If you have just finished a large or spicy meal and experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea or a burning sensation in your chest, you could have indigestion. Additional indigestion triggers include stress, eating too quickly, consuming caffeine or smoking. You can treat indigestion at the first signs of onset when you begin to have feelings of intense fullness. Because the symptoms of indigestion can be confused with heart attack, seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms are accompanied by chest pain, back pain, sweating or jaw pain.
Step 1
Take an antacid medication to reduce excess acid production in the stomach. Over-the-counter medications are available to relieve indigestion symptoms. Active ingredients include ranitidine and omeprazole. Ask your pharmacist before purchasing these medications to ensure antacids won't negatively interact with other medications you may be taking.
Step 2
Seek out a calm, quiet environment where you can relax. Stress can contribute to indigestion symptoms. Taking a break from excitement or a fast-paced environment can help calm your stomach and relieve painful symptoms. Listen to peaceful music, write in a journal or read a book you enjoy to relieve stress.
Step 3
Take slow, deep breaths picturing the tension in your stomach leaving your body with each exhale. Concentrate on each breath, making each one count. Continue this exercise for five minutes.
Step 4
Sip still water, real fruit juice or decaffeinated herbal tea to relieve painful symptoms. Drinking these beverages slowly not only quickly eases stomach pain, it also can help relieve bloating symptoms by flushing fluids through your system. Warm is best because cold beverages contribute to stomach spasms that cause indigestion pain.
Step 5
Take a slow, easy walk after eating your meal. Gentle exercise can increase the movement of food through your intestines, helping you to feel less full. Mild exercise helps the stomach empty faster, but refrain from vigorous exercise, which may increase your indigestion symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- See your physician if your indigestion symptoms do not subside with over-the-counter treatments. Your physician can prescribe stronger and longer-lasting medications to relieve indigestion symptoms.
- Refrain from taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when you experience indigestion. Doing so can aggravate your stomach lining and increase painful symptoms. Smoking can irritate your stomach lining and contribute to indigestion. Refrain from smoking when you experience indigestion to avoid worsening symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Water, real fruit juice or decaffeinated herbal tea
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Indigestion
- MedlinePlus: Indigestion
- Mayo Clinic: Indigestion
- UptoDate: Gas and Bloating
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1995
