Indigestion (dyspepsia) is slight discomfort in the upper abdomen or belly. It frequently happens during or immediately after eating.1 Indigestion, sometimes known as a sour stomach, can occur occasionally or frequently. It may produce pain or a burning sensation in the abdomen.2
The efficiency of your digestion is determined by the power of your digestive fire (Agni). Suppose your food intake is large and heavy, very liquid, or quite dense in quality. This is opposite to digestive fire properties and can inhibit the normal function of the digestive fire, resulting in indigestion.3
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The most common causes of indigestion include:
Other causes of indigestion are:
Functional dyspepsia is relapsing and remitting. Population studies have shown that 15% to 20% of patients have persistent symptoms during extended follow-up, while 50% have complete resolution of symptoms. Dietary hygiene remains the best treatment.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Symptoms of indigestion may include:
Also Read: 5 Instant Home Remedies For Gastric Problem
Changing eating habits, such as giving adequate time for meals, avoiding disputes during meals, avoiding exercise immediately after a meal, chewing food properly and completely, relaxing, and getting enough rest if indigestion is caused by stress, can help to reduce indigestion. You may require medications to manage indigestion based on your condition.1
You can follow these home remedies that will help to cure indigestion in a safe and natural way.
Also Read: Home Remedies For Gas
Those who suffer from indigestion should adhere to specified food guidelines. These include not eating and drinking simultaneously, never rushing through a meal, never eating on an empty stomach, never sitting down to a meal when anxious, tired, excited, or in a bad mood, and not eating if your appetite is lacking.4
It is common to have stomach pain now and then. However, frequent stomach issues can prevent you from eating, sleeping, or working well. If indigestion is impacting your quality of life, it’s time to contact a doctor. Several professionals can assist you. Consult a doctor and a dietician for the treatment. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.2
A doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will conduct a physical examination to examine your abdomen for swelling or pain with a stethoscope.2
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Indigestion (dyspepsia) refers to a slight stomach discomfort that occurs in the upper abdomen or belly. It often occurs at the time of eating or immediately after eating. It may cause abdominal pain or a burning sensation.2 It may be caused due to eating too much or too fast, eating spicy or acidic foods, high-fibre foods, drinking too many caffeinated beverages, alcohol, experiencing stress or anxiety, taking certain medications such as aspirin on an empty stomach, smoking or chewing tobacco.1,2 Simple home remedies that may help with indigestion include consuming mint juice with honey, drinking bay leaf tea with a pinch of cardamom, taking thin buttermilk mixed with pepper powder and cumin powder, etc.3 If you have frequent or bloody vomiting, chest pain, black stools, difficulty in breathing, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and severe belly pain, you should see a doctor for proper treatment.2
Also Read: How to Improve Digestion: Proven Techniques and Dietary Adjustments
Indigestion is slight discomfort in the upper abdomen or belly that frequently happens during or immediately after eating.1
Yes, simple home remedies that may help with indigestion include consuming onion juice with honey, drinking bay leaf tea, chewing grated ginger with lime juice and salt, etc.3
Eating too much or too fast, high-fibre food, spicy or acidic foods, drinking too many caffeinated beverages, alcohol, experiencing stress or anxiety, taking certain medications such as aspirin on an empty stomach and smoking or chewing tobacco are the common causes of indigestion.1
Abdominal bloating, gas, burping, acidic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen and gurgling sound in the stomach are the symptoms of indigestion.2
When you modify your diet and habits, you may notice a significant reduction in indigestion. If you must take medication for indigestion, do so only with your doctor’s permission. Long-term side effects are possible with several drugs. These could include a higher risk of infections or a deficiency in essential nutrients.2
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
We usually want to binge eat during the holiday season and we wait for it to arrive soon so that we can eat our favourite food. To add to it, the foods we usually want to eat more are richer, fattier foods that are slow to empty the stomach.
A typical scene we experience at our homes post the massive holiday lunch/dinner is lounging around, and watching favourite shows/cricket/football matches. Well, sitting around, lying down and overindulgence can easily put a downer to your holiday festivities. How? It not only keeps all the food trapped in our stomach but also lets gravity give stomach acid an extra boost to creep into the oesophagus. And before you can say ‘Gaajar Ka Halwa’, your unwanted guest has arrived: Acid reflux!
Heartburn/acidity results in the digestive tract, causing pain in the chest and is majorly triggered by fatty/junk foods, alcohol and huge meals. So, when heartburn strikes, get ready to say no to those sweets and savouries lying in your kitchen.
Or, you can also learn to manage your acidity problems like a pro. Read on to find out how:
You should try Peppermint tea if you suffer from indigestion. However, avoid peppermint if you have heartburn as it can cause further discomfort.
Pick some mint leaves fresh from the plant and put them in a mug of hot water. If you don’t have fresh mint, use mint tea bags.
For centuries, ginger is used for treating digestive problems. Ginger helps soothe heartburn by reducing the production of stomach acid. It also helps relieve nausea, which may be useful after an indulgent Christmas meal!
Try a few slices of root ginger in hot water as a gentle ginger tea.
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The acidity of apple cider vinegar mimics your stomach acid, making it easier for proper digestion of food, especially fatty foods.
Stir apple cider vinegar (one teaspoon to two tablespoons) into a glass of water and drink it before a meal.
These are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and for relieving indigestion. Coriander has more of a cooling effect as well as stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
Combine a teaspoon of coriander seed powder in hot water for a simple indigestion remedy.
Taking baking soda/sodium bicarbonate causes neutralisation of excess acid, making you feel comfortable again. Baking soda shouldn’t be used often.
Drink half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and keep drinking it every two hours until you feel better.
Tight clothing can make you feel uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting down and eating. Your stomach needs some room to expand a little, so tight-fitting shapewear or belts that push your stomach in can leave you feeling sick, or cause heartburn.
Wear loose-fitting clothes so that you do not need to loosen your belt during a meal.
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If you are predisposed to acidity, do consider taking an acid-lowering medicine.
Also Read: Dietary Tips: Foods To Avoid With Acid Reflux
While lifestyle changes must be the first choice for managing acidity, some people may require medications to prevent/treat acid reflux and heartburn. Your doctor may suggest certain medications that provide relief from acid reflux, such as:
For severe acid reflux, Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is the most effective treatment and shows highest published evidence regarding its safety profile. All PPIs show similar efficacy. However, since the past 25 years, Omeprazole has remained a valuable treatment for clinicians owing to its effectiveness and safety in acid reflux and heartburn and remains the most used PPI globally with more than 40% prescription share worldwide.
Everyone deserves to eat and drink whatever they love, especially during the time of Christmas. But gorging on too much fatty or junk food may end up giving you a niggle. Good digestion is a great feeling and makes you feel good keeping the fun on. Keep these tips and tricks in mind in case you end up with heartburn or acidity. Make a resolution to yourself to be acidity-free in the coming year and have a happier Christmas eve!
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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