Indigestion can spoil a good meal. This occurs when stomach acid injures the tissues of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines. Indigestion can make you feel bloated and bloated, nauseous, and even cause pain and burning in your stomach. The following things you can do to relieve it.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Relieves the Symptoms
Step 1. Recognize indigestion
Most digestive disorders can be treated at home. However, if you have severe indigestion or feel very uncomfortable, you should contact your doctor to make sure that you are not experiencing a more serious illness. The symptoms are:
- Nauseous. In some cases, people may even vomit.
- Feeling bloated or bloated.
- Stomach, bowel, or esophagus pain or burning.
Step 2. Take antacids
This drug is sold over the counter. Antacids neutralize stomach acid so it is not too acidic, thereby reducing irritation to the digestive tract tissue.
- Take antacids as soon as you start to feel the symptoms. If you often experience indigestion after dinner, take an antacid immediately after eating. If needed, take another antacid before bed. In general, antacids are effective for 20 minutes to several hours.
- You can buy it at the nearest pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the label and don't eat more than the recommended amount. Consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking care of children.
Step 3. Consumption of alginate
This substance forms a foam that floats in the stomach and prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
- Alginate will be more effective if taken after eating. That way, the alginate will stay in the stomach for a longer time and function when the amount of stomach acid is very high.
- Some antacids also contain alginate. Read the information whether the antacid you have contains alginate or not on the packaging. If you are pregnant, nursing, or caring for a child, talk to your doctor to make sure it's okay to take this medicine.
Step 4. Use home remedies
Some foods and ingredients at home that can help relieve indigestion. Although scientifically untested, some people find these methods effective. Check with your doctor before taking any medications or herbal supplements to make sure they won't interact with other medications you're taking. Some drugs that can be tried are:
- Milk. Milk will help cover the lining of the esophagus and stomach so it is protected from stomach acid.
- Oatmeal. A bowl of oatmeal will help absorb excess stomach acid.
- Peppermint tea. Peppermint tea can help soothe the intestines and reduce nausea.
- STW5. STW5 is a supplement that is thought to reduce stomach acid production because it contains bitter candytuft, peppermint, cumin, and licorice.
- Artichoke leaf extract. Artichoke leaf extract can aid digestion by increasing bile substances.
- Ginger. Ginger can help relieve stomach pain and relieve nausea. You can consume it in the form of tea, candy, or ginger ale. If you choose to drink ginger ale, try to let it sit until the foam is gone so that the carbonation gas doesn't aggravate your indigestion.
Step 5. Consult a doctor for stronger medication
These drugs can be purchased over the counter, or require a prescription. However, you should discuss it with your doctor first before trying it. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, or caring for a child. Some drugs that can be tried are:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). This medicine reduces the amount of acid the body produces, but it may affect the use of other medicines used to treat epilepsy or prevent blood clots. PPIs can also cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, rash, and can decrease absorption of iron and vitamin B12.
- H2-receptor antagonist. This drug will reduce the acidity of the stomach acid and is considered very safe because it contains few side effects. H2-receptor antagonists are usually used when antacids, alginates, and PPIs do not work.
- Antibiotics. Use prescription antibiotics if you have indigestion due to a helicobacter pylori infection.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. These drugs can reduce pain due to indigestion.
Method 2 of 4: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Reduce consumption of foods that often cause indigestion
Some foods that can cause indigestion are:
- Fatty and heavy foods such as fast food.
- Spicy food. Indigestion is more likely to occur, especially if you usually eat non-spicy foods.
- Chocolate.
- Carbonated drinks such as soda.
- Caffeine includes coffee or tea (too much).
Step 2. Reduce alcohol consumption
Alcohol makes the body increase the amount of stomach acid production, thereby increasing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
Mixing alcohol with painkillers such as aspirin can increase its damage to the stomach
Step 3. Eat small meals frequently
This will prevent your stomach from stretching and working too hard from holding in too much food.
- Instead of 3 times a day, try to eat 5-6 times a day. You can do this by adding small portions of food between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well to make it easier for your body to digest food.
Step 4. Don't eat before bed
Consume your last meal at least three hours before bedtime. That way, the risk of excess stomach acid rising into the esophagus will be reduced.
While sleeping, try to keep your head and shoulders higher than your stomach by adding pillows. This will make it harder for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus
Method 3 of 4: Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Quit smoking
Smoking can damage the muscles that prevent acid from moving up into the esophagus. These muscles can become flaccid and make the body more susceptible to acid reflux disease.
The chemicals in cigarettes can also cause indigestion
Step 2. Reduce stress levels
Stress can make you more prone to indigestion. To control it, try using common relaxation techniques. Many people use the following techniques:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing technique
- Yoga
- Imagining soothing images
- Makes several muscle groups tense and relax progressively
Step 3. Control your weight
Excess body weight increases the pressure in the stomach. You can keep your weight within a healthy range by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
- Try to do 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. The sport in question can be in the form of running, walking, cycling, swimming, or other sports. Exercise will also help you manage stress.
- Eat healthy foods such as low-fat meats, low-fat dairy products, whole-grain breads, fruits, and vegetables every day.
- Women will usually be able to lose weight safely if they consume 1200-1500 calories per day. While men in general will be able to lose weight by consuming 1500-1800 calories per day. With this number of calories, you will be able to lose weight as much as 0.5 kg per week. Do not try more extreme diets unless under the supervision of a doctor.
Step 4. Check the medication you are taking
Do not stop taking or change medications without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative that won't make your indigestion worse.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can make indigestion worse.
- Nitrates, which are used to widen blood vessels, can make you more susceptible to acid reflux. This happens because nitrates can relax the muscle that keeps the opening between the esophagus and stomach.
- If a change in medication isn't possible, your doctor may recommend taking the medication with food.
Method 4 of 4: Calling a Doctor
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a heart attack
A heart attack requires immediate medical assistance. The following symptoms are signs of a heart attack and not indigestion:
- Panting breath
- Sweating
- Chest pain that escalates to the jaw, neck or hands
- Pain in left hand
- Pain in the chest when you are physically active or stressed.
Step 2. Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms
Severe symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying disease. The symptoms in question are:
- Vomiting blood
- Bloody stools that are black or dark in color
- Difficult to swallow
- Fatigue or anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Lose weight
- There is a lump in the stomach.
Step 3. Perform a health check
The doctor will check if you suffer from other digestive disorders such as:
- Gastritis
- Mag
- celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Constipation
- Pancreatitis
- Digestive system cancer
- Bowel problems such as obstruction or reduced blood flow.
Warning
- Talk to your doctor before taking any medications or herbal supplements if you are pregnant, nursing, or nursing a child.
- Read and follow the instructions on all drug labels, unless you get different instructions from your doctor.
