How to Treat Indigestion Effectively?

NUD or Non Ulcer Dyspepsia is the medical terminology for indigestion not associated with an ulcer. GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is another commonly used term.

What Causes Indigestion?

Indigestion occurs due to a host of factors which raise the intra-abdominal pressure and thus, cause the gastric contents to regurgitate up in to the esophagus. The following are the commonest causes of indigestion:

• Over eating
• Staying hungry for long intervals of time
• Obesity
• Hiatus hernia
• Too much consumption of fried foods
• Smoking
• Consuming too much of caffeinated and aerated beverages
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Impaired LES or lower esophageal sphincter
• Mental Stress
• Low intake of dietary fiber

Symptoms of Indigestion

Common manifestations are: heart burn, burning in the chest and abdomen, flatulence, bloating, heaviness in the abdomen, cramps, and infrequently water brash and nausea.

Home Remedies to Treat Indigestion

By and large, eliminating the causative agent or treating the cause for the disorder is enough to allay the symptoms of indigestion.

Food prescriptions to manage dyspepsia include:

• Fennel Seeds Help Reduce Bloating And Gas Formation:Fennel seeds have powerful medicinal benefits. The herb is a carminative and an anti-spasmodic. It strengthens the stomach lining and relieves pain. After your meal, chew on 2 to 3 tablespoons of fennel seeds. It will provide immediate relief.
• Ginger Decreases Stomach Cramps And Stomach Bloating: Ginger enjoys a long tradition of soothing the symptoms of GI distress. A wonderful carminative, it helps in the ejection of wind. Ginger soothes the entire gastro-intestinal tract. Have 1 cup of ginger tea, to which cinnamon and cardamom powder has been added; it is an excellent digestive aid.
• Mint Treats Indigestion Effectively: Mint is highly valuable in allaying spasms and cramps of the GI canal and significantly decreases gas formation. Menthol in mint is the chief factor that has a bowel-comforting effect. Consuming 1 cup of mint tea every morning averts indigestion attacks effectively.

Guidelines to Prevent the Occurrence of Indigestion

Chronic cases of dyspepsia and indigestion are a huge cause for worry. Neglected, it could progress in to serious diseases. The likelihood of developing irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer, and gastritis increases.

• Do not remain hungry for long intervals periods of time. Snack every four hours.
• Eat small frequent meals through the day.
• Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol.
• Eliminate caffeinated aerated drinks from your diet.
• It is important to sit up for 45 minutes after eating, to prevent reflux. Never lie down after eating.
• Avoid eating within 2 and ½ hours of bed time.

Dyspepsia is the most common gastro-intestinal disturbance and can be easily tackled effectively. Nevertheless, timely steps must be taken before the condition aggravates.