How to treat indigestion at home

The article was written by MSc Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Indigestion is a symptom of other digestive problems, such as ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux. Many people will experience indigestion at some point. Instead of turning to over-the-counter antacids to calm your stomach, you can try managing your symptoms with ingredients and herbs in your kitchen.

Indigestion (indigestion) happens to almost everyone. Eating habits or a chronic digestive problem can cause indigestion.
Common symptoms:
Stomach pain or bloating Heartburn Nausea Vomiting Vomiting Full during meals and unable to finish Very full after eating a normal meal Heat in the stomach or esophagus A gnawing sensation in stomach

2.1 Peppermint Tea Mint is not only a breath freshener, it also has an antispasmodic effect on the body and is a safe choice for relieving stomach problems like nausea and indigestion. Drink a cup of peppermint tea after a meal to quickly soothe your stomach or keep a few mints in your pocket and suck on candy after eating.
>>> 12 Benefits of Peppermint Tea
Although mint can ease indigestion, you should not drink or eat mint when your indigestion is caused by acid reflux. Because peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter - the muscle between the stomach and esophagus - drinking or eating it can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and worsen acid reflux. Peppermint tea is not recommended for people with GERD or ulcers.
2.2 Chamomile Tea Chamomile tea is known to help induce sleep and calm anxiety. This herb can also soothe intestinal discomfort and relieve indigestion by reducing stomach acid in the digestive tract. Chamomile also acts as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain.
To prepare chamomile tea, place one or two tea bags in boiling water for 10 minutes then pour into a cup and add honey if desired. Drink tea as needed to prevent indigestion.
Consult your doctor before drinking chamomile tea if you take blood thinners. Chamomile contains an ingredient that acts as an anticoagulant, so there is a risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners.
2.3 Apple Cider Vinegar The claimed health benefits of apple cider vinegar range from improving the condition of the skin to encouraging weight loss. It can also help relieve indigestion.
Since too little acid in the stomach can cause indigestion, drink apple cider vinegar to increase the body's production of stomach acid. Add one to two teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and drink for quick pain relief. Or stop indigestion before it happens by drinking this mixture 30 minutes before eating.
Although apple cider vinegar is safe, taking too much or undiluted can cause side effects like tooth wear, nausea, sore throat, and low blood sugar.
>>> Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?
2.4 Ginger

Ginger is another natural remedy for indigestion because it can reduce acid in the stomach. Just as too little acid in the stomach causes indigestion, too much acid in the stomach has the same effect.
Drink a cup of ginger tea as needed to soothe the stomach and get rid of indigestion. Other options include sucking on ginger candies, drinking ginger beer, or making your own ginger ale. Boil a piece or two of ginger root then flavored with lemon or honey before drinking.
Limit your ginger consumption to 3 to 4 grams per day as excessive consumption of ginger can cause bloating, throat burning and heartburn
2.5 Fennel seeds This antispasmodic herb can also cure Relieves indigestion after meals, as well as soothes other gastrointestinal problems such as stomach cramps, nausea and bloating.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed cumin seeds to water and let it boil for 10 minutes before drinking. Drink fennel tea whenever you feel indigestion. Another option is to chew fennel seeds after a meal if certain foods cause indigestion.
Possible side effects of dill include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to the sun.
2.6 Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 4 ounces of warm water and drink.
Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and non-toxic. But drinking large amounts of baking soda can bring about some unwanted side effects, such as constipation, diarrhea, irritability, vomiting, and muscle spasms. If you drink a solution containing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda causing indigestion, do not repeat it for at least two hours.
According to a 2013 study, adults should take no more than seven 1/2 teaspoons in a 24 hour period and no more than three 1/2 teaspoons if over 60 years old.
2.7 Lemonade

The alkaline effect of lemon juice also neutralizes acid in the stomach and improves digestion. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in hot or warm water and drink it a few minutes before eating.
Along with soothing indigestion, lemon juice is also an excellent source of vitamin C. However, too much lemon juice can wear down tooth enamel and cause more urination. To protect your teeth, rinse your mouth with water after drinking lemon juice.
2.8 Licorice Root Licorice root can soothe muscle spasms and inflammation in the digestive tract, both of which can cause indigestion. Chew licorice root for pain relief or add licorice root to boiling water and drink the mixture.
Although effective for indigestion, licorice root can cause sodium and potassium imbalance and high blood pressure in large doses. Consume no more than 2.5 grams of dried licorice root per day for quick pain relief. Eat or drink licorice root 30 minutes before eating or an hour after eating to cure indigestion.

See your doctor if indigestion persists for more than two weeks, or if you have severe pain or the following symptoms:
Severe vomiting Vomiting that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds Severe weight loss Weight Black stools Difficulty swallowing Frequent indigestion is often a symptom of a chronic digestive problem such as acid reflux, gastritis and even stomach cancer. time.