7 Natural Remedies to Treat Indigestion: Proven by Science
Have you ever thought about why we use the term “gut-feeling,” or why we feel butterflies when we are nervous? This isn’t just metaphorical; science has given the answer that our “second brain” is hidden behind the walls of the digestive system.
If you have ever experienced digestion issues you might have first-hand experience with:
- That uncomfortable fullness right after eating
- Pain in your upper abdomen
- Feelings of burning in your chest
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleeping pattern
- Disturbed mood
If you experience these ailments frequently, perhaps you haven’t been taking care of your second brain.
This article is going to reveal natural remedies to prevent that uncomfortable bloated feeling, and other digestion issues.
What Is Indigestion?
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a condition in which stomach acid comes in contact with the walls of the digestive tract, causing pain and swelling. Other symptoms of indigestion includes bloating, nausea, heartburn, and acid reflux. This condition often arises after the consumption of food or drinks and can also be triggered by smoking, drinking, and medication. Women most commonly face indigestion during pregnancy.
Everyone faces these problems at some stage of their life whether it’s due to a stressful environment, unhealthy lifestyle, or disordered eating patterns. Indigestion usually attacks mildly without causing long lasting effects, but in case of long-lasting effects, you should consult a doctor.
There are easy, natural, holistic remedies to cure indigestion and all you have to do is head straight for the kitchen. Using natural remedies isn’t just an old wives tale. Researchers have proven the benefits of natural remedies, including the ability to prevent and easily cure certain disorders.
Natural Remedies to Cure Indigestion
1. Drinking Water
According to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the adequate amount of daily fluid intake of water for males is 3.7 liters and for females is 2.7 liters. Fulfilling your adequate daily intake of plain water will help soothe the digestive tract.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/dietary-reference-intakes-for-electrolytes-and-water
According to 2012 research, drinking water with pH 8.8 ,which is slightly alkaline in nature. This helps to deactivate pepsin, which plays a big role in acid reflux.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22844861/
2. BRAT Diet
BRAT stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.
Most doctors recommend a BRAT diet when the patient is suffering from digestive illness, diarrhea or a variety of stomach problems.
The BRAT diet consists of low fiber, bland foods, which helps to bind food and ease the problem of diarrhea by reducing the number of stools. As it is bland, it helps to ease stomach, esophageal, and intestinal linings, which are sensitive due to constant acid reflux.
The BRAT Diet is also high in magnesium and potassium. The diet helps replace these minerals and nutrients that are lost during vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Avoid Non-Bland foods
Certain foods should be avoided to prevent the onset of indigestion:
- Fried, spicy and greasy foods should be avoided.
- Milk and dairy contains bacteria that elevate the diarrheal condition and it should be avoided.
- Vegetables that are raw shouldn’t be consumed.
- Fruits high in acidity should be avoided.
- Avoid any smoking, alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated beverages.
- Very hot and cold food should be avoided.
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger is globally known for its medicinal properties. It possesses antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer properties.
A 2019 study shows that ginger contains multiple biologically active components. It is composed of gingerol related components, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can help relieve inflammation caused in the digestive lining due to acidity.
Based on systematic research, ginger is harmless and can be used to relieve nausea and vomiting, even by women during pregnancy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341159/
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in curcumin, making it a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Turmeric is known not only to cure digestive illness, but is also used for other medicinal purposes.
A study found that the underlying cause for acid reflux or indigestion is oxidative stress and inflammation. As turmeric is high in both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, it helps to relieve the problem.
Another study in 2011 supported the fact that turmeric helps to relieve esophageal inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291500/
6. Mixture of Lime, Baking Soda and Water
A mixture of lime juice, baking soda and water may also help resolve digestive problems.
The byproduct of the mixture is carbonic acid, which will help to excrete gas and relieve indigestion and pain. It also helps to increase biliary secretion, which will reduce the onset of chronic constipation. The acid of lime facilitates not only the absorption of fat and alcohol, but also helps to neutralize gastric acid.
http://www.ijplsjournal.com/issues%20PDF%20files/2015/March-2015/1.pdf
7. Lifestyle Changes
Just changing some of our lifestyle habits can help us reduce digestion problems. Do the following to prevent or treat indigestion:
- Avoid lying down right after eating food.
- Quit the habit of smoking and/or drinking alcohol.
- Avoid lying down with your upper body elevated.
- Avoid tight fitted clothing that squeezes your stomach.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, holistic cures for indigestion involve natural ingredients containing biologically active compounds that act like medicine, thus helping relieve pain or discomfort.
Improving your eating habits as well consuming less raw, fried or processed food may help to lower the risk of indigestion. Indigestion is not only caused by food, but in some people is also triggered through a stressful environment. In this case, relaxing with a cup of chamomile tea may help, or any activity that helps reduce your anxiety.
Changing your lifestyle can also help reduce the onset of indigestion. Exercising at the right time, choosing what to wear, walking before lying down, and reducing your intake of caffeinated beverages all help to prevent indigestion.