Indigestion can definitely ruin a great meal. This disorder occurs when gastric juices irritate the tissues of the stomach, esophagus or intestines; it can make you feel bloated, uncomfortably full, nauseous, and even cause pain and a burning sensation in your belly. When this happens, there are several steps you can take to alleviate it.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Relieve the Symptoms
Step 1. Learn to recognize indigestion
Most of the time it is mild and can be treated at home. However, if it occurs in a severe form or causes a great deal of discomfort, you should see a doctor to make sure it is not associated with something more troubling. Symptoms include:
- Nausea. In some cases, you may even throw up.
- Feeling of bloating or unbearable fullness.
- Pain or burning in the stomach, intestines or esophagus.
Step 2. Take an antacid
It is an over-the-counter drug that inhibits the action of gastric juices in order to neutralize their acidity. In practice, it means that it decreases irritation to the tissues of the digestive system.
- Take it as soon as you feel the symptoms are about to appear. If you often suffer from indigestion after dinner, take it immediately after eating and, if necessary, again before going to bed. Its effectiveness usually lasts from 20 minutes to several hours.
- You can buy it at the pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the package and do not take a higher dose than recommended. Consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, nursing or administering to children.
Step 3. Try alginate
It is a substance that forms a gelled cover of alginic acid that floats on the food inside the stomach, preventing gastric juices from getting into the esophagus.
- It is most effective if you take it after eating. In this way it will stay longer in the stomach, going to carry out its action in moments when the acidity is strongest.
- Some antacids also contain alginate. Read the instructions on the package to make sure it's there. If pregnant, nursing or administering to children, consult a doctor to rule out any contraindications.
Step 4. Use a home remedy
There are many foods and household products that can help relieve indigestion. These are not scientifically proven methods, but some people find them effective. Check with your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements or remedies to make sure it does not interact with any other medications you may be taking. Here are some of them:
- Milk. It helps to line the walls of the esophagus and stomach, protecting them from gastric juices.
- Oatmeal. By eating oatmeal, you will help absorb some of the excess gastric juices.
- Mint tea. It can help you calm the gut and reduce nausea.
- Iberogast (or STW5). It is a herbal medicine that contains bitter Iberian, peppermint, cumin and licorice. It is believed to reduce the production of gastric juices.
- Artichoke leaf extract. It can promote digestion by increasing the production of bile.
- Ginger. It can help calm the stomach and fight nausea. You can take it in the form of tea, eating it candied or drinking a ginger ale. If you prefer the latter, try venting it first so that the carbon dioxide contained inside does not aggravate indigestion.
Step 5. Consult your doctor about stronger medications
There can be both over-the-counter and prescription products, however you should speak to your doctor before trying them. It is very important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or administering to children. There are various drugs to try:
- Proton pump inhibitors. They reduce the amount of gastric juices produced by the body; however, they can interact with other antiepileptic or anticoagulant drugs. They can also cause side effects, including headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, stomach upset, lightheadedness, and skin rashes. In addition, they can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12 and iron.
- H2 receptor antagonists. They lower the acid charge of the stomach. They are usually taken when antacid, alginate, and proton pump inhibitors are ineffective. They are considered very safe, with few side effects.
- Antibiotics. They are prescribed if indigestion is caused by an infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
- Antidepressants or anxiolytics. They can reduce the pain caused by indigestion.
Part 2 of 4: Changing the Power
Step 1. Reduce your intake of foods that often cause indigestion
Foods that can cause indigestion include:
- Fat and heavy dishes, such as those of fast food restaurants;
- Spicy foods, especially if you usually eat light foods
- Chocolate;
- Carbonated drinks;
- Caffeine, both that contained in coffee and the theine in tea.
Step 2. Cut down on alcohol consumption
Alcohol leads the body to increase the production of gastric juices, therefore, by taking alcohol, the risk of them irritating the digestive system is higher.
By mixing alcohol with pain relievers, such as aspirin, you can increase stomach damage
Step 3. Eat little and more often
That way you won't burden your stomach with more food than it can handle. You will also avoid the annoying sensation caused by the excessive dilation of the stomach.
- Eat 5-6 meals instead of 3. Try adding a small snack between breakfast and lunch and then between lunch and dinner.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well. It will be easier to digest.
Step 4. Do not eat just before bedtime
Eat the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before you lie down. By doing this, you will reduce the risk of excess stomach acid going up into the esophagus.
When you sleep, put a few extra pillows under your head and shoulders. It will be more difficult for gastric juices to reach the esophagus
Part 3 of 4: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Stop smoking
Smoking can damage the muscles that prevent gastric juices from rising from the stomach into the esophagus. It could weaken it, making you more prone to gastroesophageal reflux.
The chemicals found in cigarette smoke can also cause indigestion
Step 2. Reduce Stress
Stress has the ability to make you more vulnerable to indigestion. Try using the most common relaxation techniques to control it. Many people use the following methods:
- Meditation;
- Deep breathing;
- Yoga;
- View soothing images;
- Gradually stretch and relax different muscle groups.
Step 3. Monitor your weight
If you are overweight, the pressure on your stomach increases. Maintain an optimal weight by exercising regularly and following a healthy diet.
- Try to get 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. For example, try running, walking, biking, swimming, or playing a sport. Physical activity will also help you manage stress.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy products, wholemeal bread, and several servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
- Women can lose weight without taking any health risks by following a diet that provides them with 1200-1500 calories per day. Men generally lose weight by consuming 1500-1800 calories per day. In this way it is possible to lose about 500g per week. Do not follow a more extreme diet unless you are being followed by a doctor.
Step 4. Evaluate your medications
Do not stop or change your medication without consulting your doctor first. He may recommend an alternative that doesn't aggravate indigestion.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can make indigestion worse.
- Nitrates, administered to dilate blood vessels, can make you more prone to gastroesophageal reflux, as they weaken the muscles that control the opening between the esophagus and the stomach.
- If you cannot switch medications, your doctor is likely to suggest that you take them on a full stomach.
Part 4 of 4: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Recognize the heart attack
Heart attack requires immediate attention from the emergency department. The following symptoms indicate heart problems and rule out indigestion:
- Respiratory difficulties;
- Sweating;
- Chest pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm
- Pain in the left arm;
- Chest pain during physical activity or when you are stressed.
Step 2. Call your doctor right away if you experience severe symptoms
Serious symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying problem. So, pay attention to:
- Traces of blood in the vomit
- Traces of blood in the stool or tar-black colored stools;
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Fatigue or anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss;
- Stomach lump.
Step 3. Get a medical exam
Your doctor will check if you have any other digestive disorders, such as:
- Gastritis;
- Ulcers;
- Celiac disease;
- Gallstones;
- Constipation;
- Pancreatitis;
- Tumors of the digestive system;
- Bowel problems, such as blockages or reduced blood supply.
Warnings
- Consult your doctor before taking any herbal medications or supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, or given to children.
- Read and follow the instructions on the package of the medications you need to take, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
