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Natural remedies for indigestion to help stop persistent chest pain and abdominal pressure.

Indigestion

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What is Indigestion?
What Causes Indigestion?
Help for Indigestion
More Information on Indigestion

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What is Indigestion?

Most of us have experienced the sensation of indigestion (Upset Stomach) – ‘fullness’, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen following a meal. It can also be accompanied by a burning sensation above the breastbone (heartburn) and/or fullness in the stomach (bloating). Indigestion is also known as dyspepsia and tends to cause flatulence and intestinal gas. Indigestion is another name for an upset stomach.

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much too fast, or when they have consumed foods that don't settle well in the stomach – like spicy foods or foods that are too rich. Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of indigestion too. Bile reflux and gastritis also fall under the umbrella of indigestion.

Stress and anxiety can also trigger the release of excess stomach acids leading to hyperacidity, which means a relatively mild meal could still result in indigestion. But most cases of indigestion can be linked to incorrect eating habits – eating too fast and swallowing pockets of air, which then cause trapped wind that can be very uncomfortable. Carbonated drinks or acidic beverages (such as wine) can also trigger nasty episodes of bloating and indigestion.

Help for Indigestion

Natural Remedies

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to promote gentle food breakdown and support the digestive system. Filipendula ulmaria, is a soothing digestive remedy which helps to protect the digestive tract and reduce acidity in the stomach. Matricaria recutita and Ulmus fulva are also helpful herbs in the treatment of digestion problems helping to address post-meal troubles such as heartburn, indigestion and flatulence. In this way, natural remedies can provide welcome relief to after-eating problems.

More Information on Indigestion

Tips to Avoid Indigestion

Avoiding problem foods that you know cause upset in the stomach. (This may be spicy foods, some sea foods, or rich sauces).
Eat several smaller meals throughout instead of one or two huge meals at one sitting.
As much as possible, avoid fatty, greasy foods, or processed foods with high fat and salt content, such as fast foods.
Eat slowly, and chew food well.
Try not to drink fizzy drinks with your meal. Rather wait till 15 minutes after a meal to drink a beverage – and even then, small sips are best.
If you smoke, try to quit in a natural manner.
Find ways to relax and decrease stress – yoga and meditation can help to calm anxiety.
Give your body a chance to digest food! It is never a good idea to take part in any activity directly after a meal. Try to eat at least an hour beforehand, or eat after playing sports or being physically active.