Almost everyone will experience indigestion at some point in their lives. But that doesn’t make it any less unpleasant when it does come around – especially after enjoying a delicious meal.
In most cases, indigestion isn’t a sign of anything serious and is usually triggered by the foods and drinks we consume as part of our diet.
Fortunately, you can normally help relieve indigestion without the need to see a doctor, thanks to convenient over-the-counter options like Rennie® Peppermint.
However, if you haven’t got a pack of Rennie® Peppermint to hand, you may wish to consider whether you could ease your symptoms from the comfort of your own home.
How does indigestion feel?
First things first – it’s important to recognise when you’re actually experiencing indigestion.
Otherwise known as dyspepsia, indigestion can be felt in different ways and trigger several symptoms. These may include:
- Heartburn (a painful, burning sensation in the chest)
- Feeling full and bloated
- Feeling sick
- Burping or belching
- Flatulence
- Having a bitter taste in your mouth
- Bringing up food or fluid into your throat
These symptoms normally develop shortly after eating and tend to come and go in bouts, rather than being constant. You may also notice them more frequently after consuming certain products, such as alcohol, fatty foods, spicy dishes, rich foods, caffeine or cola.
Natural remedies for indigestion
If you don’t have a packet of Rennie® immediately available to hand, there are a number of natural remedies that may help relieve your symptoms. Let’s explore some of the best options you can try.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda)
Baking soda may be used as a remedy to help ease indigestion. In fact, sodium bicarbonate (another name for baking soda) is often used as an ingredient within antacids – medications specifically designed to help relieve heartburn and indigestion.
However, it is important not to guess the dosage, and for this reason, rather than using baking soda, we advise using an over-the-counter medicine for which the directions for use and safety information are stated on the pack.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries in different cultures as a herbal remedy for various complaints, including digestive issues and upset stomachs. Although there is little in the way of scientific evidence, some people believe that ginger may help with the symptoms of indigestion.
Ginger can be consumed as ginger tea, added to smoothies or used in cooking, so it’s easy to find ways of including it in your diet.
Using natural remedies at home
While the at-home remedies mentioned above may help manage indigestion in the short term, they shouldn’t be relied on as a regular form of treatment.
For tailored advice and support on how to manage your indigestion symptoms, it’s always best to speak to your doctor or local pharmacist.
Other remedies for indigestion
As the old phrase goes, prevention is better than cure. So, with that in mind, there are several steps you can take – not only to relieve indigestion when it strikes but also to help prevent it from coming back.
- Think about what and how you eat – if you’re already experiencing indigestion, steer clear of foods and drinks that may worsen symptoms. Cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol. When it comes to food, try to avoid rich, spicy or fatty items. Indigestion is often triggered by eating too quickly or consuming large portions. Aim to eat slowly, chew each mouthful thoroughly, and, where possible, eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Don’t smoke – while smoking may seem like it helps with digestion, the chemicals you inhale may actually contribute to indigestion. They can cause the ring of muscle that separates your oesophagus from your stomach to relax, leading to heartburn
- Reduce your stress levels – stress and anxiety can contribute to or worsen indigestion, so why not try some relaxation techniques? Breathing exercises, talking to a loved one or performing gentle exercises may help make a difference
- Maintain a healthy weight – being overweight puts more pressure on your stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to be pushed back up into your oesophagus (acid reflux). If you’re overweight or obese, it’s important to lose weight safely and steadily through regular exercise and by eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Change your sleeping position – if you tend to experience indigestion symptoms at night, use a couple of pillows to prop your head and shoulders up or raise the head of your bed by a few inches by putting something underneath the mattress to help prevent stomach acid moving up into your oesophagus while you are asleep.
- Seek professional advice – if you find that the remedies listed above aren’t alleviating your symptoms, or if they’re getting worse, make sure to speak to your doctor for personalised advice and potential alternative treatment options
How to relieve indigestion fast
If you’re looking for quick relief from indigestion, Rennie® is designed to provide just that.
Formulated with calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, Rennie® Peppermint can provide fast-acting relief by neutralising excess stomach acid.
It works by converting the acid into water and other natural substances.
Discover the full product range here.
When to see a doctor about indigestion
Indigestion is very common and, in most cases, isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you’re experiencing it regularly or alongside other symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Key symptoms to look out for include:
- Severe pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in your poo (black stools)
- Feeling generally unwell and tired
- Vomiting
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Feel like you have a lump in your stomach
If you experience any of these symptoms, reach out for support from your doctor.
Indigestion is a common issue that many of us face from time to time. While at-home remedies like baking soda or ginger may be able to help relieve some discomfort, Rennie® offers fast-acting relief to help reduce your symptoms quickly.
TIPS & ADVICE
A busy life can be hard on the stomach and anyone can be affected by heartburn, indigestion or trapped wind at some point. But if you often find yourself in discomfort, sometimes just a few simple changes to your lifestyle can really help to ease those uncomfortable symptoms.
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