Sometimes what is natural is not all that pleasant — and belching or burping and passing gas are completely natural aspects of digestion. When digestive gases are slow to dissipate, you may feel bloated and very uncomfortable. If you don’t happen to have over-the-counter antacids on hand when you get gassy, take heart. You may have a couple simple remedies right in the kitchen. Habit and lifestyle changes can also help.
Indigestion
The amount of gas that builds up in the gastrointestinal tract is affected by how much air you swallow — from chewing gum, sucking on hard candy and drinking through straws — the amount of gas produced by bacteria and incompletely digested food in the colon, and how efficiently your digestive systems move and expel gases. Antacid tablets and liquids speed up the process of releasing gas trapped in the digestive system, whether the problem is called acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, gas or upset stomach.
Baking Soda
Common baking soda, otherwise known as bicarbonate of soda, offers quick indigestion relief. Baking soda is a natural antacid, the main ingredient in commercial antacids containing sodium bicarbonate. Dissolve 1 tsp. of baking soda in 8 oz. of water to neutralize stomach acid and temporarily relieve heartburn. This indigestion remedy is very high in salt, however — about 1,300 mg of sodium, or more than half the daily recommendation — so keep this in mind. And just like commercial antacids containing magnesium or sodium bicarbonate, the baking soda remedy may have a laxative effect.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an old-time digestion aid, one that has solid grounding in modern as well as traditional or folk medicine. According to Longwood Herbal Task Force recommendations developed in conjunction with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, peppermint tea treats indigestion and upset stomach. Steep 1 or 2 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of hot water for five minutes; drink the tea as often as needed. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are an effective natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, and may also be effective for indigestion. However, on its own without enteric coating, peppermint oil can also cause indigestion, so never use plain peppermint oil.
Prevention
You may find permanent relief from indigestion by making diet and lifestyle changes. Don't overeat, and decrease portions or spread them out among smaller, more frequent meals. Eat slowly, and put your fork down between bites. Eat at least several hours before lying down or going to bed, so acid levels will decrease before putting your body in a position to produce heartburn. Avoid foods and beverages that trigger indigestion or heartburn, from chocolate and caffeine-containing beverages to citrus fruits, tomatoes and high-fat foods. Lose weight. Stop smoking. Avoid alcohol. Drink more water. Try lying on your left side if heartburn gets worse when you lie down. Raise the head of your bed by 6 inches so your head and chest are higher than your feet.
