What is Indigestion?
Often, we ignore any minor discomfort in the stomach, chalking it up to just ‘some constipation.’ While that might be true, it could be a symptom of another underlying problem. Namely, indigestion.
Indigestion is a common condition characterised by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It is often related to eating and can include a variety of symptoms that may be chronic or occur occasionally. While this problem is not too serious, it can cause discomfort and be disruptive to our daily lives.
This common problem has some very simple solutions too; read on for some Ayurvedic remedies for indigestion!
What causes Indigestion?
Before we learn about Ayurvedic solutions for indigestion, let’s find out why this problem occurs.
- Over-eating or eating too quickly: This overloads the digestive system.
- Fatty, spicy and acidic foods: These can irritate the stomach lining or cause excess acid production.
- Caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks: These aggravate the problem
- Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can affect digestion and exacerbate symptoms.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can increase stomach acid and delay stomach emptying.
- Certain medications: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Aspirin, certain antibiotics and other medications can irritate the stomach and cause indigestion.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort.
- Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterial infection causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, causing indigestion.
Symptoms of Indigestion:
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort: This is described as a burning sensation or heaviness in the stomach.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach, which is sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Burping and Belching: Frequent passing of has through the mouth.
- Early Satiety: The feeling of being full quickly while eating food.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation behind the breastbone, often associated with acid reflux.
Diagnosing Indigestion:
- Medical history and Physical exam: Assessing symptoms and possible triggers.
- Endoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted to view the upper digestive tract.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or CT scans to check for structural issues.
- Blood, stool and breath tests: Used to identify infections or underlying conditions.
Ayurvedic remedies for Indigestion:
Ayurveda states that indigestion is caused due to an imbalance in all three doshas: The Vata, Pita and Kapha. Factors such as cold raw foods, lack of physical activity and irregular eating habits disrupt the Agni, or the digestive fire in the body, causing indigestion.
Here are some Ayurvedic remedies you can follow that will help relieve the symptoms of indigestion:
- Ginger: This root helps in the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes that help digest stubborn fats in food. It can be eaten as slices or taken with tea.
- Tulsi: Also known as basil, this helps drive away intestinal gases and reduces bloating. Take 5 to 6 leaves, grind them into a paste, and add it to 2 to 4 tablespoons of yoghurt with a pinch of salt and pepper. Consume 2 to 3 times a day for best results.
- Saunf: Eating a handful of fennel seeds with water after meals helps in healthy digestion.
- Ajwain: Carom seeds are traditionally used to cure indigestion. Eat a spoonful after every meal, or grind it with dry ginger into a fine powder and consume it with a glass of water every day.
- Jeera: Cumin seeds aid in the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that help in digestion. Grind a handful of jeera into a fine powder and add it to a glass of water. Alternatively, put it in milk with a bit of pepper for a tasty, healthy drink.
More ways to help cure indigestion:
Dietary Recommendations:
- Eat warm, freshly cooked and easily digestible foods.
- Follow a diet that balances the doshas and is best suited to your constitutions.
- Follow a regular eating schedule; eat at regular intervals and avoid skipping meals.
Lifestyle changes:
- Engage in regular physical activities like walking, yoga or light exercise to stimulate digestion.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and mindfulness.
- Ensure that you follow a regular sleep routine and get enough rest to support overall health
Ayurvedic medicine for Indigestion:
Jamna Herbals’ J Enzyme syrup is armed with the power of cinnamon, jeera, ashwagandha, mulethi, and more herbs that help reduce symptoms of indigestion. Take 2 teaspoons of the syrup twice daily or per your physician’s advice. It is advised to take the JP Liv Tablet simultaneously for best results.
