What Causes Indigestion?
An unhealthy eating habit is the main cause of indigestion. 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
Although bloating and nausea are common symptoms of indigestion, one may experience various other symptoms if they have indigestion. Some of the symptoms are listed below.
Signs And Symptoms Of Indigestion
Vomiting Heartburn Sudden feeling of fullness during a meal Burning sensation in the stomach Gnawing sensation in the stomach Belching Blood in vomit Weight loss Difficulty in swallowing 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.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains saturated fats like lauric acid and capric acid (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 myrcene, fenchone, chavicol, and cineole. These compounds have digestive and carminative effects (12). Hence, fennel seeds may help in treating 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 indigestion.
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.
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 prebiotic 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.
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.
