Home Remedies and Herbs for Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term that describes a collection of symptoms that result in abdominal discomfort.¹ This can include feeling full while you’re eating, feeling uncomfortably full after a meal, or experiencing a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.² Indigestion occurs during or after eating, and it is not the same thing as heartburn.³ Indigestion is common and typically associated with overeating, but it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, so it’s best to see your doctor if you experience indigestion during pregnancy or if your indigestion occurs alongside other symptoms.¹

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion can occur due to a number of factors, though it is usually related to lifestyle choices. This may include:

• Overeating
• Eating too quickly
• Eating fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
• Eating too much caffeine, alcohol, soda, or chocolate
• Smoking
• Anxiety
• Certain medications⁴

Indigestion may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as:

• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal blockage
• Gallstones
• Celiac disease
• Constipation
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal ischemia

Anyone can experience indigestion no matter their age or gender. Risk increases with alcohol consumption, use of drugs, and disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease.⁵

Indigestion Symptoms

Individuals experiencing indigestion may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Burning in the stomach
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Burping⁶

Any of these symptoms may worsen with stress. You may also notice early fullness during a meal or fullness that lasts longer than normal.⁶ Contact your doctor if you experience indigestion during pregnancy, if your discomfort lasts for more than two weeks, or if you experience:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Black stool
• Trouble swallowing⁷

These may be signs of more serious issues. If your indigestion is accompanied by fatigue or weakness, it may be a sign of anemia.⁷

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Multiple Sclerosis

Controlling your indigestion symptoms is fairly easy with at-home indigestion remedies. Start with these indigestion treatment options:

• Apple Cider Vinegar- This indigestion home remedy will help get your stomach acid levels back to normal to promote indigestion relief and ease heartburn. Take one tablespoon in a glass of cold water a few times per day.
• Apple - Another effective indigestion treatment is to eat the flesh of an apple (not the skin or seeds). This helps cool your body and acid levels. Take as often as needed for indigestion relief.
• Mustard - An easy indigestion home remedy is to eat a teaspoon of mustard. The vinegar in it will help ease symptoms. Plus, the mustard helps coat the throat to soothe indigestion pain.
• Peppermint - For a tasty indigestion home remedy, chew a couple of peppermint leaves as needed. This indigestion treatment will help reduce acid production and makes for one of the best indigestion remedies.
• Baking Soda- If you have baking soda in your cupboard, then another one of the easiest indigestion remedies is to mix a teaspoon of baking soda in water. This will help alkalize the body. Take at the first signs of indigestion for quick indigestion relief.

If you frequently experience indigestion, then you may be able to prevent it through lifestyle changes like eating slower, eating smaller meals, and avoiding foods that cause you trouble.⁸

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/basics/definition/con-20034440
2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/indigestion/Pages/facts.aspx
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003260.htm
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/basics/causes/con-20034440
5. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Gastritis/hic_Indigestion
6. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03035/Indigestion.html
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/basics/symptoms/con-20034440
8. http://www.drdeborahmd.com/solutions-acute-indigestion