Your favorite foods can delight your taste buds. But if you eat too fast or consume too many of these foods, you may experience occasional indigestion.
Symptoms of indigestion may include uncomfortable fullness after
eating, or you may have pain or a burning sensation in the upper part of your
stomach.
Indigestion is not a disease, but rather a symptom of other
gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux.
Many people will experience indigestion at some point. Instead
of reaching for over-the-counter antacids to soothe your stomach, you may want
to try controlling symptoms with ingredients and herbs in your kitchen.
Here's a look at eight home remedies that can provide quick
relief for indigestion.
1. Mint tea
Peppermint is more than just a breath freshener. It also has an
antispasmodic effect on the body, making it a great choice for alleviating
stomach problems such as nausea and indigestion. Drink a cup of peppermint tea
after a meal to quickly settle your stomach, or keep a few pieces of mint in
your pocket to suck on candy after your meal.
While peppermint can relieve indigestion, you should not drink
or eat peppermint if your indigestion is caused by acid reflux. Because
peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle between the
stomach and esophagus—drinking or eating it can cause stomach acid to back up
into the esophagus and worsen acid reflux. Peppermint tea is not recommended for
people with GERD or ulcers.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known to help induce sleep and calm anxiety.
This herb can also ease intestinal discomfort and relieve indigestion by
reducing stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile also acts as an
anti-inflammatory to stop the pain.
To make chamomile tea, steep one or two bags in boiling water
for 10 minutes. Pour into a cup and add honey if desired. Drink the tea as
needed to stop indigestion.
If you are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before
drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile contains an ingredient that acts as an
anticoagulant, so there is a risk of bleeding when combined with a blood
thinner.
3. Apple cider vinegar
The reported health benefits of apple cider vinegar range from
improving the condition of the skin to promoting weight loss. It can also help
relieve indigestion.
Since too little stomach acid can cause indigestion, drink apple
cider vinegar to increase your body's production of stomach acid. Add one to
two teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and
drink for quick relief. Or stop indigestion before it happens by drinking the
mixture 30 minutes before a meal.
Although apple cider vinegar is safe, drinking it in excess or
undiluted can cause side effects such as tooth erosion, nausea, burning throat, and low blood sugar.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another natural remedy for indigestion because it can
reduce stomach acid. In the same way that too little stomach acid causes
indigestion, too much stomach acid has the same effect.
Drink a cup of ginger tea as needed to calm your stomach and get
rid of indigestion. Other options include sucking ginger candy, drinking ginger
beer, or making your own ginger water. Boil one or two pieces of ginger root in
four cups of water. Season with lemon or honey before drinking.
Limit ginger consumption to 3 to 4 grams per day. Eating too
much ginger can cause gas, sore throat, and heartburn.
5. Fennel seed
This antispasmodic herb can also ease indigestion after eating
and soothe other gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, nausea, and
bloating.
Put 1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds in water and let it
boil for 10 minutes before drinking. Drink fennel tea whenever you have
indigestion. Another option is to chew fennel seed after meals if certain foods
cause indigestion.
Possible side effects of fennel include nausea, vomiting, and
sensitivity to the sun.
6. Baking Soda (Sodium
Bicarbonate)
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve
indigestion, bloating, and gas after meals. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of
baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink.
Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and non-toxic. But drinking
large amounts of baking soda can bring several unwanted side effects such as
constipation, diarrhea, irritability, vomiting, and muscle cramps. If you drink
a solution containing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for indigestion, do not
repeat for at least two hours.
According to a 2013 study, adults should have no more than seven
1/2 teaspoons in 24 hours and no more than three 1/2 teaspoons if they are over
60.
7. Lemon water
The alkaline effect of lemon water also neutralizes stomach
acids and improves digestion. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice in hot or warm
water and drink it a few minutes before a meal.
Along with relieving indigestion, lemon water is also an
excellent source of vitamin C. However, too much lemon water can wear away
tooth enamel and cause increased urination. To protect your teeth, rinse your
mouth with water after drinking lemon water.
8. Licorice root
Licorice root can soothe muscle spasms and inflammation in the
gastrointestinal tract that can cause indigestion. For relief, chew licorice
root or add licorice root to boiling water and drink the mixture.
Although licorice root is effective for indigestion, in large
doses it can cause sodium and potassium imbalances and high blood pressure. For
quick relief, consume no more than 2.5 grams of dried licorice root per day.
Eat or drink licorice root 30 minutes before a meal or one hour after a meal
for indigestion.
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