With winters around the corner, we are not far away from consecutive weddings, parties and late-night outings. This season of nighttime socializing can take place anywhere, however, one factor will remain common through it – food!
There are is no denying that our guts are severely overworked every time we let go cannot stop hogging all the paye, nihari and Haleem daawats. So, how do we cope up? For the avid health buffs, it is easy to watch what they eat and prioritize their well-being and finding other food alternatives; but for the majority who wait all year to eat shaadi biryanis, there are other ways to keep your bowels in form.
Many digestive remedies and over-the-counter options are available to cumber everyday gas and bloating.
Home Remedies and Eastern Medicine
Ginger
Ginger is a common natural remedy for an upset stomach and indigestion. It contains chemicals called gingerols and shogaols that can help speed up stomach contractions. This may move foods that are causing indigestion through the stomach more quickly.
The chemicals in ginger may also help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. People with an upset stomach could try adding ginger to their food or drinking it as a tea. Some all-natural ginger ales may also contain enough ginger to settle an upset stomach.
Mint
In addition to sweetening the breath, the menthol in mint may help with the following:
- preventing vomiting and diarrhea
- reducing muscle spasms in the intestines
- relieving pain
Researchers have found that mint is a traditional treatment for indigestion, gas, and diarrhea in Iran, Pakistan, and India.
People with an upset stomach could try adding 1 tsp of good-quality cinnamon powder, or an inch of cinnamon stick, to their meals.
Raw and cooked mint leaves are both suitable for consumption. Traditionally, people often boil mint leaves with cardamom to make a tea. It is also possible to powder or juice mint leaves and mix them with other teas, beverages, or foods.
Sucking on mint candies might be another way to help reduce the pain and discomfort of heartburn.
Lime or Lemon Juice, Baking Soda, and Water
Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help to relieve a variety of digestive complaints.
This mixture produces carbonic acid, which may help to reduce gas and indigestion. It may also improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. The acidity and other nutrients in lime or lemon juice can help to digest and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and reducing acidity in the stomach.
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Most traditional recipes recommend mixing the following quantities:
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) of fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda
- 8 oz of clean water
Carmina
Carmina is an over-the-counter digestive available in Pakistan and some other southeast Asian countries and is known to be an effective herbal medicine since years. It is a product of Hamdard pharmaceuticals and essentially an Unani herbal supplement that helps to:
- control dyspepsia
- eases indigestion
- flatulence
- heaviness in abdomen
- irritable bowel syndrome
Carmina Plus may be taken by people of all ages. It may also be taken during pregnancy. For children the dose is 1/2 to 1 tablet according to age.
For further details on dosage specification in different conditions like, nausea am vomiting, visit their website.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains several antioxidants that may help ease digestion and reduce the risk of irritation and damage in the digestive tract. Some of the antioxidants in cinnamon include:
- eugenol
- cinnamaldehyde
- linalool
- camphor
Other substances in cinnamon may help to reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and belching. They may also help to neutralize stomach acidity to reduce heartburn and indigestion.
People with an upset stomach could try adding 1 tsp of good-quality cinnamon powder, or an inch of cinnamon stick, to their meals. Alternatively, they could try mixing the cinnamon with boiling water to make a tea. Doing this two or three times daily may help to relieve indigestion.
Cloves
Cloves contain substances that may help to reduce gas in the stomach and increase gastric secretions. This can speed up slow digestion, which may reduce pressure and cramping. Cloves may also help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
A person with an upset stomach could try mixing 1 or 2 tsps of ground or powdered cloves with 1 tsp of honey once a day before bedtime. For nausea and heartburn, they could combine the cloves with 8 oz of boiling water instead to make a clove tea, which they should drink slowly once or twice daily.
Fennel Seed
This antispasmodic herb can also remedy indigestion after a meal, as well as soothe other gastrointestinal problems like stomach cramping, nausea, and bloating.
Put 1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seed in water and allow it to boil for 10 minutes before drinking. Drink fennel tea whenever you experience indigestion. Another option is to chew fennel seed after meals if certain foods cause indigestion.
Possible side effects of fennel include nausea, vomiting, and sun sensitivity.
Coconut Water
Coconut water contains high levels of potassium and magnesium. These nutrients help to reduce pain, muscle spasms, and cramps. Coconut water is also useful for rehydrating and is a better option than most sports drinks as it is also low in calories, sugar, and acidity.
Slowly sipping on up to 2 glasses of coconut water every 4–6 hours could ease upset stomach symptoms.
Bananas
Bananas contain vitamin B6, potassium, and folate. These nutrients can help to ease cramps, pains, and muscle spasms. Bananas can also help by adding bulk to loose stools, which can alleviate diarrhea.
When to See a Doctor
An upset stomach and indigestion should not usually cause concern. For most people, symptoms should go away within a few hours. As older adults and children can become dehydrated much more quickly, they should seek medical attention for vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than a day.
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People with severe, frequent, or persistent stomach problems should talk to a doctor. It is also best to seek medical attention if the following symptoms are present:
- continual or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
- chronic constipation
- fever
- bloody stool or vomit
- inability to pass gas
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- arm pain
- unintentional weight loss
- a lump in the abdomen or stomach
- difficulty swallowing
- history of iron-deficiency anemia or associated conditions
- pain when urinating
Summary
You don’t have to live with frequent indigestion. Stomach discomfort can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to. See if these home remedies help but visit a doctor about any worrisome symptoms.
The FDA doesn’t monitor herbs and remedies for quality, so research your brand choices. The sooner you see a doctor, get a diagnosis, and begin treatment, the sooner you can feel better and enjoy your social life freely.