7 Quick Remedies for Indigestion

We all love to eat. Stuffing our faces is a speciality, whether we are fine dining or grabbing a snack at a roadside stall. From momos to rolls, shawarmas to samosas and everything in between - we Indians love our food and will do anything for it. Naturally, with so much food doing the rounds, there’s bound to be some amount of indigestion.

Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion is that same old feeling of discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen. A slight rumble here, a little burp there - it’s not as if we’re digesting all our meals. A little indigestion is bound to occur whether you’re digesting food or facts. Also, given that so many of our meals are eaten outside, it’s hard not to go by a single day without a bit of indigestion.

In India, studies indicate that a significant portion of the population experiences acidity and indigestion, with estimates ranging from 7.6% to 30% experiencing GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) symptoms, and a survey in 2021 showed 30% of female and 29% of male respondents reported gut-related problems.

Occasional indigestion is pretty standard and not severe. If you have a stomach ache after a huge meal, you may relieve it using an antacid. However, if you have indigestion often, there might be something going on. So, for the sake of all the digestion tablets we spam, it’ll be better if we could understand the whole situation in depth. Let’s dive in!

Indigestion is pain or discomfort post-eating while your stomach is digesting. Healthcare workers commonly use the term dyspepsia, which means impaired digestion.

If you have a stomach ache or an upset tummy post a meal, something in your digestive processes isn’t going quite right. It’s not always a physical problem, however. Sometimes, it just means you ate the wrong thing or you ate too fast.

Almost everyone we know has experienced occasional indigestion. However, for some people, it is a daily problem that reduces their quality of life. When indigestion becomes a significant issue, you might seek healthcare for answers and relief.

Sometimes, there might be an underlying gastrointestinal disease that warrants treatment. Sometimes, it’s not that simple.

Peppermint tea

Step aside, superfoods. A cuppa tea, please! Peppermint tea has an antispasmodic impact on the body, making it the top choice for relieving stomach problems such as nausea and indigestion. Down a cuppa after your meals to placate the stomach. Or, keep a few bits of peppermint in your pocket to suck on, after you eat.

A word of caution, though—It isn’t recommended for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach ulcers. Peppermint relaxes the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus.

Drinking or eating it might result in stomach acid flowing back up the oesophagus and worsening acid reflux.

Chamomile Tea

Please have another cuppa! Tea and its types are wreaking havoc on indigestion. Chamomile tea is known for inducing sleep and calming anxiety. It may also reduce gastric discomfort and relieve indigestion by reducing stomach acid in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To prepare chamomile tea, boil one or two tea bags for 10 minutes.

Pour this concoction into a cup and add honey if you like. Oh, and a heads up—if you take a blood thinner, speak to a doctor before drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile contains an anticoagulant, so combining it with a blood thinner can cause bleeding.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar might be effective against indigestion; however, more research is required.

Because the lack of stomach acid can cause indigestion, drinking apple cider vinegar to boost your body’s production of stomach acid is prudent. Add a couple of teaspoons of raw, unpasteurised apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and down it for quick relief.

You can also stop indigestion in its tracks by drinking the mixture half an hour before consuming food. Apple cider vinegar is safe, but taking too much of it or drinking it undiluted might result in side effects like tooth erosion, throat burn, nausea, and low blood sugar.

Ginger

Ginger might lower stomach acid. Too little stomach acid results in indigestion, and too much has a similar effect. Consuming ginger tea as required can soothe your stomach.

To make ginger water, boil a couple of pieces of ginger root in four cups of water. If you want, add lemon or honey for flavour before consuming. Limit your ginger consumption to no more than four grams. Consuming too much ginger could result in side effects like gas, heartburn, and throat burn.

Fennel Seed

This antispasmodic herb could help combat indigestion after a meal and soothe other GI issues like stomach cramping, bloating, and nausea. However, most of the research on fennel and digestion is based on animals. We need more human studies for fact verification.

Add 1/2 tsp of crushed fennel seed to water for fennel indigestion and bring it to a boil for 10 minutes before ingesting. Whenever indigestion strikes, fennel tea is your best friend. Another option is to chew fennel seeds after meals to combat indigestion. Fennel, however, comes with its own share of side effects, namely nausea, vomiting, and sun sensitivity.

Jeera

Jeera or cumin seeds are great for indigestion because they help secrete pancreatic enzymes that aid in digestion. Take a bunch of cumin seeds, make a powder out of them, and add it to a glass of water for a digestive drink. Alternatively, you may also use the powder in milk, add pepper, and consume the tasty drink.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Baking soda can swiftly neutralise stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to four ounces of warm water and consume. Baking soda is usually safe and non-toxic. However, drinking too much can cause a range of side effects, like constipation, irritability, diarrhoea, vomiting, and muscle spasms.

If you drink a baking soda solution containing half a teaspoon of baking soda for indigestion, don’t repeat this for at least a couple of hours. Adults should consume no more than seven and a half teaspoons in 24 hours and no more than three and a half teaspoons if they are over 60.

Indigestion, while fairly common, can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Who likes that rumbling in the stomach followed by a little pain? Thankfully, many natural remedies can relieve it, from lush peppermint and chamomile teas to the digestive power of ginger, cumin, and fennel seeds.

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda also provide a quick fix for indigestion. However, exercise a modicum of caution when using them. Pay attention to what you eat and how you eat it, and incorporate specific remedies into your routine—that way, you may ease discomfort and indigestion.

However, if indigestion becomes too frequent, speak to a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. Bon Appetit!

What results in indigestion? How do I know if it’s serious?

Overeating causes indigestion. As does eating too quickly or consuming spicy or fatty foods. It could also be a sign of acid reflux, ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. If indigestion is frequent or severe or if you are facing symptoms like weight loss, blood in stools, or vomiting, speak to a doctor.

Can peppermint tea help with acid reflux or GERD?

Peppermint tea can actually worsen symptoms of GERD and acid reflux. It relaxes the muscle between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, resulting in increased discomfort.

Can I drink apple cider vinegar for indigestion?

Apple cider vinegar boosts stomach acid production and relieves indigestion in certain people. However, it should always be diluted with water. Too much undiluted apple cider vinegar can lead to side effects like dental erosion, nausea, and throat burn.

How often can I take ginger to relieve indigestion?

Ginger is great for digestive health. However, to avoid side effects like gas, throat irritation, and heartburn, don’t take more than 4 grams per day. Ginger tea, candles, or water may be consumed as required for relief.

How does fennel help with indigestion, and how should I use it?

Fennel seeds are known for their antispasmodic properties and can help reduce bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps. To use fennel for indigestion, you can boil crushed fennel seeds in water for 10 minutes to make fennel tea or chew them after meals for quick relief.