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Indigestion occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and intestines. It can cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and even lead to stomach pain or a burning sensation. There are several ways to reduce these symptoms and enjoy your meals without discomfort.
Steps
Relieve indigestion symptoms
Recognize the symptoms of indigestion. Most cases of indigestion are mild and can be treated at home. However, if the discomfort is severe or persistent, it's advisable to consult a doctor to ensure no serious underlying issues. Symptoms of indigestion include:
- Nausea, with some cases leading to vomiting.
- A sensation of fullness or bloating.
- Pain or a burning sensation in the stomach, abdomen, or esophagus.
Take antacid medications. Over-the-counter antacids help neutralize stomach acid, reducing irritation in the digestive tract. This can alleviate symptoms such as indigestion.
- Take the medication as soon as symptoms appear. If you frequently experience indigestion after meals, consider taking an antacid after eating and before bedtime if needed. The medication typically takes effect within 20 minutes and may last for several hours.
- Antacids are available at pharmacies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should consult a doctor before taking antacids.
Consider adding alginic acid. Alginic acid forms a foamy layer in the stomach, preventing acid from rising into the esophagus.
- Alginic acid is more effective when taken after a meal. This ensures the medication stays in the stomach longer and works when the stomach produces the most acid.
- Some antacids contain alginic acid. Check the ingredient list to see if it is included. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should get approval from a doctor before using these medications.
Use household remedies. Some common foods and household ingredients may help alleviate indigestion. While scientific proof is limited, some of these remedies have been found to be effective. Always consult a doctor before using herbs or dietary supplements to avoid potential interactions with other medications. You can try the following ingredients:
- Milk - Milk helps protect the esophagus and stomach lining from stomach acid.
- Oats - Eating a bowl of oats can absorb some of the excess acid in the stomach.
- Peppermint tea - Peppermint tea can soothe the digestive tract and reduce nausea.
- STW5 herbs - This dietary supplement contains Bitter Candytuft, peppermint, caraway, and licorice. These herbs help reduce stomach acid production.
- Artichoke extract - This extract aids digestion by stimulating bile production.
- Ginger - Ginger can stabilize the stomach and alleviate nausea. You can drink ginger tea, eat ginger candies, or consume ginger liquor. If you choose to drink ginger liquor, allow it to settle so carbonated gas doesn’t worsen indigestion.
Consult a doctor about stronger medications. Some medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Regardless of the form, you should always discuss it with your doctor first. This is especially important for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. Some medications you might consider include:
- Proton pump inhibitors - These medications help reduce the amount of acid your body produces. However, they can interfere with drugs used to treat epilepsy or prevent blood clots. Side effects may include headaches, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach discomfort, dizziness, rashes, and possible decreased absorption of iron and vitamin B12.
- H2 receptor antagonists - These medications reduce stomach acid. H2 blockers are typically used when antacids, alginic acid, and proton pump inhibitors aren’t effective. They are generally safe with minimal side effects.
- Antibiotics - Antibiotics are prescribed if your indigestion is caused by an H. Pylori infection.
- Antidepressants - These medications can help alleviate pain caused by indigestion.
Adjust your diet
Avoid foods that trigger indigestion. Some foods that can stimulate indigestion include:
- Fatty, hard-to-digest foods such as fast food.
- Spicy foods, especially if you typically consume mild flavors.
- Chocolate.
- Carbonated drinks like soda.
- Caffeine, such as consuming too much coffee or tea.
Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the digestive system.
- Combining alcohol with pain relievers like Aspirin can increase the risk of stomach damage.
Eat smaller meals more often. This helps prevent the stomach from becoming overloaded and reduces bloating discomfort.
- Aim for 5-6 smaller meals instead of 3 large ones. You can have a small meal between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner.
- Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly to make digestion easier.
Do not eat right before bed. The last meal should be finished at least 3 hours before sleeping to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
- Consider adding an extra pillow under your head and shoulders while sleeping to help prevent acid from rising into the esophagus.
Make lifestyle changes
Quit smoking. Smoking damages the muscles that prevent acid from flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus. These muscles weaken, making you more prone to acid reflux.
- Chemicals in cigarette smoke can also contribute to indigestion.
Reduce stress. Stress can make you more susceptible to indigestion. You can try relaxation techniques to help manage stress, such as:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Visualizing calming images
- Gradually tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases pressure on the stomach. You can maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
- Aim for 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. This could include activities like running, walking, cycling, swimming, or playing sports. Exercise also helps reduce stress.
- Follow a healthy eating plan that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole wheat bread, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Women can safely lose weight by consuming 1200-1500 calories per day. Men can typically lose weight with 1500-1800 calories per day. This type of diet helps you lose about 0.5 kg per week. Avoid restrictive diets unless under the supervision of a doctor.
Consider changing medications. Never stop or change your medication without consulting your doctor first. A doctor may recommend an alternative medication that won’t worsen your indigestion.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen can exacerbate indigestion.
- Nitrate medications used to widen blood vessels can increase the likelihood of acid reflux, as they weaken the muscles that control the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.
- If changing medications isn’t possible, your doctor may suggest taking your medication with food.
Visit a doctor
Recognize the signs of a heart attack. If you experience a heart attack, immediate emergency medical care is required. Heart failure symptoms that are not related to indigestion include:
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Chest pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
- Pain in the left arm
- Chest pain during physical activity or stress
Call your doctor immediately if symptoms are severe. Severe symptoms may indicate a serious underlying problem. Be cautious with the following symptoms:
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stool, or black-colored stool
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue or anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Presence of a mass in the stomach
Undergo tests. The doctor will assess you for other digestive disorders such as:
- Gastritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Constipation
- Pancreatitis
- Gastrointestinal cancer
- Intestinal issues like blockages or reduced blood flow
Warning
- Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should consult a doctor before using any herbal medicine or supplements.
- Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions or the doctor’s advice when taking medication.
