10 Natural Remedies for Indigestion
Indigestion is a common medical condition that affects roughly 25% of Americans each year and can severely disrupt your daily routine. The challenging thing about this particular gastrointestinal issue is that there is a wide range of potential causes.
However, there is some good news in that there are even more natural remedies that can help you manage this discomfort.
Here at Dose, we’re believers in the health-supporting properties of natural ingredients. In this article, we’ll discuss indigestion and dive into the causes, symptoms, and various options for relief.
We’ll also introduce you to our Dose For Your Liver supplement, which can easily fit into your daily routine and potentially offer additional support on the journey toward eliminating indigestion.
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can be triggered by a variety of factors. Here are a few of the most common causes of indigestion:
- Overeating or eating too quickly: Indulging in large meals or eating at a fast pace can lead to your stomach stretching beyond its comfort zone. This distension in your digestive tract can cause discomfort and result in indigestion.
- Eating fatty, greasy, or spicy foods: Foods that are high in fat, greasy, or heavily spiced can be more challenging for your stomach to break down. This increased effort can lead to feelings of discomfort and indigestion for some people.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional states such as stress and anxiety can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system and manifest in the form of indigestion.
- Certain medications: Some medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, certain antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants, bisphosphonates, antihistamines, and iron supplements, can interfere with your stomach's natural processes and cause indigestion.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD, often referred to as acid reflux, is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the lower esophageal sphincter and cause the symptoms of indigestion.
- Peptic ulcers: Ulcers in the stomach or small intestine can lead to indigestion. These sores can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system and result in discomfort.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: IBS can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including indigestion. It's a chronic condition that needs to be managed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as gastritis, gallstones, and pancreatitis, can disrupt your digestive system and cause indigestion. These conditions require medical attention and should not be self-diagnosed or self-treated.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Indigestion?
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can present itself in various ways, with each person experiencing it differently.
Here are some of the most common symptoms you might encounter if you're dealing with indigestion:
- Feeling full during a meal, even when you have not eaten much
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Burning sensation in the stomach or upper abdomen
- Bloating or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness that causes stomach pain
- Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
- Excessive burping or belching
- Acidic taste in the mouth or esophagus
- Occasional vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or chest pain
- A persistent cough or hoarseness
How Is Indigestion Diagnosed and Treated?
Indigestion is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and a review of your medical history.
Your healthcare provider may ask you about your symptoms, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors, as well as any medications you're currently taking. They may also order specific tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
In certain situations, such as functional dyspepsia (a chronic type of indigestion), the root cause may not be immediately clear. In these cases, a more comprehensive treatment approach might be necessary. This could involve further diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, or a combination of different treatment methods.
The treatment for indigestion often involves various medications, such as over-the-counter antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications work by reducing the production of stomach acid, which can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. In severe cases, prescription drugs like H2 blockers may also be used, which also work by reducing stomach acid production.
However, it's important to note that while these medications can provide relief, their long-term use can potentially lead to side effects. These can include nutrient deficiencies, an increased risk of bone fractures, and kidney problems.
Therefore, it's essential to only use these medications temporarily and under the guidance of a healthcare provider’s medical advice.
10 Natural Home Remedies for Indigestion
Indigestion has been a common issue for humans since our very beginnings, and the search for relief has persisted for countless centuries. As a result, we now know there are a wide variety of natural options that can help manage it.
Here are a few home remedies that may be able to offer some relief from indigestion:
1. Herbal Teas
Certain herbal teas are known for their soothing effects on the digestive system, which can help alleviate indigestion symptoms.
Peppermint tea, for instance, is known for its calming properties and can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile tea can also soothe the stomach and reduce discomfort, while ginger tea is often used to ease nausea and upset stomach.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help balance your gut flora which in turn may improve digestion. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha. Regular consumption of these foods can help maintain a healthy gut environment, potentially reducing indigestion symptoms over time.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people find that apple cider vinegar can aid digestion. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals can help stimulate the digestive juices, aiding in the breakdown of food and potentially reducing indigestion.
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have been used traditionally to help soothe various digestive ailments, including indigestion. They’re held in high regard for their carminative properties, which can help relieve common symptoms of indigestion, such as gas and bloating. Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals can help promote digestion and alleviate discomfort.
5. Dietary Fiber
A diet high in fiber can help regulate your digestive system and reduce symptoms of indigestion. Fiber adds bulk to your diet, aiding in the movement of food through your digestive tract and promoting regular bowel movements. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
6. Physical Activity
Regular physical activity can help your digestive system function more efficiently, which can help to reduce indigestion. Exercise stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract, aiding in the movement of food through your system. Even a brisk walk after meals can help promote digestion and reduce feelings of fullness or discomfort.
7. Mind-Body Techniques
Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress which is a very common trigger for indigestion. Mind-body techniques promote relaxation and can help reduce tension in the digestive tract, potentially alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
8. Aloe Vera Juice
Some people find that aloe vera juice can soothe the stomach and alleviate indigestion. Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties and can help reduce irritation in the digestive tract, potentially reducing discomfort and promoting digestion.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice known for its potent properties and may help improve digestion. It contains curcumin, a compound that is known to support healthy digestion. Adding turmeric to your meals or taking a turmeric supplement can potentially help alleviate indigestion symptoms.
10. Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can act as a homemade antacid that helps to neutralize stomach acid and ease indigestion. A teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water can provide temporary relief from indigestion symptoms.
However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using baking soda as a regular remedy for indigestion, as it's high in sodium and can affect individuals with certain health conditions.
How Can Dose Help With Indigestion?
Here at Dose, we're dedicated to supporting your wellness journey with potent and effective ingredients. Our Dose For Your Liver supplement is a perfect example of this commitment.
Your liver is a vital organ that performs up to 500 functions daily, including a crucial role in digestion. It produces bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion of food and neutralizes stomach acid. By supporting your liver's health and function, you'll also be promoting your digestive health, which can help ease the symptoms of indigestion.
Our supplement features a few of the options mentioned above, including 300 mg of turmeric and 30 mg of ginger. It also features 70mg of milk thistle, 30 mg of dandelion, and 500 mg of orange.
Each of these ingredients has been carefully selected for their beneficial properties and their ability to support liver function:
- Turmeric contains curcumin which is a compound that is known to support healthy digestion. We use curcumin extract that is 24x more bioavailable than standard turmeric, ensuring that you're getting the most out of this potent ingredient.
- Ginger, as mentioned above, has been used traditionally to soothe digestive discomfort and ease symptoms of indigestion. We’ve added it to our supplement due to its ability to stimulate bile production.
- Milk thistle is an ingredient that’s well-known to support liver health. It contains silymarin, an active ingredient that is known for its liver-supporting properties.
- Dandelion is included in our supplement to further enhance your liver's function and support your body's natural filtration process.
- Orange is a citrus fruit that provides additional support for your body's filtration process, contributing to the overall effectiveness of our supplement.
The Bottom Line
Indigestion is, unfortunately, a very common issue for many people. With so many different causes, it’s just a matter of time before everyone experiences it. Fortunately, there are many different natural options available that can help manage the symptoms and get your digestion back on track.
Managing indigestion isn't just about addressing symptoms as they arise. It's about taking a comprehensive approach to your health, incorporating lifestyle changes, and considering supplements that are designed to support your overall wellness.
Our Dose For Your Liver supplement is specifically designed to support your liver which is a major player in your digestion.
With ingredients like turmeric and ginger, our supplement is already providing a few natural options for indigestion relief before you even experience it. Alon with milk thistle, dandelion, and orange, our supplement is formulated to support your liver's function and, in turn, promote healthy digestion.
So, if you're looking for a way to support your digestive health and manage indigestion, consider adding Dose For Your Liver to your daily routine. Give Dose a try and see the difference it can make in your journey towards better health.
Sources:
Definition & Facts of Indigestion | NIDDK
Indigestion: Symptoms, Causes & How to Find Relief | Cleveland Clinic
Diagnosis of Indigestion | NIDDK
Functional Dyspepsia: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment & Living With | Cleveland Clinic
Pharmacology of Proton Pump Inhibitors | PMC
Probiotics: What They Are, Benefits & Side Effects | Cleveland Clinic
Apple Cider Vinegar for Bloating: Does it Work? | Medical News Today
Yoga for Acid Reflux: How it Works, Poses to Try, and More | Medical News Today
Sodium Bicarbonate (Oral Route, Intravenous Route, Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects | Mayo Clinic