How To Get Rid Of Indigestion In South Africa
What is Indigestion?
digestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion describes certain symptoms, such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating, rather than a specific disease. Indigestion can also be a symptom of various digestive diseases.
Although indigestion is common, each person may experience indigestion in a slightly different way. Symptoms of indigestion may be felt occasionally or as often as daily.
Causes
Indigestion has many possible causes. Often, indigestion is related to lifestyle and may be triggered by food, drink or medication. Common causes of indigestion include:
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
- Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- Certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements
A condition known as functional or nonulcer dyspepsia, which is related to irritable bowel syndrome, is a very common cause of indigestion.
Sometimes indigestion is caused by other conditions, including:
- Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Constipation
- Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
- Stomach cancer
- Intestinal blockage
- Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy
How To Get Rid Of Indigestion In South Africa
What are your treatment options?
Lifestyle changes can play an important role, but for short-term indigestion treatment over-the-counter antacids can provide much needed relief. These work by neutralising acid in the stomach, so reducing the irritation that we experience as indigestion.
If indigestion is caused by acid reflux, using an antacid that contains an alginate will help to keep acid in the stomach and away from the oesophagus.
In persistent, chronic cases of indigestion, prescription drugs may be necessary. These include proton pump inhibitors, which restrict stomach acid production, and H2-receptor antagonists, which also work by lowering the acidity in the stomach.
Here’s a look at eight home remedies that can provide quick relief for indigestion.
1. Peppermint tea
Peppermint is more than a breath freshener. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the body, making it a great choice for relieving stomach problems like nausea and indigestion. Drink a cup of peppermint tea after meals to quickly soothe your stomach or keep a few pieces of peppermint in your pocket and suck on the candy after eating.
While peppermint can ease indigestion, you shouldn’t drink or eat peppermint when indigestion is caused by acid reflux. Because peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter — the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus — drinking or eating it can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and worsen acid reflux. Peppermint tea is not recommended for people with GERD or ulcers.
2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known to help induce sleep and calm anxiety. This herb can also ease gut discomfort and relieve indigestion by reducing stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile also acts as an anti-inflammatory to stop pain.
To prepare chamomile tea, place one or two teabags in boiling water for 10 minutes. Pour in a cup and add honey, if desired. Drink the tea as needed to stop indigestion.
Consult a doctor before drinking chamomile tea if you take a blood thinner. Chamomile contains an ingredient that acts as an anticoagulant, so there’s the risk of bleeding when combined with a blood thinner.
3. Apple cider vinegar
The claimed health benefits of apple cider vinegar range from improving the condition of skin to encouraging weight loss. It may also help to ease indigestion.
Since too little stomach acid can trigger indigestion, drink apple cider vinegar to increase your body’s production of stomach acid. Add one to two teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drink for fast relief. Or stop indigestion before it occurs by drinking the mixture 30 minutes before eating.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another natural remedy for indigestion because it can reduce stomach acid. The same way too little stomach acid causes indigestion, too much stomach acid has the same effect.
Drink a cup of ginger tea as needed to soothe your stomach and get rid of indigestion. Other options include sucking on ginger candy, drinking ginger ale, or making your own ginger water. Boil one or two pieces of ginger root in four cups of water. Add flavor with lemon or honey before drinking.
Limit your ginger consumption to 3 to 4 grams per day Trusted Source. Consuming too much ginger can cause gas, throat burn, and heartburn.
5. Fennel seed
This antispasmodic herb can also remedy indigestion after a meal, as well as soothe other gastrointestinal problems like stomach cramping, nausea, and bloating.
Put 1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seed in water and allow it to boil for 10 minutes before drinking. Drink fennel tea whenever you experience indigestion. Another option is to chew fennel seed after meals if certain foods cause indigestion.
Possible side effects of fennel include nausea, vomiting, and sun sensitivity.
6. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink.
Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic. But drinking large amounts of baking soda can bring on a few unwelcome side effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, irritability, vomiting, and muscle spasms. If you drink a solution containing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for indigestion, don’t repeat for at least two hours.
According to a 2013 studyTrusted Source, adults should have no more than seven 1/2 teaspoons in a 24-hour period and no more than three 1/2 teaspoons if over the age of 60.
7. Lemon water
The alkaline effect of lemon water also neutralizes stomach acid and improves digestion. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in hot or warm water and drink a few minutes before eating.
Along with easing indigestion, lemon water is also an excellent source of vitamin C. However, too much lemon water can wear down tooth enamel and cause increased urination. To protect your teeth, rinse your mouth with water after drinking lemon water.
8. Licorice root
Licorice root can calm muscle spasms and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which both can trigger indigestion. Chew licorice root for relief or add licorice root to boiling water and drink the mixture.
Although effective for indigestion, licorice root can cause sodium and potassium imbalances and high blood pressure in large doses. Consume no more than 2.5 grams of dried licorice root per day for fast relief. Eat or drink licorice root 30 minutes before eating or one hour after eating for indigestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the quickest way to get rid of indigestion?
Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink. Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic.
What is the best relief for indigestion?
Over-the-counter antacids are generally the first choice. Other options include: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which can reduce stomach acid. PPIs may be recommended particularly if you experience heartburn along with indigestion.
Does drinking water help indigestion?
Plain water: Frequently consuming water can make the digestion process better and curb GERD symptoms.
Is milk good for indigestion?
You may have heard that drinking a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. While it’s true that milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, nutrients in milk, particularly fat, may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.
Does burping help indigestion?
A burp or belch can help ease an upset stomach. But if it happens often, it can be a sign of a health problem.
How long should indigestion last?
Most mild cases of indigestion do not require medical attention or even medication. In these instances, symptoms last only a few hours, and while they may recur for a few days, the symptoms either go away on their own or after making dietary or lifestyle changes.
What does indigestion feel like?
When you have indigestion, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: pain, a burning feeling, or discomfort in your upper abdomen. feeling full too soon while eating a meal. feeling uncomfortably full after eating a meal.
Does soda help with indigestion?
Several studies found an association between drinking carbonated beverages and an increased risk of GERD, according to a 2021 review . The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) also recommends that people avoid carbonated drinks to reduce acid reflux and GERD
Is banana good for indigestion?
Bananas are easy to digest and are known to ease stomach pain. They have a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms such as indigestion. This high potassium fruit also increases mucus production in the stomach which helps prevent the irritation of the stomach lining.
What foods neutralize stomach acid immediately?
Bananas, melons, and ginger, meanwhile, all have a high pH, which can help neutralize the stomach acid that causes heartburn. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Water is key for preventing and treating acid reflux because it helps dilute the amount of stomach acid.
Is Coke good for acid reflux?
“Carbonated beverages cause gastric distension,” Mausner says. And if your stomach is distended, this increases pressure on the esophageal sphincter, promoting reflux.” He tells WebMD that people with heartburn may be wise to steer clear of pop and other carbonated beverages.
Is hot water good for acidity?
Drinking hot water can aid in soothing your stomach, help digestion, and lessen the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux. As mentioned, water dilutes acids in the stomach, keeping the acid from rising to your esophagus, which is the leading cause of acid reflux.
What does indigestion feel like in chest?
You have a sharp, burning feeling just below your breastbone or ribs. The chest pain can be accompanied by an acidic taste in your mouth, regurgitation of food, or a burning in your throat. Pain generally doesn’t spread to your shoulders, neck, or arms, but it can.
When should I go to hospital for indigestion?
If the pain is not relieved shortly after taking antacids, or is accompanied by these symptoms, seek emergency medical care: Squeezing/tightening in the chest. Feeling out of breath. Pain, aching or discomfort radiating from the chest to the arms, back or neck.