Here's How to Reduce Indigestion

If you have indigestion, chances are you’ll know about it. Exacerbated by everything from certain foods, an inflammation of the lining of the stomach or conditions such as IBS, symptoms include reflux or heartburn, burning in your chest after eating, feeling sick and bloated and dealing with excess gas. Common triggers of indigestion include fizzy drinks, garlic and onions, spices, alcohol and caffeine, so if you’re suffering, keep a food diary for a couple of weeks so that you can work out if you need to eliminate one of these primary offenders. Pregnant women can also experience indigestion more than most, particularly in their final trimester, as hormonal changes occur and the growing baby presses against the stomach. Drinking your evening meal late at night, overeating and drinking through a straw can also aggravate existing symptoms and make you feel worse, so try to avoid those too. Here are four natural remedies to try.

Try peppermint oil

Amongst its many beneficial health properties, peppermint oil has an antispasmodic effect on the body, meaning its perfectly placed to help alleviate indigestion. It works by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter, which is the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus. While that’s great for those whose indigestion is caused by IBS, it does mean that you could make things worse if you have reflux, so avoid it if that’s you. For best results try peppermint oil capsules or in powder format mixed with water. Peppermint tea might also help reduce mild symptoms.

Increase your fluid intake

If you have a compromised digestive system which is causing you discomfort and pain, consuming more water can help improve your system and ease reflux. A lack of water can interfere with digestion as the stomach doesn't have enough water to properly produce digestive acid. This can result in problems like uncomfortable bloating.

Try more bitter foods

If your digestion is sluggish, whether it’s because of a medication, poor diet or illness, it might need a bit of a kick start to ward off indigestion. Eating bitter foods such as chicory, artichokes rocket and watercress, is a great way to stimulate stomach acid which aids digestion.

Eat more fibre

Switching to a high fibre diet if you suffer from indigestion can help alleviate some of the symptoms and keep inflammation in check. A digestive aid that keeps your system running smoothly and keeps you regular, eating adequate amounts of fibre also keeps waste moving through your intestines and prevents constipation. Workshop’s Gut Cleansing Formula contains 12 types of soluble and insoluble fibre to promote proper intestinal function and help keep you free from digestive discomfort.