Indigestion and How to Deal with It Before Treatment

We’ve all felt that uncomfortable sensation in our belly – gassiness, nausea, burning, or just too full. That feeling is indigestion. Most of the time, the discomfort goes away on its own or with help from over-the-counter remedies like antacids. If it’s happening too often, you might wonder if you need to see a gastroenterologist or doctor. You might, but there are some tactics you can try at home first to get a handle on indigestion.

7 Tips for Treating Indigestion at Home

The best way to deal with indigestion at home is to prevent it. Making some minor changes in your life could make a major difference in your digestive health as well as reducing the risk of other GI conditions.

Eat Healthier

Greasy or fatty foods are known for causing indigestion. That’s because they stay in your stomach longer than other foods, triggering indigestion. They can also relax the muscle that keeps acid from leaking into your esophagus, causing heartburn.

Eating large meals can also cause indigestion. It may help to eat five small meals per day instead of three larger meals.

Avoid Carbonation

Your drink choices can also trigger indigestion. Carbonated drinks make you burp because they contain carbon dioxide. Any gas you don’t burp out moves into your intestines, making you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Beer, soft drinks, even carbonated water can irritate your belly. Try noncarbonated water or juices instead.

Track Your Triggers

Many foods can trigger indigestion. You may have already figured out some of your triggers, but others may be harder to pinpoint.

You may be able to identify triggers by keeping a food and symptom diary.

Address Your Stress

Our body’s stress response slows down bodily functions that don’t help us fight or escape from stressors – including digestion. Slow digestion keeps food in your stomach for longer than it should be. Managing stress using techniques like meditation or counseling can help prevent indigestion.

Keep Moving

Regular exercise promotes healthy digestion, but there’s a catch. Vigorous exercise, like running, can also trigger heartburn. If that’s the case, consider changing your workout or waiting several hours after eating before you exercise.

Check Your Use of NSAIDs

Some medications for pain or inflammation, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate your digestive system. Some are over-the-counter medications, like ibuprofen, and others are prescription medications. If you’re taking NSAIDs and having indigestion, ask your doctor about other options.

Quit Smoking

The nicotine in tobacco relaxes the muscle that keeps stomach contents from leaking into your esophagus and causing heartburn. Quitting smoking can help your body do its job better, keeping irritating stomach contents where they belong.

Sometimes, there’s more going on in your digestive tract than lifestyle changes or antacids can handle. If you’re not getting relief from indigestion, it may be time to talk to a doctor.

Additional Readings About GI Conditions:

Working with Your Gastroenterologist on Treating Chronic Diarrhea

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