Have you got indigestion? Many people do. Digestive disturbances contribute to bloating, discomfort, gas, halitosis, and heartburn. Incomplete digestion can lead to colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel. Here are a few suggestions for how to ease tummy troubles now:
• Try ume concentrate or umeboshi plum paste. Both can be found in Asian markets or health food stores and are very alkalinizing and have antimicrobial properties. Stir 1 teaspoon (5 g) of the paste or 1/8 teaspoon of the concentrate into 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water and drink it slowly, up to 3 times daily.
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Gulping cold things may further irritate the digestive tract.
• Papaya tablets contain papain, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein. Take 1 or 2 after a meal that feels difficult to digest.
• Drink 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar (28 ml) and raw honey (13 g) in a glass of warm water daily for its pH balancing effect.
• Use a probiotic supplement to help colonize the digestive tract with friendly microorganisms.
• You can also massage clockwise over the abdomen with 1 ounce (28 ml) coconut oil scented with 20 drops total anise, fennel, and ginger essential oils (good for several applications).
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Avoid peppermint and spearmint as they can irritate the gut wall. Sugar, juices, milk, fatty foods, overly spicy foods, and tomato products can all be contributing factors in heartburn, so you may want to minimize or avoid them. Taking baking soda or sodium bicarbonate preparations can also upset the body’s acid/alkaline balance. Don’t cook in aluminum and copper cookware. Commercial antacids may contain aluminum and bring quick relief, but in the long run, they are not the best choice. Also note that it is best to not lie down when experiencing heartburn to avoid a backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. If you must lie down, lie on your left side as this position aids digestion and helps remove stomach acid. Sleeping on the right side has been shown to worsen heartburn.
This Home Remedies For Indigestion article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
