Updated: 23 June 2022
If your heart is burning with anything but love, itโs probably indigestion. Indigestion is a common ailment that often comes after youโve enjoyed a large meal. Many people will experience indigestion at some point in their lives, but how can you get rid of indigestion? Even better, how can you get rid of it fast?
What Does Indigestion Feel Like?
Also called dyspepsia, it affects many people on a daily basis. In fact, 1 in 4 people in the United States suffers from indigestion.
The most common symptoms of indigestion include:
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Uncomfortable abdominal fullness after eating
- Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdominal area
However, indigestion may also point to underlying digestive problems such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is commonly called heartburn
- Stomach ulcers
- Gallbladder disease
Common over-the-counter medications for indigestion include:
- Antacids
- H2 or histamine 2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
But instead of popping the antacids to relieve your stomach, you might want to try alleviating symptoms with natural remedies using ingredients in your kitchen.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion doesnโt necessarily mean you have underlying problems.
It may be related to lifestyle habits and can be triggered by what you eat, drink, and even the type of medication you take.
Common causes of indigestion include:
- Eating too quickly or overeating
- Eating greasy, fatty, or spicy foods
- Too many carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, or chocolate
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- Certain medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, iron supplements
- Or taking pills on an empty stomach
Thereโs also a condition called functional or nonulcer dyspepsia. This is related to irritable bowel syndrome โ a common cause of indigestion.
Indigestion can also be caused by other conditions, like:
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Stomach ulcers
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
- Celiac disease
- Stomach cancer
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
- Constipation
- Intestinal blockage
- Pregnancy
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is commonly called heartburn
While indigestion doesnโt usually have serious complications, it may affect your quality of life, cause discomfort, and cause you to eat less. You might even miss work or school because of your symptoms.
Common over-the-counter medications for indigestion include:
- Antacids
- H2 or histamine 2 blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
But instead of popping the antacids to relieve your stomach, you might want to try alleviating symptoms with natural remedies using ingredients in your kitchen.
8 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Indigestion
1. Ginger
Ginger has been used for its medicinal and healing properties for centuries, and there is a significant amount of research to prove gingerโs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Not only does it alleviate symptoms of nausea, but it also aids digestion and allows your body to get rid of gas that causes bloating and stomach pain. Both fresh ginger root and ginger supplements found in health food stores will suffice. Even drinking ginger ale or sucking on ginger candy will offer the same relief. Make a cup of ginger tea using fresh ginger root and add some honey to flavor it.
2. Fennel Seeds
Commonly eaten in India after meals, fennel seeds are an antispasmodic herb that can cure indigestion symptoms and soothe other gastrointestinal problems like stomach cramping, nausea, and bloating.
You can chew fennel seeds after your meal or make fennel tea to receive its health benefits. To make the tea, simply crush ยฝ teaspoon of fennel seeds in water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Allow to cool and drink.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is most commonly used to help improve sleep and calm anxiety, but this herb can also relieve indigestion and ease discomfort by reducing the stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. The anti-inflammatory properties found in chamomile also ease pain.
You can find chamomile tea in most supermarkets. Place one or two teabags in boiling water and allow to brew for 10 minutes. You can also add honey to sweeten it if you feel the need to.
4. Licorice Root
With both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, licorice root is another natural ingredient that can offer relief from indigestion. You can either chew licorice root or add it to boiling water – allowing it to brew – and then drink the mixture. Consume licorice root 30 minutes before eating or one hour after eating to cure indigestion.
As a side note, while it is helpful for indigestion, it can cause high blood pressure and sodium and potassium imbalances in large doses.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the go-to pantry remedy for everything from skin problems to weight loss. Surprisingly, it may also help to get rid of indigestion. Because indigestion can often be triggered by too little stomach acid, drinking apple cider vinegar will help increase your bodyโs production of stomach acid.
For fast relief, just add one to two teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drink. Or ensure that you donโt get indigestion at all by drinking it 30 minutes before you eat.
6. Baking Soda
If acid is the root cause of your indigestion, then just like apple cider vinegar, baking soda can come to your aid. Also called sodium bicarbonate, it quickly neutralizes stomach acid and relieves symptoms of indigestion like bloating and gas.
Just add ยผ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water, stir and drink. It is best to try this remedy about an hour or two after youโve eaten.
Avoid consuming too much since consuming large amounts can cause unwelcome side effects. A study found that adults shouldnโt consume more than seven ยฝ teaspoons within 24 hours, and no more than three ยฝ teaspoons if over the age of 60.
7. Peppermint
Much more than just a breath freshener, peppermint also has antispasmodic effects, so it is excellent for relieving stomach issues like nausea and indigestion. To quickly soothe your stomach, drink a cup of peppermint tea after your meal or suck on some peppermints after eating.
It is important to know that you shouldnโt drink or eat peppermint if your indigestion is caused by acid reflux since it can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and worsen it. In addition, peppermint tea is not recommended for people with GERD or ulcers.
8. Lemon Water
Lemon water provides an alkaline effect that neutralizes stomach acid and aids digestion.
Simply mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in hot or warm water and drink a few minutes before eating. Besides relieving indigestion, lemon water is also a great source of vitamin C.
Be careful not to go overboard since too much lemon water wears down the enamel on your teeth and can cause increased urination. Protect your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water after you drink lemon water.
When To See A Doctor
While mild indigestion is not a cause for concern, you should contact your doctor if your indigestion lasts longer than two weeks or is accompanied by these symptoms:
- Severe stomach pain
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Frequent vomiting or vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stool
- Difficulty swallowing that gets continuously worse
- Weakness or fatigue
Now that you know what to do for indigestion, make sure you stock up on some of these natural ingredients to find out which one works best for you. If you feel that your indigestion is cause for concern, you can set up an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our healthcare professionals. Simply download the app and pick a qualified doctor near you.
FAQs
Will drinking water help indigestion?
Yes. Drinking water can ease the digestion process and may curb indigestion symptoms. Thanks to waterโs PH being 7, it is neutral enough to dilute more acidic stomach fluids.
Does milk help indigestion?
Yes, it can, but drink it in moderation. Itโs true that milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, but certain nutrients in milk, like fat can stimulate the production of more acid. So, try fat-free skim milk and donโt overdo it.
How long does it take for indigestion to go away?
Usually, indigestion goes away on its own after a few hours. You might not need any treatment at all, but let your doctor know if symptoms worsen. Any treatment you get depends on the cause of your indigestion.
How do I get rid of indigestion at night?
Try some of these to relieve your indigestion at night:
- Sleep with your upper body elevated
- Chew gum
- Avoid triggers and eating big meals
- Take an antacid
- Wear loose clothing
- Stay upright after eating
Does anxiety cause indigestion?
Yes. Anxiety and stress can affect stomach acid. For some people, this might not have much of an effect, but those with a tendency to experience acid reflux and indigestion may experience symptoms worsening.
