How to Cure Indigestion Naturally
Heartburn and indigestion are very common, as well as quite unpleasant. Heartburn is triggered when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This acid often burns and can cause nausea or even vomiting. In this article we’ll share some amazing natural ways to cure indigestion and heartburn:
Common causes of indigestion and heartburn are overeating or eating too quickly, eating under stress, or eating certain things such as spicy foods or alcohol. Heartburn results from excess stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, which can cause ulcers and oesophagitis. Indigestion usually occurs from ingesting too much air while eating, which leads to bloating, abdominal pain, and gas.
Home Remedies to Cure Indigestion and Heartburn:
– Try eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones, with maybe a snack in the middle, large meals cause the stomach to expand, creating pressure on the esophageal sphincter.
– One of the things to cut back on? Carbohydrates. Studies show that those with high-carb diets suffer from heartburn and indigestion more often. Aim for no more than 100 grams of carbs per day.
– Stay away from trigger foods like soda and coffee while eating stomach calming chamomile tea, ginger, and cinnamon. Citrus juices, peppermint, and tomatoes (as well as tomato-based sauces and soups) should be taken to the back burner and foods made with garlic and ginger brought to the forefront.
– Somewhat surprisingly, almonds are great for indigestion and heartburn. They have a high oil content which neutralizes stomach acid. Eat about fifteen to twenty (roughly a handful) either during stomach upset (will take about thirty minutes to work) or a few minutes before eating something that is known to trigger your indigestion. Raw almonds without any additives are suggested, simply for effectiveness. Bananas also help, and one can either ingest dried or fresh bananas when experiencing indigestion.
– Apple cider vinegar is also known to help with stomach problems – simply mix 2 tablespoons vinegar in a half-cup water, then drink it. It can also be found in supplement form at various health food stores. Similarly, adding one-half teaspoon to one full teaspoon baking soda to at least eight ounces of water can neutralize stomach acid and help with heartburn associated with acid reflux. However, it is high in salt which may not be desirable if you have a heart condition or are prone to swelling in the extremities.
4 Herbs To Help Cure Indigestion:
1- Ginger is a well-researched plant with excellent therapeutic properties in treatment of indigestion, heartburn, gas and bloating. You can easily prepare ginger tea and drink it several times a day after your meals. You only need to add about 2 grams of freshly-crushed ginger to a cup of hot water and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
2- Peppermint is another well-studied plant with antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties. It’s been shown that peppermint relieves muscles cramps in digestive tract and cure indigestion. It’s recommended to drink up to 5 cups of peppermint-infused water every day.
3- Cardamom is one of the oldest spices in the world and it’s been historically used by many cultures, including ancient egyptians to relieve digestive problems. Cardamom is an excellent herb to cure indigestion and heartburn. Make an infusion of cardamom in water and drink up to 5 cups per day. You only need 2 crushed cardamoms per each cup of water. You can also add freshly-crushed cardamom to your black tea and brew it.
4- All spice is a digestive stimulant with stomach-settling properties that can be used to cure indigestion. Make an infusion with around 1 tbsp of allspice per each cup of water and drink it 3 times a day.
If you decide to go for an over-the-counter medication rather than an herbal or natural remedy, take a dose about every six hours. Do NOT overdo it because too much antacid medicine can cause constipation or diarrhea and chronic overdosing can cause your food to be under-digested, leaving to more serious gastrointestinal problems. If you suffer from from frequent heartburn, try not to eat at least three hours before lying down. This will help prevent stomach acid churning in your stomach while you’re trying to sleep as well as pooling in your esophagus. Nighttime heartburn causes more damage than during the day.
Important Note: Do not try to self-diagnosis or self-treatment for serious health problems without consulting with a medical herbalist or a healthcare professional.
[Last Updated on May 30th 2014]
Reviewed by Nima Shei, MD
Source: Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Andrew Chevallier
