How to Get Rid of Indigestion: 6 remedies

Wondering how to cure indigestion fast, or what helps with indigestion? Continue reading to find out how to improve your gut health.

What is indigestion?

Indigestion is the discomfort felt in your abdomen. You should know the nature of this issue to understand how to get rid of indigestion. It is incredibly common and is a term to describe general discomfort rather than a specific disease. Because of this, indigestion can be an indicator for a multitude of factors and can also present itself in a variety of different ways. It can include a range of symptoms like:

• Stomach pain
• Uncomfortable fullness after eating a meal
• Bloating
• Gas/Burping
• Nausea
• Gurgling stomach
• Vomiting
• And you can also experience heartburn

How to prevent indigestion?

Wondering how to stop indigestion? The most efficient way to prevent indigestion involves recognizing and avoiding foods or situations that instigate it. To do this it is recommended to pay attention to your body and to keep track of what relieves or exacerbates it. This information can help you relieve your indigestion immediately or can at least provide more information to your doctor when you are discussing a treatment plan. Some ways of getting rid of indigestion on your own include:

• Avoiding goods that are high in acid, like tomatoes or citrus fruits
• Avoiding alcohol consumption
• Avoid spicy foods
• Avoid greasy or overly processed foods
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages
• Eating slowly
• Eating small meals
• Managing stress

What’s the difference between indigestion and heartburn?

Indigestion refers to a wide range of digestive problems. Heartburn is occasionally a symptom of indigestion that refers explicitly to when stomach acid moves into your esophagus. Sometimes the terms can be used interchangeably, however they are two separate conditions. If the pain you are experiencing is felt more in your chest than in your stomach, let the doctor know to more easily diagnose the issue. 

6 remedies for indigestion

Wondering how to relieve indigestion or how to treat indigestion? A lot of the time, small home remedies would be able to ease the pain or fix the problem completely. Because of this, it isn’t necessary to visit a doctor unless symptoms are severe or have lasted for multiple weeks. Some home remedies for indigestion include:

• Drinking tea - specifically peppermint, which relieves the stomach or chamomile, which reduces the amount of stomach acid in your intestinal tract
• Lemon water which improves digestion
• Ginger - ginger tea, ginger candy, drinking ginger ale, or ginger water
• Baking soda mixed with warm water - ½ teaspoon of baking soda to 4 oz of water
• Oral medication - antacids, proton pump inhibitors, histamine 2 blockers
• Therapy - if your indigestion is motivated by stress

When to talk with a doctor

When your symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or have increased severity, you should call a gastroenterologist. Some signs that indicate that you should contact a medical professional include:

• Heartburn that requires consistent usage of over-the-counter painkillers
• Nighttime symptoms that keep you up at night
• Sudden weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Persistent acid reflux
• Yellowness in your skin or eyes (Jaundice)

While indigestion can be caused by poor eating habits or stress, it can also indicate more serious diseases that increase your likelihood of experiencing indigestion. Some diseases include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Infections in your stomach
• Stomach cancer
• Gastritis
• Lactose intolerance

This is why it is a good idea to contact a doctor if you find yourself experiencing intense indigestion or if you experience it at a high frequency.