Indigestion can occur due to a number of different reasons including fullness, the ingestion of certain foods, eating too fast, stress, medications, pregnancy, chemotherapy or a more serious underlying issue such as a peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease or gallbladder disease. Some foods may help ease your symptoms, without the use of medication. However, if you suffer from chronic indigestion, see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis instead of trying to cure it at home.
Ginger
If you are or have been pregnant, you probably already know that ginger is a useful tool to alleviate indigestion. Ginger has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries for stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea. Ginger root is sold at the grocery store in its fresh form in the produce section. Finely grating about 1 tsp. of fresh ginger and adding it to hot tea can relieve indigestion. Ginger can also be used in Asian stir fry or added to baking recipes.
Peppermint
Peppermint leaves and peppermint oil have been used for a number of ailments throughout the years, including nausea, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Add the leaves to teas, fruit salads and desserts. Peppermint oil can be found at health food stores in small bottles and should be taken in small doses of a couple of drops. Taken in larger amounts, the oil may contribute to indigestion rather than alleviating it.
Bland Diet
Many times for chronic indigestion, or after the diagnosis of a gastrointestinal condition such as ulcer, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and gas, your doctor may prescribe a bland diet. This diet restricts foods that cause irritation in the gastrointestinal system like spicy, fried and raw foods and foods with small seeds. The diet also eliminates alcohol and caffeine. Most soft foods like cooked cereal, soup, cooked vegetables, canned fruit and carbohydrates made from refined white flour can help alleviate some of your symptoms.
Fiber
Eating a diet high in fiber may sometimes ease indigestion. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber improves the health of your entire digestive system by providing roughage that helps clean the walls of your intestines and helps reduce the incidence of constipation. A doctor will prescribe a diet high in fiber, after the calming effects of the bland diet, to continue to improve the health of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Indigestion
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginger
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Peppermint Oil
- Our Good Health: Five Things You Can Do to Help Your Indigestion
- MedlinePlus: Bland Diet
- Harvard University: Fiber: Start Roughing It!
