Indigestion - Symptoms and causes
October 07, 2022
You love spicy food to the core. Your day feels incomplete until you have had paani puri or chaat or samosa in the evening. The more the spice, the better it is for you. But then annoying burps appear that keep you up the whole night or you start feeling bloated and uneasy. What should you do in such a situation? Well, we are here to help you understand indigestion and how you can find relief if you are ever stuck in such a scenario.
Indigestion or an upset stomach is clinically known as ‘dyspepsia’. The Greek word literally translates into “bad digestion”. Dyspepsia or Indigestion is a very common problem faced by adults. It is described as discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen area.
Symptoms of Indigestion
The symptoms of indigestion can include:
- Pain, discomfort in the abdomen
- Burping
- Bloating
- Early fullness during a meal
- Belching and gas
Seek medical advice if your symptoms last more than 2 weeks and there is no sign of relief.
What causes indigestion?
Indigestion can be caused due to an underlying disorder. However, generally it is caused due to an unhealthy lifestyle, majorly eating and drinking habits such as overeating, eating a lot of greasy and fatty food, not drinking enough water and consuming alcohol and aerated drinks. Sometimes, indigestion can be caused by other conditions including gastritis, ulcers, constipation.
Home remedies that can help indigestion
1. Peppermint tea
The natural pain relieving properties of peppermint tea makes it a great choice to alleviate the discomfort caused by indigestion. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after having meals will soothe your stomach. However, keep in mind to avoid peppermint in case of acid reflux as it may worsen the scenario.
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2. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea works as a great agent to induce sleep. It is also effective in relieving abdominal pain. You can add a bag of chamomile tea in a boiling cup of water and take sips as it eases the signs of discomfort.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda has sodium bicarbonate that acts as an antacid helping to neutralise stomach acid. Sodium bicarbonates react with the excess formation of hydrochloric acid to break down the effect of the acid in your stomach. It also detoxifies the digestive system relieving you from heartburn and indigestion. You can take baking soda with water or with honey and even lemon, whichever suits you best. This indigestion remedy can come quite handy. Although too much of baking soda can worsen the symptoms.
4. Cumin seeds
This widely used and loved spice is a store of health. Benefits of Jeera for gas and acid reflux have been known for decades. Jeera/cumin seeds are enriched with natural oils that stimulate salivary glands and promote better digestion. It is also very effective in reducing stomach ache and stomach burning. For quick relief from indigestion, take a sachet of Gas-O-Fast Asli Jeera and mix it in water.
5. Lemon water
Other than being an excellent source of vitamin C, the alkaline effect of lemon is a great home remedy for indigestion. Just squeeze lemon into a cup of water and drink it to aid digestion and neutralise the effect of excess acid in the stomach.
Experiencing indigestion is a common problem. You don’t need to feel embarrassed about it. Being mindful of what you eat can save you from frequent episodes of indigestion. You can try out these home remedies and if the pain still persists, don’t shy away from seeing a doctor immediately.
Disclaimer This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.
