This post discusses the surprising home remedies for indigestion.
Everyone experiences indigestion at some time or another and will instinctively reach for antacids, but this could potentially make things worse.
So, why not try your luck with a home remedy instead?
Below you’ll find five of the most effective and surprising home remedies for indigestion that will help alleviate your heartburn.
What is Indigestion?
Indigestion, also known as Dyspepsia, is the feeling of discomfort or unease in your upper abdomen.
There can be various causes for indigestion unrelated to any underlying diseases.
Some examples may include:
Overconsumption of food or beverage
Food intolerance
Taking medication on an empty stomach
Indigestion Symptoms
Indigestion can range in intensity and may come on immediately or more gradually. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing indigestion, this short list of symptoms may give you some idea. Aside from the well-known signs like gas, bloating, and nausea, you can also feel:
Chest or abdominal discomfort
Vomiting
Feeling full too quickly after eating
The feeling of food lodged in your throat
Surprising Home Remedies for Indigestion
Some of the best medicinal home remedies come in the form of food.
Even Hippocrates, the father of modern-day medicine, knew this.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food.“
In this one quote, Hippocrates recognized the importance of eating healthy as well as the healing properties common in several foods.
Science has also acknowledged this sentiment. This is particularly good news for people with issues like heartburn who may be unsure of what they can eat or use to soothe their discomfort.
You may be familiar with a few of the items on this list and their effectiveness against indigestions but there may be others that may just surprise you.
Banana
Your stomach contains a substance known as hydrochloric acid. We use this to help break down, digest, and absorb nutrients in the food we consume.
If you don’t have enough, it can lead to indigestion. Unfortunately, stomach acid decreases with age.
However, bananas are considered a low-acid fruit so they help counteract stomach acid.
They do this by coating the irritated lining of your esophagus. It is also loaded with fiber which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full for a longer period.
Hence, you’ll be far less likely to overeat.
Toast
Toast is an excellent home remedy for indigestion.
Particularly whole grain. Whole grain bread is a fibrous food that also contains protein.
This will slow down the digestive process, reducing the amount of stomach acid produced.
When you toast bread, the heat causes the starches inside to break down which makes it much easier to digest.
Plus, consuming toast can decrease the feelings of nausea and heartburn.
Ginger
Next on the list of home remedies for digestion is ginger.
This spice is alkaline in nature and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Simply brewing a cup of tea can reduce gastroesophageal discomfort and calm an upset stomach.
Ginger is additionally good for soothing nausea.
Yogurt
One of the items on the list that may surprise you is yogurt.
Yogurt, and milk for that matter, can be used to treat indigestion.
It may seem strange and even wrong, but yogurt acts as a barrier to the esophagus.
This would make it so you couldn’t feel the acid which would irritate the inner lining of your stomach.
When using dairy as a remedy at home, shoot for skim or low-fat options, and remember foods high in fat can serve to worsen acid reflux.
Pineapple
Perhaps the most surprising item on this list of home remedies for indigestion is the fruit, pineapple.
Unlike all the other remedies, pineapples are highly acidic.
It even sounds counterintuitive to suggest using them. Nevertheless, fresh pineapple may offer near-instant relief.
They are exceptionally rich in an enzyme called bromelain.
In addition to breaking down proteins, bromelain is anti-inflammatory and has alkalizing effects. Hence, it is great for digestion, soothing stomach aches, and absorbing nutrients in food.
Foods to Stay Away From
Even if you can’t stay away from these foods altogether, it is a good idea to perhaps restrict them as much as possible in the diet.
Also, avoid eating late into the evening and always in moderation. These foods can lead to heartburn and other issues.
Alcohol
Citrus foods
Tomatoes & tomato-based sauces
Chocolate (Not chocolate!)
Peppermint
Carbonated drinks
Pizza (I know, it looks sooo GOOD)
Fried, fatty foods
Potato chips & processed foods
Cheese
Chili powder & Cayenne powder
Pepper (white & black)
Foods That Help Indigestion
Whenever you are searching for a home remedy to soothe indigestion, look for these qualities:
Rich in Fiber
Foods high in fiber promote satiety and include whole grains, root vegetables, and green veggies.
Alkaline Foods
Usually, when foods are more acidic (with the exception of pineapples) they are often the cause of acid reflux and make it worse.
Consumption of alkaline foods tends to nullify the effects of stomach acid.
Look for aid in bananas, melons, and nuts.
Loaded with Water
Food with high amounts of water is another quality you can search for in-home remedies for indigestion.
This is beneficial because it dilutes stomach acid and provides relief.
So, as you can see, there’s more than one way to skin a cat, although not…literally.
We love animals here.
But hopefully, the next time you feel a little heartburn coming on, you’ll be inspired to reach for the surprisingly effective tools nature’s gifted us.
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