Indigestion can be a debilitating condition, no matter what its cause. Foods can provide some relief against its symptoms. In some cases, scientific research has confirmed the folklore uses of several common cures for sore stomach symptoms. The so-called cures may act on the symptoms themselves or the root cause of indigestion.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a soluble type of dietary fiber. Examples include oatmeal, pasta and potatoes. These foods will ease your indigestion and prevent other gastrointestinal issues. A diet rich in whole grains will help ensure proper bowel movements and provide relief from symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It also provides other health benefits including lowering total cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar.
Peppermint
Peppermint helps treat indigestion by slowing the contractions of smooth muscle in the digestive tract. It will also prevent spasms within the gastrointestinal system that may cause cramping. You can take peppermint in the form of candies or mints. It is also available as an essential oil for adding to foods. You will find that peppermint can ease nausea and vomiting. These effects give peppermint additional applications. A 1997 study published in the "Journal of Advanced Nursing" found that peppermint was effective for treating post-operative nausea.
Ginger
Ginger has a long history of folklore use for treating indigestion and abdominal cramping. You can take ginger as an addition to recipes or in pickled form as a condiment. You will also find ginger sold as a tea or in ginger ale. Like peppermint, the medical field has also used ginger for treating nausea. A 2006 study by published in the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" found that ingestion of ginger capsules relieved post-surgery nausea and vomiting. The effects were most significant within six hours of surgery as patients recovered from the effects of anesthesia.
Prunes
Prunes also share a folklore history of treatment for a a variety of digestive ills including indigestion. They may also offer an effective treatment against a specific cause of indigestion. The discomfort of peptic ulcers may increase after eating due to the effects of stomach acids coming in contact with ulcers on the stomach walls; it is not unlike the burning sensation of lemon juice on an open wound. One potential cause of ulcers is bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. A 2006 study published in the journal, "Helicobacter," found that prune juice was an effective antibacterial agent though it did not totally remove H. pylori associated with ulcers. Based on the evidence, researchers recommended further study to determine the uses of prunes for digestive issues.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; November 19, 2009
- "Journal of Advanced Nursing"; Peppermint Oil: A Treatment for Postoperative Nausea; S. Tate; September 1997
- Whole Health MD; Peppermint; October 23, 2009
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Efficacy of Ginger in Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Major Gynecologic Surgery; T. Nanthakomon and D.Pongrojpaw; October 2006
- Whole Health MD; Ginger; November 17, 2008
- "Helicobacter"; Effect of the Folk Remedy, Bainiku-ekisu, a Concentrate of Prunus mume Juice, on Helicobacter pylori Infection in Humans; S. Nakajima, et al.; December 2006
