How to get rid of indigestion

When the top area of your stomach is burning or painful, or you have that heavy, unpleasant feeling in your stomach during or right after a meal, it may be indigestion, also known as dyspepsia.

It is a frequent problem that almost everyone will have at some point in their lives. Indigestion creates pain or discomfort in the upper stomach area. In most situations, it is moderate and causes minor issues, but some people experience frequent episodes of indigestion, which can damage their quality of life. Indigestion can produce upper abdominal pain or discomfort, as well as severe pain in your chest. Every year, around four out of every ten persons in the UK suffer from indigestion.

Certain things, such as eating fatty and spicy foods or drinking alcohol or coffee, might cause indigestion symptoms. However, some people experience indigestion symptoms that are unrelated to eating or drinking. It is quite frequent throughout pregnancy. The growing baby pressing against your tummy and hormonal changes are two potential causes. Long-term indigestion and acidity can harm the oesophagus and become a condition that can be turned into oesophageal cancer.
If you have indigestion frequently, you should have a test immediately.

Why does it happen?

When stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the digestive system, indigestion can happen. Acid from the stomach thins out the lining, causing uncomfortably painful inflammation and irritation. The following are some of the most common causes of the syndrome.

Eating certain foods 

Indigestion is frequently caused by eating too quickly or too much or consuming excessively acidic foods (spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine are common irritants). When you eat, your stomach produces acid to aid digestion, which might irritate the stomach lining, the upper part of the intestine, or the oesophagus

Acid Reflux

It is a sick feeling in the chest produced by stomach acid rising to the throat. Especially if you have eaten a large meal immediately before bed. Sometimes it can be caused by smoking, stress or anxiety.

Indigestion During Early Pregnancy

As your pregnancy continues, heartburn becomes more common. This can happen as your baby grows and your uterus (womb) goes up against your stomach. This also forces stomach contents up into your oesophagus. 

Night-time Indigestion

Night-time indigestion may be more severe than daytime indigestion pain. Gravity is the explanation for this. Gravity assists in moving food into the stomach when you sit or stand. Additionally, lying down stops bile and acids from entering the oesophagus and causing indigestion. People consequently experience worse midnight heartburn.

Treatment of Indigestion

Treatment for stomach discomfort will differ depending on the cause and level of your symptoms. Long-term dyspepsia caused by stress or anxiety can be managed by treating the stress. A doctor may request a referral for cognitive behavioural therapy or hypnotherapy.

Neuromodulators, a class of medicines, can also decrease the sensitivity of the stomach's nerves. These are commonly prescribed to treat people with mental illnesses. However, when used to treat functional dyspepsia, a much lower dose is used to fix indigestion. Indigestion treatments mentioned below,

Change in Lifestyle

• You can make several adjustments in your life to get rid of indigestion or at least provide some comfort.

• If you are overweight, your goal should be to lose the extra weight.

• Avoid meals or drinks that may be causing stomach cramps; a food diary might help you keep track.

• Stop smoking because it is one of the most common indigestion triggers.

• If you consume alcohol, make sure you stay under the suggested limits.

• Try to consume smaller meals more frequently throughout the day (rather than having one or two large meals).

• Sleep in a more upright position by lifting the head of your bed or using a pillow.

• Avoid eating before going to bed.

• Try to reduce stress and anxiety for indigestion relief.

• Indigestion can be cured by taking 5-10 minutes daily walk right after a meal.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indigestion
   

 You can help yourself by making lifestyle changes, and you will certainly benefit from doing so. Here are five natural products that can provide indigestion relief fast.

Lemon Water

Lemon water's alkaline action also helps to neutralize stomach acid and promote digestion. Drink a tablespoon of lemon juice in hot or tepid water before eating. However, lemon juice may trigger acid reflux or GERD in certain people. Always pay attention to your body's signals and discontinue taking a home cure if it increases your symptoms.

Apples

Apples have been a heartburn cure for many years due to their great acid-neutralizing capabilities. Since it has been shown to have a definite calming effect on stomach acid, apple cider vinegar is usually recommended as a treatment for many diseases.

 Aloe Vera

Long-term relief from acid reflux-related oesophageal irritation can be achieved by using either aloe vera gel or juice solutions.

 Ginger

Drink ginger tea to relieve indigestion. For hundreds of years, ginger has been used to treat acid reflux. It comes in many forms, including ginger ale, ginger root, ginger powder, and tea. All work well as an antacid in the digestion treatments mentioned.

Peppermint Tea

Your first reaction could be to consume a peppermint candy or make a calming cup of tea if you have an upset stomach. If you have uncomfortable abdominal fullness, it may lessen your stomach pain.

Liquorice Root

Liquorice root has anti-indigestion properties. Liquorice root extract is frequently used to treat indigestion symptoms such as heartburn and stomach pain.

While we must acknowledge that the ideal solution for serious heartburn pain will vary from person to person, the ingredients listed above are commonly accepted as natural heartburn cures. They should assist in developing a positive defence against future heartburn attacks when combined with modest lifestyle adjustments.

Medicines used to get rid of indigestion

A lot of people take indigestion medications. The same medications can be used to cure severe medical issues, including acid reflux or stomach ulcers. Suppose you frequently need to use indigestion medications. In that case, it is necessary to visit a doctor to evaluate your situation in case there is an underlying condition requiring more testing and treatment.

Check out Welzo's range of acid-reflux, IBS and gut health medications.

Antacids

Antacids typically contain either aluminium or magnesium compounds. They act by decreasing the acidity in your abdomen. They are frequently mixed with other chemicals, such as alginates, to form a protective film that floats on the surface of your stomach contents. This helps prevent acid from backing up into your gullet (oesophagus) - the tube which links your mouth to your stomach - and thus protects against gastric reflux and esophagitis.

H2 Blockers

These medications operate by decreasing the quantity of acid produced in the stomach. They can be used to cure indigestion, acid reflux, stomach (gastric) ulcers, and duodenal ulcers by lowering the acidity in your stomach.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

These medications also decrease the quantity of acid produced in your stomach. In addition, they are used to treat indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach and duodenal ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors are extremely effective in lowering stomach acid and are especially useful in the treatment of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

What else can you do to get rid of indigestion?

Chewing Gum

Many people have realized the benefits of sugar-free chewing gum. The concept is straightforward. Mostly acid reflux occurs immediately after eating. Chewing gum will produce saliva, and when the saliva is swallowed, it makes its way down into the stomach and can stop the acid from burning your oesophagus.

Baking Soda

Because of the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda, it is one of the natural heartburn cures. Baking soda has an alkaline pH, which immediately neutralizes the acid in the stomach that produces discomfort. Sodium bicarbonate works similarly to many over-the-counter antacids. However, the use of too much sodium bicarbonate can cause vomiting.

Permanent and Effective Relief From Heartburn

Most conventional heartburn remedies are only temporary since they just treat the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the problem. Indigestion is pretty common and can be highly uncomfortable and annoying to your life. You can try the natural therapies listed above but if symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

High levels of acidity can also lead to bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. If no clear reasons for the irritation are found, your doctor may consider reflux.