiting. Here are some of the most common symptoms for indigestion:
- Burning Sensation: You may feel heat or a burning sensation in the area between your breastbone and navel.
- Bloating: You feel and look bigger around the abdomen. You also feel tighter around the abdomen.
- Nausea: You may feel like you want to vomit. Indigestion can also cause vomiting.
- Fullness: You may have been hungry before the meal, but you feel full halfway into it. You may find yourself unable to finish a normal amount of food. You can experience even after the meal.
- Excessive Gas: You may hear gurgling sounds from your stomach. These may also be accompanied by frequent belching or burping. When you burp, you may also feel some liquid rising through the food pipe.
- Abdominal Pain: You may experience mild to severe pain in the abdominal region.
- Acidic Taste: All the burping and belching can lead to an acidic taste in the mouth. It can make it unpleasant to eat anything afterward.
- Loss of Appetite: The fullness feeling stops you from feeling hungry.
| The neurons that pass information about esophagus to the brain pass close to those that pass information about the heart. This is why it can be confusing to distinguish between the heart and digestive issues. |
What Causes Indigestion?
It is not just the symptoms that vary from person to person; the cause of indigestion can be equally varied. The causes of indigestion cover a wide spectrum of things ranging from food allergies to smoking to overeating to other diseases. To identify what to take for indigestion, you need to know what caused it in the first place. Here are some of the most prevalent causes of indigestion.
- Drinking Habits: Drinking large quantities of coffee, alcoholic beverages, or carbonated drinks is one of the common reasons for indigestion.
- Eating Habits: Eating too much or too fast impacts the digestion process negatively. Certain food items, such as ones that are too greasy, spicy, fatty or acidic, do the same.
- Smoking can also cause indigestion.
- Stress: If you are feeling stressed or anxious, then your digestive process gets affected. It can lead to indigestion.
- Medications: Indigestion is a common side-effect of many medicines. Medicines, such as aspirin, painkillers, antibiotics, thyroid medication, blood pressure medicines, cholesterol medicines, and contraceptives are known to cause indigestion.
- Other Diseases: Indigestion is mostly a symptom of some other disease. Ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cancer, acid reflux, etc. are some of the common health issues that impact your gastrointestinal tract and lead to indigestion.
How to Get Rid of Indigestion?
Whatever may be the cause of your indigestion, there is a common thread across all of them – the discomfort is unbearable and stops you from carrying out your day to day tasks. It may lead you to wonder what can you take for indigestion.
There are many over the counter medications that can help you. However, natural remedies for indigestion are always a safer alternative. There are no side effects, and most of them utilise the basic ingredients you can find around the house. Here are some of the best and most effective ways of how to relieve indigestion.
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Indigestion
1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Indigestion
Why does it Work?
When you think of indigestion and how to stop indigestion, an acidic substance may be the last thing on your mind. However, the insufficiency of stomach acid can also lead to indigestion. In such cases, apple cider vinegar is a safe way to increase the level of stomach acid (2).
How to Use it?
You should always dilute ACV with water before drinking it. Drinking a cup of ACV and water mixture half an hour before your meals can help in preventing gas, heartburn, and indigestion.
How Much to Use?
Mix one or two teaspoons of unpasteurized, raw ACV with a cup of water and drink this mixture.
2. Ginger for indigestion
Why does it Work?
Ginger has the opposite effect of ACV. It reduces the level of acid in the stomach. If your indigestion is caused by acidity, then ginger is your best friend. (3)
How to Use it?
A cup of ginger tea is the best option for reducing indigestion. You can also consume ginger candy or ginger water. To make ginger water, add one or two pieces of ginger root to four cups of water and bring the mixture to boil. You can drink it after it cools. You can also add some honey to make this drink more palatable. Do not consume ginger ale as it is a carbonated drink that can cause further harm.
How Much to Use?
You can drink one or two cups of ginger tea or ginger water in a day. Your overall consumption of ginger should be less than 3 to 4 gms in a day.
3. Baking soda for Indigestion
Why does it Work?
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can neutralize the excess acids in the stomach. It can relieve acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, and gas.
How to Use it?
You can drink a mixture of baking soda and water. However, be cautious about the amount of baking soda you use and how often you use this remedy. Too much of baking soda can lead to constipation, vomiting, and other issues.
How Much to Use?
How much baking soda to consume for indigestion? You can dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in around 120 to 150 ml of warm water. Wait for at least two hours after drinking this concoction for the symptoms of indigestion to subside.
4. Lemon Water
Why does it Work?
Lemon water can also neutralize the excess acids in the stomach and combat indigestion. In addition to this, it also aids in digestion and prevents the fullness feeling. The ascorbic acid in lemon protects the stomach from cancers and damages. (4) Stomach cancer can cause indigestion, and lemon water is an excellent way to protect yourself stomach from such damages.
How to Use it?
You should drink lemon water around 20 to 30 minutes before your meals to prevent indigestion. It is more of a preventive measure.
How Much to Use?
Since lemon juice is acidic, do not drink the juice without diluting it with water. You can mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with a glass of water and drink this mixture.
| The pH of lemon juice is close to that of gastric juice. |
5. Cumin
Why does it Work?
Cumin is a traditional remedy used for treating gas, bloating, and indigestion. It enhances the ability of digestive enzymes and helps you digest food faster (5). Cumin also aids the liver in releasing bile. Bile is used to break down fat molecules. It also aids in better absorption of nutrients.
How to Use it?
There are many ways to use this spice to reduce indigestion. You can add cumin to your meals. You can also add cumin to water and drink this water throughout the day. If you experience some of the severe symptoms of indigestion, such as burning sensation, a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite, then you can chew a teaspoon of cumin seeds.
How Much to Use?
A teaspoon of cumin is all you need to enjoy its benefits.
6. Aloe Juice
Why does it Work?
The juice from the flesh of this tropical plant has many benefits. It is anti-inflammatory and loaded with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This also helps in detoxifying the body and reducing indigestion. It also aids in the digestion process. (6)
How to Use it?
The juice is made from the flesh of the aloe leaves. You can drink the juice around 20 to 30 minutes before consuming your main meals.
How Much to Use?
Around 50 ml of aloe vera juice is enough for single time consumption.
7. Basil
Why does it Work?
Basil has a calming effect on your stomach. It reduces inflammation and helps in healing the damage caused by acid to the internal stomach lining. Since indigestion can be a symptom of ulcers and inflammation in the stomach and basil helps counter this, it is a very effective natural remedy for indigestion. (7)
How to Use it?
You can chew on a couple of fresh basil leaves to relieve the symptoms of indigestion. One can also make a concoction by boiling water and basil leaves and consume this. You can also add some honey to this if you prefer.
How Much to Use?
You can use around three to four basil leaves for a cup of water. The same amount can be used for chewing also.
8. Liquorice
Why does it Work?
Liquorice root can calm the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and help control muscle spasms. It can also increase the rate of repair of the stomach lining. The glycyrrhizic acid in liquorice is responsible for these properties. (8) Not only does it relieve you of indigestion, but it also reduces the chances of ulcers and helps in healing ulcers.
How to Use it?
You can make liquorice tea by boiling liquorice roots in water. It is recommended that you chew liquorice root or drink liquorice tea half an hour before or one hour after your meals.
How Much to Use?
Around two gms of liquorice is enough to show results. You should pay attention to the amount of liquorice and ensure that you do not exceed 2.5 gms per day.
9. Yogurt
Why does it Work?
Yogurt has a soothing effect on your stomach. It reduces inflammation. Since it is rich in probiotics, it boosts the healthy bacteria in the gut that can aid digestion. A healthy gut is vital for proper digestion, and it keeps indigestion at bay. (9)
How to Use it?
You can make yogurt a part of your daily diet by adding it to smoothies, oatmeal, or just having a small bowl of yogurt for a snack.
How Much to Use?
Yogurt’s benefits for indigestion depends on the quantity you consume. You should consume a small bowl of yogurt every day. Do not overboard with yogurt as it can have adverse effects.
10. Milk
Why does it Work?
Milk has a calming effect on your stomach. It soothes the stomach lining and reduces inflammation, thereby reducing indigestion. However, make sure you select skim milk or milk with the lowest fat content. Plant-based milk, such as soy milk, almond milk, etc. are alkaline and can neutralize the excess acid in the stomach that causes indigestion.
How to Use it?
You can drink a glass of milk whenever you start to feel the symptoms of indigestion. Since indigestion can also be caused by eating large quantities of food on an empty stomach, you can drink milk in between your meals to keep you full for longer. It will keep the hunger at bay and reduces the chances of overeating.
How Much to Use?
One glass or eight ounces of milk is all you need.
CURE 2: Herbs
Herbs are nature’s powerhouses. They are packed with flavors and health benefits. Whatever your ailment, you can always find a herb that treats it. The same goes for indigestion as well.
1. Peppermint
Why does it Work?
Peppermint aids in digestion and soothes an upset stomach. It prevents muscle spasms and relieves you of nausea. Peppermint also aids in the flow of bile, which then digests fats and reduces the chances of indigestion. Peppermint oil has proven to be very effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome, one of the causes of indigestion. (10)
How to Use it?
You can make peppermint tea by steeping a few leaves in boiling water. Drink this tea after your meals to soothe your stomach and improve digestion. You can also suck on a peppermint candy or chew the leaves.
How Much to Use?
A few peppermint leaves are enough for a cup of tea.
2. Chamomile
Why does it Work?
Chamomile is known as the calming herb. Not only does it help you calm down and induce sleep, but it also soothes your stomach and reduces inflammation. It can relieve abdominal cramps caused by indigestion. It can also help in preventing ulcers. (11)
How to Use it?
Chamomile tea is the best way to get the benefits of this herb.
How Much to Use?
You can make chamomile tea by placing one tea bag in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. If you prefer a stronger tea, use two tea bags instead of one.
3. Spearmint
Why does it Work?
Spearmint is another herb from the mint family that can be the answer to what to eat for indigestion. Spearmint is very effective in treating the symptoms of indigestion such as nausea, muscle spasms, diarrhea, and infections in the stomach.
How to Use it?
You can make spearmint tea from the leaves of the plant. If you do not have access to fresh leaves, you can buy spearmint tea from the market.
How Much to Use?
Spearmint tea is a very harmless natural remedy for indigestion and can be had throughout the day.
4. Green Tea
Why does it Work?
Green tea is a magic herb that is prescribed for many ailments. You may have already heard that it can improve digestion. It is also anti-inflammatory, can fight stomach cancer and ulcers. Since all of these are either a symptom of indigestion or its causes, green tea is a very powerful treatment for indigestion. (12)
How to Use it?
In a cup of boiling water, steep green one tea bag for a few minutes. You can add some honey to the tea if needed.
How Much to Use?
Green tea is a very safe herb. You can have a cup of green tea after your meals to aid digestion. To make the tea more potent, use two tea bags instead of one.
5. Black Tea
Why does it Work?
Black tea contains tannins which can tighten the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property makes it useful for treating ulcers and acid reflux. It also aids food digestion. It is also very effective in treating diarrhea. (13)
How to Use it?
You can drink a cup of black tea when you experience indigestion. You can brew tea using tea leaves or tea bags, whichever is more convenient.
How Much to Use?
Since black tea contains a small amount of caffeine and caffeine can worsen indigestion, limit your black tea intake to one or two cups a day.
6. Bush Tea
Why does it Work?
Bush tea is also known as Rooibos tea or red bush tea. It is a type of herbal tea that is free from caffeine. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the benefits tannins on the digestive system, but without the adverse effects of caffeine. This is perhaps the best tea for aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, relieving nausea and diarrhea and fighting indigestion. (14)
How to Use it?
You brew a cup of bush tea from tea-bags or leaves.
How Much to Use?
Since this tea is free from caffeine, you can have as much of it as you like without worrying about your sleep schedule or the impact of caffeine on your digestion.
CURE 3: Lifestyle Changes
Certain circumstances that cause indigestion are out of your control. If you have a disease, you can undergo the treatment, and the treatment should help in reducing indigestion. However, for the majority of the population, indigestion is caused by lifestyle habits. Stress, overeating, or not eating on time, smoking, etc. are some of the usual offenders.
Eat Less But More Often
Due to lack of time and the pace of today’s world, many people tend to eat large meals. However, your stomach is not equipped to handle these large meals. It struggles with digesting the food at one go. And even when it does digest the food on time, there is a huge gap between meals. During this duration, the stomach fills up with acids that start to erode its lining, leading to ulcers which can, in turn, cause indigestion.
If you split your meals into smaller portions, you end up consuming the same quantity as before, but in a manner that will not cause indigestion. Frequent small meals are digested more easily. Since the time between meals is less, there is no time for your stomach to become acidic.
Stop Smoking
Smoking has some of the worst effects on your digestive system. There are four ways in which smoking can cause indigestion
- Smoking increases acid production in your stomach. We have already established that increased acidity can lead to indigestion.
- Smoking weakens the muscle that controls the flow of contents between the stomach and esophagus. When this muscle becomes weak, the contents from the stomach, including the stomach acid can back up into the esophagus. Your stomach has a lining that protects the acid from causing any damage. However, this lining is absent in the esophagus. The stomach acid can, therefore, damage it and cause indigestion.
- Not only does smoking make you susceptible to peptic ulcers, but it also slows down the ulcer healing process. So once you do get ulcers, it takes longer for them to heal. Ulcers are one of the underlying causes of indigestion.
- The saliva plays an important role in the digestion by neutralizing the acid and increasing the activity of digestive enzymes. Smoking reduces saliva production. (15)
As you can see, smoking disrupts everything related to normal digestion. If you can stop smoking, you will see a reduction in indigestion.
Lose Weight
An increase in weight is the cause of many health issues. But did you know that it can provoke indigestion? When you have excess weight, especially around your midsection, it puts pressure on your stomach. The increased pressure forces the stomach contents to enter the esophagus leading to acid reflux, gas, and indigestion. (16)
Eat Slowly
Eating fast is another habit that can lead to indigestion. It takes your brain around 20 minutes from the time you start eating to realize that you are full. When you eat fast, you receive this signal late and end up eating more than required. As mentioned above, eating too much can cause indigestion. It can also trick you into consuming more calories than you need, leading to weight gain.
The weight gain impacts the digestion process and causes indigestion. When you eat fast, you are not chewing your food properly. Food that hasn’t been fully chewed is difficult to digest. Eating fast also encourages more air to enter your stomach and lead to gas and bloating.
Wear Loose Clothes
Tight clothes, increases the pressure on your stomach, especially ones that are tight around your abdomen. This slows down the digestion process. It also increases the chances of gas and acid reflux. Always wear loose-fitting clothes, especially while eating.
Include More Fibre in the Diet
Fiber is essential for your digestive system to function smoothly. Adequate fiber and water help your body become regular and aid digestion. Foods that are high in fibre also keep you feeling full for longer. When you do not feel very hungry, you will eat less.
Not only does this help in losing weight, but it also prevents you from overeating. Fiber is food for your gut bacteria. It helps in absorbing essential nutrients. This, in turn, helps your body heal faster from ulcers. All of this means that if you do not consume enough fiber, you are depriving your body of one of the essential things needed to maintain good digestive health. (17)
Eat Two Hours Before Bedtime
Your body requires at least two hours to digest a proper meal. A late dinner has become the norm in recent times. But this is also the cause for indigestion. When you do not leave enough time between your dinner and sleep, the stomach hasn’t finished digesting food. The lying down position also makes it easier for the stomach acids to flow back.
It is always better to leave a gap of two to three hours between a heavy meal and your bedtime.
| When you chew gum, you produce more saliva that aids in the digestion and staves off indigestion. |
What to Avoid if You Have Indigestion?
Some actions and foods act as a trigger for indigestion. Staying away from them can help you reduce the instances of indigestion.
- Foods that are high in fat content relaxes the sphincter and causes the stomach content to enter the oesophagus. Reducing the intake of these fatty foods can reduce the chances of indigestion. Foods, such as fried items, full-fat dairy items, creams, rich sauces, etc. are the best examples of this kind of food.
- When you suffer from indigestion, the chances are that your stomach is already acidic. Introducing acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, etc. into an already acidic environment makes things worse.
- Caffeine and chocolate are also known to trigger indigestion and acid reflux.
- High-fat dairy products, such as cheese can also cause indigestion. If you are lactose intolerant, even at a small level, then you should stay away from all dairy products.
- On taking strong medications that are causing indigestion, then consult your physician and try to switch to another medication. If there is no other alternative to the medication you are on, then incorporate one of the natural remedies for indigestion in your daily routine and make the lifestyle changes necessary to reduce indigestion.
- Experiencing persistent indigestion, then visit a doctor immediately to figure out its cause. If it is an indication of an underlying condition, then early detection can help you treat it.
Indigestion is not a stranger to anyone. However, some are a tad bit more familiar with it than others. Since indigestion is also a symptom of other diseases, start by identifying the cause and then move on to treating it.
Even though there are over the counter medications that can help you with the problem, it is better to give the natural remedies for indigestion a try before resorting to medications.
These remedies are safe and have been in use for centuries for treating digestive issues. Try them today and start seeing the changes!
FAQs
1. I suffer from frequent and recurrent indigestion. What should I do?
You should consult a doctor immediately to find out what is causing indigestion. If there are no medical issues, then look at your lifestyle.
2. What can I take for indigestion?
Have a look at the home and herbal remedies mentioned above. You can try any of these based on your convenience.
3. Are natural remedies safe?
All the natural remedies are completely safe. You may have to keep an eye on the quantity and frequency for a few of them.