How to Find a Natural Remedy for Indigestion

Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle… is there anything worse than the restless stomach that causes bubbling, discomfort, and often embarrassment?  Those who suffer from regular indigestion, regardless of the type, are very likely to answer a resounding “no.” It certainly hasn’t helped that the modern diet and daily life has become much harder on our ability to properly digest.  Added stress of overly long and tiresome work weeks added to diets of over-processed, preservative filled, fatty foods have just about done in the systems of many Americans.  Fortunately, there are realistic and natural ways to address the issue, without having to take cover each time lunch doesn’t want to sit right.

Before addressing those ways that this condition can be helped without the use of medication, first there is the matter of cause to be addressed.  If you know what is causing the problem, then you can help to prevent it from recurring.

Slow Down: Eating too fast is the number one culprit in the world of indigestion.  When a person ‘inhales’ food, there is little time to breathe between bites, which causes gasping.  When the body tries to bring in air too quickly, it is very easy for gas pockets to build up.  These lead to bloating, discomfort, and other less desirable symptoms.

Put it Out: Just as eating too quickly can cause the body to form air pockets leading to the discomfort of indigestion, so can smoking.  The act of smoking, especially when trying to do so quickly, as when on a break at work, is all about breathing in quickly.  There is also a belief that smoking marijuana can make indigestion worse.  Why?  Well, some believe that it has a lot to do with the ‘munchies’ that go along with the habit.  Smoking coupled with quick eating certainly spells trouble for the mid-section.

Calm Down: When stressed out or riddled with anxiety, people tend to eat more food, more often, and more speedily.  All of this adds up to one upset stomach.  Calming oneself before taking to the table is a great way to reduce the chances of bubble buildup later in the day.  There are many stress reducing activities that may be considered, from a pre-meal workout to a few moments of quiet meditation.  Whatever it may be that brings your stress levels down, it is worth consideration for the sake of your stomach.

Lay off the Meds: Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications are major causes of stomach upset.  Not only do they irritate the stomach, but it is also thought that they add to bloating and pressure in the belly.  They can also be big promoters of acid reflux, because of the irritation to the stomach lining.

Aside from these causes, there is also the chance that persistent indigestion is a sign of a bigger problem.  If it doesn’t seem to be going away, even with lifestyle and diet changes, then it might be time to be checked for peptic ulcer or disease.  Once the cause is known, it is much easier to alleviate the problem.  Until then, however, there are natural ways to treat the problem after onset.

Ginger: Perhaps the most obvious natural cure for stomach ailments is also the most effective.  Whether one chews directly on a piece of raw ginger or opts for it in some other form, it can be extraordinarily effective at treating a wide range of indigestion related symptoms.  However, one should avoid soda, such as ginger ale, unless flat, because the bubbles can add to the problem.

Green Tea: Herbal teas are another frequently recommended cure for the belly blues.  Whether straight green tea or one that is flavored, the warm beverage will go to work quickly.  Always opt for caffeine free, as the drug can make stomach problems worse.

Peppermint: Delicious and beneficial, this naturally occurring flavor is excellent in tea, as a candy, or in several other forms.  While chewing gum can lead to the same gas bubbles as eating too quickly, peppermint in other forms is very soothing to the stomach.  Fortunately, it comes in many other forms today.

Lemon: Lemon water is one of the favorites of many sufferers of stomach ailments.  It is able to natural quell the building gases and, though acidic itself, can even help reduce acid indigestion.  It is always best to opt for natural lemon in water versus a sugary substitute that can further aggravate the issue.

Honey: The natural sweetener straight from earth’s busiest workers is wonderful at coating the esophagus and stomach.  It can be great in times of sore throat, but is also very effective at treating many of the symptoms of indigestion.  Mixing one part honey with one part lemon and taking a tablespoon full can be even more effective than over the counter medications.