How to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast at Home

Indigestion is a common condition that can cause discomfort and disrupt your daily life. Indigestion is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and heartburn. It can affect men and women of all ages. However, pregnant women are more likely to get this symptom.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of indigestion and prevent it from occurring in the future. This article will explore some of the most effective strategies for relieving indigestion and preventing it from returning.

What Is Indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, refers to a range of symptoms that occur in the upper abdomen during or after eating. The symptoms usually include a burning sensation, discomfort, and bloating. Various factors, including lifestyle choices, diet, underlying medical conditions, and stress, can cause indigestion. Understanding the causes and symptoms of indigestion is essential for effective management and finding relief.

Symptoms of Indigestion

Indigestion can manifest with various symptoms, varying from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
• Feeling overly full or bloated
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive burping or flatulence
• Acidic taste in the mouth
• Heartburn
• Regurgitation of food or acid
• Loss of appetite

Common Causes of Indigestion

Here are some of the most common causes of indigestion:

• Overeating: Consuming large portions of food can put pressure on the stomach and lead to indigestion. Eating too quickly or not chewing food properly can also contribute to the problem.
• Spicy, fatty, or greasy foods: These foods can trigger indigestion in many individuals. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and cause discomfort.
• Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and certain pain relievers, can irritate the stomach lining and cause indigestion as a side effect.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to indigestion.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterial infection can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to indigestion, stomach ulcers, and other gastrointestinal problems.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake can irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid.
• Eating too close to bedtime: Lying down shortly after eating can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing indigestion and acid reflux.
• Underlying medical conditions: Indigestion can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as gastritis, gallstones, pancreatitis, or peptic ulcers.

6 Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indigestion

1. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are excellent for treating digestive conditions such as gas, acid, and reflux in the throat. It contains Anethole, a compound that can help suppress your gastrointestinal tract spasms.

It also contains minerals and vitamins such as iron, potassium, C, E, and E [4]. This will help neutralize what spicy food has produced and reduce nausea so that you can feel better.

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds to a glass of hot water.
• Wait for 5-10 minutes and drink the solution.
• You can also chew a spoonful of fennel seeds slowly after your meals.
• Do this about twice a day. This will also give you a fresh breath.
• Alternatively, you can roast and grind the fennel seeds.
• Place the ground fennel seeds in a glass of boiling water and chew them slowly.
• Another option is to mix one teaspoon of fennel seeds, three mint leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger with hot water. Wait for 15 minutes and drink one cup 2 – 3 times daily.

2. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea can help relieve digestive system conditions such as vomiting, stomach cramps, IBS, indigestion, and nausea.

Peppermint flavonoids, phenolic acids, and menthol can help relax the digestive tract muscles. This can help you digest the food that you eat effectively.[5]

Peppermint has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can prevent stomach infections. You can also use Peppermint tea to eliminate nausea, cramping, and flatulence.[6]

In addition, peppermint tea is excellent, which can relieve the burning sensation that accompanies reflux and makes you feel better.

• Prepare the peppermint tea bag by placing it in warm water for about 3 – 5 minutes. Take out the tea bag and wait for the water to cool. Drink the tea by sipping it slowly.
• Alternatively, add 2-3 tablespoons of peppermint leaves in hot water and wait 10-15 minutes to let it cool. Drink it during or after a meal.
• You can also add some essential oils such as Ginger oil, Lavender oil, or Peppermint oil to enhance its effect.

3. Ginger

In Chinese medicine, ginger can treat many gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, belching, nausea, and bloating.[7] It can also help relieve the trapped gas in your chest.

You can take ginger when you have indigestion because of overeating. It can help food move faster away from your stomach and into your intestines to make them digested easier. It also has anti-emetic properties that can be used to treat motion sickness.[8]

• Grate fresh ginger and place it in a glass of warm water.
• Add a little bit of lemon juice.
• Add a few drops of honey to make it taste better.
• Drink it so that you can feel better.
• You can also chew the dried ginger or include ginger in your diet.

4. Carom Seeds

Carrom is a plant from Egypt. In India, it was used to eliminate indigestion and many other stomach problems. [9].

The Carom seed oil contains thymol with stomachic, carminative and antispasmodic properties. It contains many vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, which can help heal many gastrointestinal problems.[10].

• Grind Carom seeds and freshly grated ginger.
• Place on a cup of warm water and drink.
• You can do this twice a day.
• You can also chew the carom seeds after each meal.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar made from apple juice and acetic acid. Aside from being good for the skin and hair, it can also be helpful for indigestion.

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help prevent bacteria and help digest foods and relieve acid reflux. [11]

It can also help remove trapped gas in the stomach. In addition, it can also help get rid of flu, sores, and diabetes.[12]

• Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water.
• Add a little bit of raw honey.
• Drink a cup of water about three or four times a day.
• This can help relieve indigestion.
• You can also mix 1-2 teaspoon ACV with one glass of warm water and drink it before meals.

6. Pay Attention to Your Diet

Diet adjustment is a very effective way to treat indigestion. Instead of eating the usual food products, you should try replacing them with healthy ones.

• Instead of drinking solid food, you should eat food products that are mild and soft such as soup, noodles, and porridge.
• Avoid eating fatty foods such as ice cream, butter, red meat, cheese, and fried foods. These foods may worsen your diarrhea or constipation,
• Avoid eating spicy foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, spices, and carbonated drinks.
• If you have stomach pain after drinking alcohol, you can brew ginger tea to remove the discomfort.
• Avoid caffeine and excess alcohol; they can cause stomach upset and lead to vomiting.
• Avoid dairy products if you suffer from lactose intolerance. You can use yogurt or quark cheese instead.
• You can also drink mint or chamomile tea; they can effectively alleviate indigestion.
• Eat more vegetables and fruits such as pears, avocados, apples, and bananas. These fruits are rich in soluble fiber, which can help clean your gut and remove diarrhea symptoms.

How to Prevent Indigestion in the Future?

1. Adjust Your Diet

One of the primary causes of indigestion is an unhealthy diet. Make dietary adjustments to promote better digestion. Include fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, in your meals. Limit your intake of fatty, greasy, and spicy foods, as they can trigger indigestion symptoms.

2. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for proper digestion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support optimal digestive function. Limit your intake of sugary beverages, as they can exacerbate indigestion symptoms.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods

Identify and avoid foods that trigger indigestion symptoms for you personally. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and carbonated beverages. Keep track of what you eat and how it affects your digestion to identify specific triggers.

4. Incorporate Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome. Adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi can help improve digestion and reduce indigestion symptoms.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can significantly impact digestion and trigger indigestion symptoms. Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that relax you.

6. Practice Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can aid digestion and relieve indigestion. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking can worsen indigestion symptoms and negatively affect your digestive health. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve your overall well-being and reduce indigestion discomfort.

8. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to indigestion. Limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether to reduce the occurrence of indigestion episodes.

9. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach, leading to indigestion. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to alleviate indigestion symptoms.

10. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large meals can overload the digestive system and trigger indigestion. Opt for smaller, more frequent daily meals to promote better digestion and minimize discomfort.

11. Chew Your Food Thoroughly

Properly chewing your food aids digestion. Take your time and thoroughly chew each bite to facilitate the breakdown of food and ease the workload on your digestive system.

12. Avoid Eating Before Bedtime

Eating late at night can disrupt digestion and lead to indigestion symptoms, particularly when lying down. Allow at least two to three hours between your last meal and bedtime to promote proper digestion.

13. Elevate Your Upper Body

If nighttime indigestion is recurring, elevate the upper portion of your body while sleeping. You can achieve this by using a wedge pillow or propping up the head of your bed. This position helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

14. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing, particularly around the waistline, can compress the stomach and contribute to indigestion. Opt for loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on the abdomen and promote better digestion.

15. Keep a Food Diary

Keeping a food diary can help you identify patterns between your diet and indigestion symptoms. Record what you eat, when, and any symptoms experienced. This information can be valuable in pinpointing specific trigger foods.

16. Use Over-the-Counter Antacids

Over-the-counter antacids can provide temporary relief from indigestion symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid. However, they should not be used as a long-term solution. If indigestion persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional.

How Long Does Indigestion Last?

Indigestion due to excessive drinking or eating bad food usually lasts for a short time. In most cases, the symptoms will disappear within 1-2 hours.

Indigestion caused by Obesity usually has a longer duration. In addition, the digestive function of elderly patients or pregnant is relatively weak. Indigestion usually lasts for 3-4 hours.

Gastric cancer, GRD, peptic ulcers, and other stomach disorders can cause severe indigestion. The patients may continue to suffer from indigestion for a long time. You need to consult your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most cases of indigestion can be managed with lifestyle changes and home remedies. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if:

• Indigestion symptoms worsen or become more frequent
• You experience unexplained weight loss
• You have difficulty swallowing
• You notice blood in vomit or stool
• You have persistent abdominal pain
• You have a family history of gastrointestinal diseases