Indigestion, commonly referred to as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, is a condition in which you experience discomfort in your upper abdomen. A group of symptoms, including stomach pain and a feeling of fullness soon after eating, are referred to as indigestion. Indigestion may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases.

Even while indigestion is regularly felt, every individual may experience it significantly differently. Indigestion symptoms could show up occasionally or frequently. Typically, it doesn’t warrant any concern. Be mindful of persistent indigestion, though, as it might affect your quality of life. It can be a sign of a more serious gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) problem. To control dyspepsia, however, dietary changes and medications are typically sufficient. If you think you may be suffering from indigestion, seek an online doctor consultation with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata. 

Causes of indigestion

Indigestion could be caused by a variety of factors. Indigestion can be triggered by specific foods, beverages, or drugs and is frequently connected to lifestyle. Common causes of dyspepsia include overeating or eating too quickly, consuming an excessive amount of fatty, oily, or spicy foods, and consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or carbonated beverages. Smoking, specific drugs, pain relievers, iron supplements, and mental illnesses like anxiety can all cause indigestion.

What are the home remedies available to treat indigestion?

Depending on the root cause, many kinds of remedies are available to treat indigestion. A change in lifestyles, such as giving up alcohol or spicy food, can help relieve dyspepsia. If your indigestion doesn’t go away, your doctor might give you some medicine. Booking an online doctor consultation with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata may help you find a solution to your problem.

In the meantime, try the following DIY home remedies:

Baking soda and Lemon juice

Unpleasant feelings that accompany the signs and symptoms including heartburn, vomiting, and indigestion can be brought on by too much stomach acid.

In order to alleviate such symptoms, many patients suffering from a bout of higher-than-normal levels of stomach acid resort to over-the-counter (OTC) pills and liquid forms of antacids. Akin to the effect produced by such chemically manufactured medicines, consuming baking soda and lemon juice may help neutralise excess stomach acid. Symptoms of esophageal burn, stomach gas and indigestion are all ameliorated as a result of the drink producing a copious amount of carbonic acid in the stomach due to its composition. The acid in lemons also lessens your stomach’s production of acid. Book an online doctor consultation with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata to gain further insight into the dos and don’ts of treatment.

Cold milk

Acidity can be quickly and effectively reduced by drinking cold milk. Milk provides rapid alleviation of symptoms because it is rich in calcium, a nutrient that is essential for avoiding the accumulation of excess levels of stomach acid. Additionally, it acts as a coolant and helps in gradually absorbing the extra stomach acid, neutralising its impact on both the intestinal as well as the esophageal tract. The burning sensation and agony that one can experience from acid reflux therefore can both be reduced by drinking cool milk. However, it is perhaps advisable to avoid the consumption of cold milk in certain cases, such as if you develop a sudden bout of acid reflux right after a meal, since then it may impede your natural digestive process and exacerbate your acid reflux symptoms which were occurring due to indigestion in the first place. 

Bananas 

Enriched with a plethora of essential nutrients such as vitamins, and folate, bananas are a lesser-known yet very potent edible remedy to the symptoms of indigestion and acidity. They might help in lowering your stomach’s acid secretion rate and the burning sensation that it produces, thereby providing you with a soothing sense of relief from hyperacidity. Additionally, the consumption of bananas can help with adding fibrous volume to loose and watery faeces which reduces diarrhoea in a suffering individual.

This fruit’s nutrient-dense composition can soothe an irritated esophageal membrane lining by covering it with a delicate coating. In addition to being alkaline, bananas are also a good source of pectin, a soluble fibre that keeps food moving smoothly through the digestive system. The longer your appetite feels satiated, the less likely you are to binge eat or consume excess food that can lead to an upset stomach.

Cinnamon

It is not a widely known fact “dalchini ” or cinnamon is not only a spice but also an effective natural ingredient that can help treat symptoms of acidity and the stomach’s digestive abilities. In order to combat the acidity brought on by indigestion, cinnamon may be used as a spice for flavour in a variety of Indian culinary recipes such as biryanis or vegetable subzis and curries. When consumed through meals, due to its natural composition with an added constituent of anti-acid properties, the ingredient can help mitigate symptoms of heartburn, stomach pain and other digestive issues. With the goal of combating acidity through a natural and unmedicated approach in mind, it is advised to consume a pinch of cinnamon powder or even gently nibble on a raw stick if you are frequently suffering from acidity after meals.

A teaspoon of honey or water with a bit of cinnamon powder added is a quick fix for reducing acidity. Consume it after meals. Try out an online doctor consultation with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata who may offer you further professional advice.

Conclusion 

It is not uncommon for gastrointestinal problems to occur every now and then. However, recurrent stomach problems could make it challenging for you to perform day-to-day activities like eat, sleep, or impede the progress of necessary daily chores. If your quality of life is being negatively impacted by indigestion, it’s time to see a doctor. There are various specialists who can help with digestive problems. Healthcare workers such as general practitioners, dietitians, gastroenterologists, and therapists may be able to offer you some help.