Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Home Remedies for Indigestion?

B. Miller
B. Miller

The best home remedies for indigestion involve simple items that many people have in their kitchens, such as pineapple juice, baking soda, or even just warm water. Mixing a little bit of baking soda in with lukewarm water and drinking it is a very helpful home remedy for indigestion. In addition, drinking a small glass of pineapple juice or eating a few pieces of pineapple can help to promote digestion and prevent indigestion and heartburn from occurring in the first place. Consuming Supergreens on a daily basis is another home remedy for indigestion that you can incorporate into your schedule. Supergreens contain digestive enzymes that help food move through the body more quickly and easily.

Some home remedies for indigestion may work for some people and not work for others. Peppermint, for example, helps some people with their indigestion, while it causes heartburn in others. Unfortunately, it may take a bit of trial and error before finding an indigestion remedy that works. Some people find that drinking a glass of warm water, plain, can help with indigestion; adding a bit of honey to the water may help as well.

An antacid.
An antacid.

Though it may seem counterintuitive or unpleasant, going for a walk is one of the best home remedies for indigestion. It will help to encourage digestion and prevent the food from being pushed back up into the esophagus. Wearing tight clothing, especially a tight belt, can also cause problems, so loosening it can help encourage digestion. Someone suffering indigestion should not lie down flat; this will just make it worse. If a person is prone to getting indigestion, he or she should stop eating at least two or three hours before planning on going to bed.

Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.

There are some simple home remedies for indigestion as well. Chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy can help to produce more saliva, which can help to encourage digestion. While eating, a person should take small bites of food and eat slowly; eating quickly can cause heartburn because the person often ends up eating too much and the stomach acid may then back up into the esophagus. Though not technically a home remedy, losing weight is often recommended for those people who suffer from frequent indigestion. Dietary changes can help to prevent heartburn; for instance, spicy foods often cause heartburn in many people.

Sucking on hard candy may help encourage digestion.
Sucking on hard candy may help encourage digestion.

Frequent indigestion can lead to physical damage to the esophagus, and home remedies for indigestion may not be enough. In that case, it may be necessary for the sufferer to visit a doctor, who may be able to make specific dietary recommendations or prescribe a medication to prevent indigestion and to help repair any damage to the esophagus. Over-the-counter antacid products can also help to neutralize stomach acid in the meantime.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An antacid.
      By: Blue Lemon Photo
      An antacid.
    • Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
      By: Viktor
      Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
    • Sucking on hard candy may help encourage digestion.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Sucking on hard candy may help encourage digestion.
    • Chewing gum will cause the mouth to produce more saliva, which may help aid digestion.
      By: blende40
      Chewing gum will cause the mouth to produce more saliva, which may help aid digestion.
    • Walking can be a remedy for indigestion.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Walking can be a remedy for indigestion.
    • Eating fresh pineapple can help treat indigestion.
      By: Malyshchyts Viktar
      Eating fresh pineapple can help treat indigestion.
    • Peppermint candies may help relieve indigestion.
      By: VIPDesign
      Peppermint candies may help relieve indigestion.
    • Stress and indigestion can be controlled by modifying one's diet.
      By: michaeljung
      Stress and indigestion can be controlled by modifying one's diet.