Maybe filling yourself up with those hors d’oeuvres at your cousin’s wedding was not such a good idea. Now you’re spending a good chunk of your time being constipated and clutching your stomach in pain.

Dealing with indigestion is not fun to say the least, especially if you experience it regularly. But you can easily get rid of indigestion with some simple changes in your diet and lifestyle.

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Medically known as dyspepsia, indigestion occurs when your digestive system is unable to process the food you ate. (1)

how to get rid of indigestion

Causes of Indigestion

  • Recurring indigestion is often a symptom of an underlying condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an ulcer, a stomach infection, intestinal parasites, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an inflamed pancreas, thyroid disease or gastritis. (2)
  • In rare cases, indigestion may be a symptom of stomach, pancreatic or ovarian cancer.
  • Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines, can also upset the digestive system and cause acute or chronic problems.
  • Food poisoning can also make your system go off-kilter and cause acute indigestion.

Symptoms of Indigestion

  • The most obvious symptoms include having loose motions or diarrhea or being constipated.
  • A burning sensation in the stomach, acid reflux and heartburn can be signs of persistent indigestion.
  • You may experience gas and bloating, nausea, stomach pains, belching, flatulence and repeating rumbling in the stomach.

How to Prevent Indigestion

There are a few tips you can keep in mind to prevent the condition from worsening. (3)

  • Eating right is the first step toward preventing indigestion. Unhealthy foods strain the digestive tract.
  • Do not eat too fast. Chew your food thoroughly so that it gets churned into a paste in your mouth. This reduces strain on the digestive system. Liquids should also be consumed slowly.
  • Avoid eating heavy meals, especially at night. Also, eat your last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime. Avoid acidic and fatty foods.
  • Take a short walk around block after meals to aid digestion.
  • Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, or about 3 hours each week, to stimulate good digestion.
  • Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
  • Avoid eating in stressful situations. Stress and fatigue negatively impact digestion.

How to Treat Indigestion

Pills are not the right way to deal with indigestion. In fact, most medications – especially antibiotics – adversely impact digestion. While you should always consult your doctor for acute stomach conditions like diarrhea, persistent indigestion is best managed with a healthy diet and lifestyle rather than relying on medications.

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Eating plain yogurt (especially Greek style) can help with digestion and help keep the good bacteria in the stomach.  (11)

Here are six simple yet effective home remedies to help you get rid of indigestion.

Method 1: Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar lacking substantial scientific evidence is used to treat indigestion in many households. It is rich in digestive enzymes and prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in the gut, making it beneficial for digestion much like yogurt.

Much like the apples that it’s made from, this vinegar contains vitamins and minerals required by the body. But a strained digestive system can process apple cider vinegar more easily than the fruit.

This tonic addresses a host of digestive issues like acid reflux, gastric trouble and  Candida (a type of yeast). It detoxes the gastrointestinal tract and revives the digestion process.

Taking it with honey not only helps with its taste but also makes for a more effective remedy. Honey itself is a popular remedy for constipation and can help heal stomach ulcers.

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Note: Honey should not be given to infants under the age of 12 months.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use acv to treat indigestion

  • Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (rich in digestive enzymes and prebiotics) – 2 teaspoons
  • Water – 1 cup
  • Honey (relieves constipation, heals ulcers) – 2 teaspoons

Step 1. Combine the ingredients

combine acv and honey to treat indigestion

  • Pour 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of water.
  • Pour in 2 teaspoons of honey.

Step 2. Consume the digestive tonic

mix and consume acv and honey to treat indigestion

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  • Mix the ingredients well.
  • Consume this apple cider vinegar and honey drink twice a day until your digestive system builds up again.
  • This remedy provides speedy relief in indigestion stemming from GERD, while it may take up to 1 week to treat underlying digestive issues.

Method 2: Use Baking Soda

Baking soda can help get your digestive system back on track, especially if it’s a result of hyperacidity.

It also helps break down fatty foods, thus lessening the strain on your intestines. It is also said to be beneficial for constipation, but this claim is not backed by research.

Note: If you’re watching your sodium intake, this baking soda remedy may not be for you.

Step 1. Combine baking soda and water

to treat indigestion add baking soda to water

  • Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of water.

Step 2. Consume the baking soda drink

mix and consume baking soda and water to treat indigestion

  • Stir to mix the ingredients well.
  • Consume this drink to get instant relief from acidity-induced indigestion.
  • To get relief from chronic indigestion, drink this once a day regularly for 1 week.

Method 3: Use Ginger

Ginger is a well-known go-to remedy for nausea. Chewing on a few pieces of raw gingerroot not only alleviates nausea and vomiting but also provides benefits for indigestion indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues. (5)

It’s a very effective pain reliever, and in fact, is beneficial for menstrual cramps.

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This remedy also contains lemon juice, which is an abundant source of vitamin C. Lemon juice stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids digestion.

It also speeds up the metabolism and detoxes the body. A pinch of salt goes a long way to heal your intestinal tract and detoxes the entire digestive tract.

Note: Pregnant women should exercise caution with ginger, as it raises the risk of miscarriage. Ginger also thins the blood, so avoid taking it if you have a surgery scheduled or if you’re taking blood-thinning medications.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use ginger to treat indigestion

  • Ginger juice (stimulates digestion, acts as pain reliever) – 2 teaspoons
  • A pinch of black salt (heals stomach lining)
  • Lemon juice (rich in vitamin C, stimulates bile production) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine the ingredients

combine the ingredients to treat indigestion

  • Pour 2 teaspoons of fresh juice from raw gingerroot into a small bowl.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to it.
  • Add in a pinch of black salt.
  • Mix the ingredients well.

Step 2. Consume the solution

consume the solution to treat indigestion

  • Consume the solution as it is or after diluting it in a glass of water, whichever suits you.
  • Repeat twice a day until your stomach gets back on track. Your digestion may start improving after just a couple of days.

Method 4: Use Mustard

When used in the right quantity, this popular condiment may be helpful in treating indigestion. The vinegar present in mustard also aids digestion.

The benefits of mustard have a long-lasting effect on digestion. Combining it with honey makes it a soothing remedy as well as improving the taste of the drink.

Mustard seeds are excellent for stimulating digestion, as they facilitate the production of gastric juices. In addition, the piquant flavor of mustard stimulates the taste buds and boosts saliva production by eight times.

It improves digestion and is beneficial in alleviating acidity, gas and bloating and chronic constipation.

Note: Mustard should not be consumed if you’ve got diarrhea, as it works as a laxative and can worsen your symptoms. Overconsumption of mustard can also induce vomiting.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need using mustard to treat indigestion

  • Mustard (treats constipation) – 2 teaspoons
  • Warm water – 1 cup
  • Honey (soothes digestive tract) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine the ingredients

combine mustard and honey to treat indigestion

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  • Add 2 teaspoons of mustard to 1 cup of warm water.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it.

Step 2. Consume the mustard-honey drink

consume the mustard-honey drink to treat indigestion

  • Stir well to mix the ingredients.
  • Drink this warm mustard-honey concoction twice a day, 30 minutes before meals.
  • With regular consumption, you should start noticing improvement in your digestion within a few days.

Method 5: Use Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have long been used to improve digestion. (6) Traditional Chinese medicine uses fennel to treat gastroenteritis, a hernia and indigestion.

Fennel seeds may be beneficial in destroying harmful bacteria and fungi in the intestinal tract, thus helping to treat indigestion, low stomach acidity and heartburn.

When combined with other herbs, it can help with chronic indigestion.

A number of animal-based studies validate the effectiveness of carrom seeds in aiding digestion. (7) Dill seeds have benefits similar to that of fennel. It improves liver function and revives the appetite. (8) Cumin stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that helps cure acidity and improve digestion. (9)

These seeds can also be made into tea for convenient consumption. Here we’re providing a recipe for churan, a digestive powder that also contains asafetida and salt.

Asafetida, a pungent spice, can cure chronic gas pains and is beneficial for IBS. (10) You can use any type of salt. A half-and-half combination of rock salt and black salt will make this digestive powder more curative.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need for using fennel seeds to treat indigestion

  • Fennel seeds (stimulates digestion) – 1 tablespoon
  • Carom seeds (treats diarrhea and flatulence) – 1 tablespoon
  • Dill seeds (stimulates digestion and revives appetite) – ½ tablespoon
  • Cumin seeds (cures acidity and improves digestion) – 1 tablespoon
  • Asafetida (relieves gas pains) – ½ teaspoon
  • Black salt (relieves gas pains) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Dry roast the seeds

to treat indigestion dry roast the seeds

  • Add 1 tablespoon each of fennel, cumin and carom seeds to a heated skillet.

dry roast the seeds to treat indigestion

  • Add ½ tablespoon of dill seeds as well.
  • Roast the seeds for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning them.
  • Consider the seeds roasted when their aroma fills the air.

Step 2. Add salt and asafetida

to treat indigestion add salt and asafetida to the mixture

  • Transfer the roasted seeds to a bowl.
  • Add ½ teaspoon of asafetida to it.
  • Add in 1 teaspoon of black salt.
  • Mix the ingredients well.

Step 3. Grind the mixture into a powder

to treat indigestion grind the mixture into a powder

  • Put the mixture in a blender and grind it into a powdery texture.

Step 4. Store it in an airtight container and consume with warm water

  • Store the powder in an airtight jar.
  • Consume 1 teaspoon of the powder and wash it down with a glass of warm water, twice a day after meals.
  • You may start feeling the effect of this remedy in a couple of days. Long-term use can help strengthen your digestive system.

Method 6: Use Diet Adjustments

things you'll need for using diet adjustments to treat indigestion

The right mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, salts, vitamins, water and fiber – both soluble and insoluble – is essential to keep your digestive system on the right track.

The right diet combined with a moderately active lifestyle will not only be good for your digestion, but will improve your quality of life. (4)

Increase your water intake and you’ll immediately be rewarded with improved digestion. Eat bland foods that your body can easily process without straining the weakened digestive system.

Consume soluble fibers to control diarrhea symptoms. Fruits like bananas, apples, pears and avocados are rich in soluble fiber that your body can absorb easily.

Ensure adequate intake of the required nutrients, but more importantly watch out for the culprits that will upset your digestion.

  • Dairy products should be avoided until your digestion gets back on track. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, avoid dairy as much as you can. Go for kefir, quark cheese or yogurt with active cultures, as they are well tolerated by the lactose intolerant.
  • Spices stimulate the digestive system, so it’s best to avoid them. Avoid food that’s too spicy, sweet or salty. Bland food may not be very appetizing, but it will go easy on your system.
  • Carbonated drinks, tomatoes and citrus fruits should be avoided, as they can cause acidity.
  • Avoid foods rich in fats like butter, ice cream, red meat and cheese. They can either lead to diarrhea or worsen constipation, depending upon your body’s tendency. Fried foods should also be avoided for similar reasons.
  • Lay off processed foods, as they often lack the fiber your system needs to regulate your bowel movements. The preservatives as well as artificial coloring and flavoring in them also strains digestion. Also, artificial sweeteners often promote gas, bloating and diarrhea.
  • It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine when you’re suffering from indigestion. Alcohol can worsen your condition and lead to nausea, and caffeine promotes diarrhea.

Additional helpful tips

  • Sufficiently diluting apple cider vinegar before consuming it reduces the risk of tooth enamel erosion.
  • You can also consume crushed mustard seeds instead of yellow mustard.
  • Consult your dietician to identify food allergies so that you can avoid problem foods.

Resources:

  1. Talley NJ, Goodsall T, Potter M. Functional dyspepsia. Australian prescriber. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768602/. Published December 2017.
  2. Ford AC, Moayyedi P. Dyspepsia. Current opinion in gastroenterology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24100727. Published November 2013.
  3. Jaber N, Oudah M, Kowatli A, et al. Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Dyspepsia among Pre-clinical Medical Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Central Asian journal of global health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661185/. Published August 15, 2016.
  4. Akhondi-Meybodi M, Aghaei MA, Hashemian Z. The role of diet in the management of non-ulcer dyspepsia. Middle East journal of digestive diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4293796/. Published January 2015.
  5. Haniadka R, Saldanha E, Sunita V, Palatty PL, Fayad R, Baliga MS. A review of the gastroprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Food & function. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23612703. Published June 2013.
  6. Endalamaw FD, Chandravanshi BS. Levels of major and trace elements in fennel (Foeniculum vulgari Mill.) fruits cultivated in Ethiopia. SpringerPlus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320202/. Published January 3, 2015.
  7. Boskabady MH, Alitaneh S, Alavinezhad A. Carum copticum L.: a herbal medicine with various pharmacological effects. BioMed research international. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4096002/. Published 2014.
  8. Jana S, Shekhawat GS. Anethum graveolens: An Indian traditional medicinal herb and spice. Pharmacognosy reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249919/. Published 2010.
  9. Johri RK. Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update. Pharmacognosy reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210012/. Published 2011.
  10. Vijayasteltar L, Jismy IJ, Joseph A, Maliakel B, Kuttan R, I M K. Beyond the flavor: A green formulation of Ferula asafoetida oleo-gum-resin with fenugreek dietary fibre and its gut health potential. Toxicology reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5615140/. Published June 30, 2017.
  11. Fernandez MA, Marette A. Potential Health Benefits of Combining Yogurt and Fruits Based on Their Probiotic and Prebiotic Properties. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28096139. Published January 11, 2017.

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how to get rid of indigestion

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