11 Smart Food Combinations to Absorb More Nutrients
This article is written by Henna Lawrence.
Indigestion is one of the common and uncomfortable feelings. In general, food poisoning, overeating, spicy foods, medications, unhygienic food, or even diet that contains less fiber can cause indigestion or other digestive disorders.
The pain from indigestion is mostly felt in the upper abdomen with sensations of burning, pain, fullness, nausea, or bloating. They generally go away after treating with home remedies or medications. However, if it lasts for longer, it could be the underlying symptom of some complicated digestive disorders.
Alcohol, drugs, or stress may provoke the symptoms of indigestion. In such cases, home remedies for indigestion not only clear indigestion but also remove the other symptoms associated with it. These are also recommended as they give good results with minimal to no side effects.
Take a look at these 7 home remedies to treat indigestion.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a powerful medicinal spice that alleviates irritation and damage from the digestive tract, besides easing the digestion. It contains essential antioxidants and minerals that fuel the body’s health. On the other hand, it also helps the body in digesting fat meals.
How to eat: Cinnamon can be used to flavour smoothies, drinks, or fruits. Sprinkling finely ground cinnamon on foods or drinks is also recommended.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These minerals and other essential components of ACV break down the fats and prevent acid reflux. Besides, ACV contains antimicrobial properties that destroy bad gut bacteria, which can treat food poisoning and diarrhea.
How to drink: Take a teaspoon or a tablespoon of ACV and put it into a glass of water. Drink it before or after meals.
3. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is most commonly widely loved for its great flavor, mildly sedative, and muscle relaxant properties. It aids in treating various digestive disorders related to indigestion, such as irritable bowels, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Chamomile tea is also considered as a resource that ails indigestion by treating the roiling muscles in the stomach. The anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the pain. It’s also an excellent source to bring back a healthy appetite, thus acting as a potent source to nurture a healthy digestive system.
How to drink: Heat some water and pour it into a cup. Steep the chamomile tea bag in the cup for 5 minutes. Take the bag out and enjoy.
4. Ginger
Ginger is another ancient medicinal herb that helps in treating some of the causes of indigestion. This includes treating gastrointestinal irritation, stomach upset, nausea, and motion sickness. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger also aid in easing out gastroesophageal reflux diseases, which in turn could treat the symptoms of indigestion.
How to take it: You can add ginger to hot tea or sprinkle ginger on salads or foods. Sucking on ginger candy also provides similar benefits.
5. Cloves
Cloves are commonly known for their ability to improve digestion and reduce muscle contractions in the digestive tract. These also help to improve saliva production and gastric secretions, which speeds up the digestive process. These properties of cloves are a perfect source to enrich the digestive system and soothe the symptoms of indigestion, including nausea and vomiting.
How to eat it: Take some cloves and add it to 8 oz of boiling water. Drink it once or twice a day. You could also add cloves to soups, stews or desserts for similar health perks.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamins play one of the most crucial roles in converting food into energy and promoting healthy functions of the body. Vitamins C and D are especially vital for digestive health. The vitamins also help in relieving various symptoms associated with indigestion.
Vitamin C is known for producing collagen needed for healthy maintenance of the digestive tract. The osmotic effect of vitamin C on the digestive tract pulls water into the intestine, which softens the stools. Besides, it aids in digestion by supporting the health of teeth and gums.
Brussel sprouts, papaya, and strawberry are the common foods that are rich in vitamin C and alleviate indigestion.
7. Vitamin D
Vitamin D protects the digestive system from various disorders and promotes healthy digestion. Besides, it also supports the nervous, muscular, and immune systems. The essential components of vitamin D help in maintaining gut microbiomes and restoring good bacteria that have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal system.
Salmon, mushrooms, and soy milk are an excellent source of vitamin D that help with indigestion. Regular exposure to the sun for 10-30 minutes a day is the most natural way to fill the body with vitamin D.
How to Prevent Indigestion
A healthy diet and lifestyle routine play a useful role, which aids in treating and preventing indigestion. Below are some simple tips to avoid indigestion:
- Eat small meals.
- Avoid high-acidic or spicy foods.
- Cut down the consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
- Avoid smoking, which otherwise can irritate the stomach.
- Avoid workout on a full stomach.
- Maintain a gap of 1-3 hours between meals and sleep.
Although home remedies are simple to use with effective results, you should use them in moderation. Excess use of home remedies can reverse its effects and cause complications. If you are on medication or some treatment, it is advised to take these remedies after the doctor’s recommendation.
Conclusion
The remedies mentioned above and preventive measures are highly effective in treating and preventing indigestion. However, if indigestion lasts longer with associated symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, severe pain in the abdomen, or sweating, it is a must to consult a doctor. These symptoms could be related to /warning signs of the more severe cases of chronic digestive or disorders of other vital organs.
Author bio: Henna is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.
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