Waking up to a tummy that makes you feel bloated and blah is an awful way to start your day. Indigestion gets to all of us – no matter what our age, size, or gender is. So here are some quick natural ways to beat the abdominal discomfort and cure indigestion that don’t require you to run to the local chemist’s. Simply take a peek into your kitchen pantry and you’ll find all the necessary ingredients to treat your sick tummy!
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is made of sodium bicarbonate that works as an antacid. It helps neutralize the acid in your stomach, reacting with the excess hydrochloric acid. This breaks down the effect of the acid in your stomach and also detoxifies your entire digestive system to relieve you from indigestion symptoms like heartburn. Mix baking soda with water, add a few drops of honey or lemon juice for taste and drink up!
2. Ginger
Ginger has been associated with treating indigestion for the longest time. It contains a high amount of antioxidants including gingerols that help to relieve indigestion and nausea. In addition to this, it is suggested that its phenolic compounds may help reduce gastric contractions, relieve stomach irritation, and also reduce inflammation.
3. Peppermint
If you’re looking for a remedy that has some zing, turn to peppermint. The oil of this plant helps soothe muscle spasms in the intestines and also cures nausea. Make yourself a good cup of steaming hot peppermint tea and your tummy will have plenty to thank you for!
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds contain natural oil compounds like fenchone and estragole that help get rid of gas from the intestinal tract. Because these oils are volatile in nature, they also trigger the production of gastric juices, thus ensuring a smooth digestive process. Fennel seeds also have antispasmodic properties that work to relax the muscle cells lining the respiratory system, stomach, and intestines. To get the benefits of these tiny seeds, simply make yourself some fennel tea. Alternatively, you may even consume these seeds with water.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent source of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and other minerals that help to keep your digestion process going smooth. Vinegar being acidic in nature helps dissolve fats and also helps prevent acid reflux. Because the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is alkaline in nature, it helps neutralize the acid in your stomach, thus relieving you of indigestion symptoms. You can either mix some apple cider vinegar into a glass of water or take it with some honey. Also, try to buy the raw, organic variety that comes in an unfiltered form to get the best results.
6. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are popularly known for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. They help stimulate comfortable digestion and help alleviate the symptoms of an upset stomach. Coriander also contains an essential oil called urandrol that helps detoxify your liver. Coriander seeds also help increase your appetite – a major factor that helps cure indigestion. All you have to do is infuse coriander seeds in water and drink this for a week to see the difference.
7. Ripe Bananas
A little extra fiber in your system will help get things moving in your stomach the right way. Ripe bananas are rich in dietary fiber and aid with digestion by ensuring proper bowel movement. Also, the high levels of potassium in this fruit helps to manage the fluid levels in your body that are cause uncomfortable abdominal bloating. However, we suggest you don’t eat more than one a day because too much dietary fiber can end up making you constipated, in which case you won’t stand a chance in fighting off that stubborn bloat!
