What Are Natural Indigestion Cures?

Though a number of people may boast of cast iron stomachs, most people will experience indigestion at one time or another. Indigestion refers to a disorder of the digestive system whereby the stomach produces too much acid. The symptoms include belching, a bloated feeling, nausea, abdominal pain and a bubbling sound in the stomach.

Indigestion is mainly caused by dietary habits and stress. Habits such as eating too much, eating too fast without enough chewing, eating rich food with little fiber content and eating when stressed out. In addition, there are certain foods that have been found to trigger indigestion such as excessive caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Though over the counter medication as well as prescription drugs are available for indigestion, there are lots of natural indigestion cures that are great alternatives to chemical drugs.

Herbs form the bulk of natural indigestion cures. Most of them are effective when taken as herbal teas. They mainly act by relieving the symptoms of indigestion. Peppermint has been used for years to ease digestive discomfort. It acts by relaxing the muscles of the digestive system. Chamomile soothes indigestion by releasing the gas in the stomach. Alfalfa, which is an effective body cleanser, also helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion.

Basil, another aromatic herb is used primarily to prevent indigestion. Another great herb that calms indigestion is parsley. Just chew on a few sprigs if you get the bloated feeling. Another big plus is that it’s a breath freshener. Other food related natural indigestion cures are carrot and beetroot juice, pineapple juice, grapes and lemon juice combined with ginger. Also chewing on a piece of ginger greatly reduces the nausea sensation.

Change of diet is another of the natural indigestion cures that is highly recommended. This is especially so because it is a preventive measure, rather than curative. And as we always say, “Prevention is better than cure”. The first thing is to avoid or at least greatly reduce the intake of the trigger foods mentioned above. This will definitely improve your chances of enjoying your meals as well as the period after eating.

Another dietary change is making your meals healthier by adding more fruits, vegetables and whole meal grains. If the problem is persistent, one can occasionally take a one day water or fruit and vegetable juice fast, maybe once a week or once every two weeks. This will help clear the food in the stomach that’s causing indigestion.

Avoid eating in a hurry. Not taking time to chew on food properly means it takes more time for the food to be digested and the longer it sits in the stomach, the higher the chances of one suffering from indigestion. Despite your busy schedule, try and set meal times as a time to relax and simply enjoy the meal. It will do wonders.

Apart from the discomfort, indigestion can cause embarrassment. Long term indigestion can lead to general body weakness as it leads to loss of appetite. Reach out for the above natural indigestion cures and you will be on your way to enjoying good health. However, as in all cases prevention is the best cure. Avoid the foods that you have found to cause the heartburn and lead a healthy lifestyle with lots fruits, vegetables and exercise.