Indigestion, commonly referred to as dyspepsia or upset stomach, generally details discomfort in the upper abdomen. It’s an all too familiar feeling that occurs after a meal. Indigestion is not really a condition; rather, it is a symptom that one experiences. While it can just be discomfort after a meal, indigestion can be related to an underlying issue such as GERD, ulcers, or gallbladder disease.
Because indigestion is a common condition, men and women of all ages can experience it. There is no single cause for indigestion because it can be a symptom of several conditions. One of the primary causes of indigestion is overeating or eating too fast. Indigestion is commonly related to lifestyle choices such as poor diet or eating spicy and fatty foods. It’s also possible for pregnant women to experience indigestion because of hormonal changes that relax the digestive tract.
Switching Your Diet
If you are overweight or obese, switching to a healthier diet can help reduce frequent heartburn. Avoid eating fried foods, citrus fruit, dairy products, processed foods and acidic foods to help your body restore its neutral pH levels. Additionally, slow down when you eat because this will help you control the amount of food you eat.
Tea Time
Make ginger or chamomile tea. Add a few slices of fresh ginger to two cups of hot water (or make chamomile tea) and drink 20-30 minutes before your meal. Consuming the tea helps bring relief to the acidic sensation you experience with indigestion.
Nap Time
Instead of drinking caffeine during the day, recharge yourself by taking a short nap in a chair. Sitting, as opposed to lying down, helps keep the acid down in the stomach. You can also drink water infused with lemons because this helps aid digestion.
Fennel & Caraway
If spicy or acidic foods caused the indigestion, take a handful of fennel seeds and chew on them. After giving them a good chew, swallow them because the oils help reduce nausea and flatulence. You can also chew caraway seeds to provide additional relief.
Don’t Do Dairy
Steer clear of juice and dairy products. The high amounts of fructose in sugary juices can cause abdominal pain and gas when it enters the colon. Making fresh juices from organic fruits is a better and healthier option to avoid this discomfort. Dairy products may make you feel bloated or gassy. This could also be a sign of intolerance to lactose. Almond milk is a great, lactose-free alternative you can try.
Aloe Vera Juice
Drink aloe vera juice because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Drink about a half-cup of aloe vera juice before eating meals. Note that most aloe vera juices are laxatives, so look for the bottles that indicate the laxative has been removed.
