9 Remedies to Relieve Indigestion Fast
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Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe a burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen. Symptoms such as bloating, nausea, belching, and bloating often occur after eating or drinking.
Treatment for indigestion usually involves lifestyle and diet changes, as well as taking over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. Other remedies, like drinking a baking soda solution, may help relieve your symptoms.
This article will discuss nine home remedies that can quickly relieve indigestion.
9 ways to get rid of indigestion
Most people suffer from digestive disorders at some point in their lives. Some may have it every now and then while others endure it on a daily basis. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can control symptoms, including eating small, frequent meals, avoiding late-night snacks, and exercising. Certain medications and home remedies can also relieve your symptoms.
Here are nine ways to get rid of indigestion.
baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a safe and effective way to neutralize the acid in your stomach and relieve acidic indigestion, bloating, gas, and heartburn after a meal.
To use baking soda at home as an antacid, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of water. Drink the solution within one to two hours after a meal. You can repeat the application every two hours as needed until your symptoms improve.
Studies suggest that adults should not exceed seven half-teaspoon doses in any 24-hour period, and adults over 60 should consume no more than three half-teaspoons. Baking soda should not be taken for more than two weeks.
Children under the age of 12 should avoid ingesting baking soda unless directed otherwise by their doctor.
Over-the-counter antacids
Several different OTC medications can be effective in relieving your symptoms.
Antacids like Tums and Alka-Seltzer neutralize indigestion and provide quick relief from your stomach.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Prevacid (lansoprazole) may also help relieve indigestion quickly. These drugs work by blocking the production of acid in your stomach.
Camomile tea
Although additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, a warm cup of chamomile tea may help relieve indigestion.
A review of studies found that chamomile may help relieve upset stomach, bloating, and gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. It can also help relax the digestive muscles that move food through the intestines, which can help keep the digestive system moving and reduce bloating.
peppermint oil and cumin oil
Preliminary studies suggest that a combination of peppermint oil and cumin oil may help relax stomach muscles and improve symptoms of indigestion.
A 2019 review of studies involving 350 participants found that people treated with peppermint and cumin oil were significantly more likely to have an overall improvement in digestive symptoms than those who received the placebo (a control with no therapeutic effect ).
Most studies have used an enteric-coated capsule containing 50 milligrams (mg) of cumin oil and 90 mg of peppermint oil.
Ginger
Ginger is known for its ability to relieve nausea. Studies suggest that ginger may also help relieve symptoms of indigestion by speeding up stomach contractions and allowing food to move more quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. This can help reduce gas, gas, and bloating.
A 2021 study found that ginger supplements may improve symptoms of indigestion caused by dyspepsia in patients with dyspepsia by 35% to 73% Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can infect your stomach.
Although more high-quality studies are needed to determine dosage and effectiveness, some experts recommend taking 1.2 grams of ginger root powder to treat indigestion.
You can also drink a warm cup of ginger tea, suck on ginger candy, or boil fresh ginger in hot water.
Most studies indicate that the maximum recommended daily allowance of ginger is 4 grams.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although there is little research to support its effectiveness, some people with indigestion may find relief after drinking an apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixture.
Indigestion can occur when a person does not have enough acid in their stomach to properly digest food. If this applies to you, you may benefit from drinking apple cider vinegar to increase the acidity in your stomach.
For relief, you can dilute 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. Avoid drinking excess apple cider vinegar, as too much can cause tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
Aloe Vera Juice
Recent research suggests that aloe vera may be effective in relieving indigestion.
For example, one study found that aloe vera juice was effective in reducing heartburn, belching, nausea, and gas. No significant side effects were reported in the study. Aloe Vera is believed to work by reducing inflammation and reducing acid production in the stomach.
licorice root
Licorice root has been used for years to treat digestive disorders, including gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In one study, 50 adults with indigestion were given a placebo (inactive sugar pill) or treated with a 75 mg licorice extract capsule for 30 days. Those who took the licorice extract reported a significant improvement in symptoms compared to those in the control group.
fennel seeds
Fennel is a well-known digestive aid that is commonly used to treat indigestion, bloating, gas, and constipation.
Studies suggest that fennel essential oil works by relaxing gut muscles and reducing gas and bloating. It can also help reduce bloating.
You can make fennel tea by adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to boiling water and steeping for 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a drop or two of fennel essential oil to a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea.
Emergency Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you experience indigestion along with the following symptoms, you may have a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention immediately:
Is it heartburn or a heart attack?
summary
Indigestion can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain. It’s typically treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Tums or Alka-Seltzer, which can weaken or reduce stomach acid.
You can also talk to your doctor about trying alternative remedies to improve your symptoms, such as baking soda, ginger, or chamomile tea.