7 Natural Ways to Remedy Heartburn and Indigestion Without Nasty Antacids
JAMES COLQUHOUN
The root of indigestion can be caused by a number of things. From indulging in too much of a good thing, to the bug that’s currently making its way around and causing trouble down your esophagus. Regardless of the reason, when we’re feeling that nasty burn we need relief, fast. Yet our first line of defense shouldn’t be reaching for the less-than-natural approach when an all-natural remedy may be just as effective. Try these all-natural solutions before you reach for your next antacid and see for yourself!
1. Calcium Carbonate
For a stomach upset with heartburn or acid indigestion, try pure calcium carbonate - the active ingredient in most antacids. Find an easily absorbed powdered or liquid version to relieve pain fast. If you have chronic heartburn or osteoporosis, speak with your doctor about safely supplementing with calcium.
2. Baking Soda
Instead of the fizzy, heartburn-relieving tablets, sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is an inexpensive and effective solution. One teaspoon mixed into a glass of warm water will help to relieve your symptoms by alkalizing the body and buffering acids.
3. Herbal Teas
Hear me out. Tea may sound overly simplified or a little too basic an approach, but the potent healing properties of herbs should not be taken lightly. Licorice root is a powerful herb that soothes inflammation, promotes digestion and has gentle laxative properties. Fennel seed, peppermint, and chamomile also all have soothing, digestion-promoting properties that can help to ease digestive discomfort.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV may be used to treat acid reflux and general indigestion. The acetic acid in the cider vinegar may help to lower the stomach acidity while improving digestion. Start with a dose of 1 tablespoon taken before or after a meal.
5. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is the next “green juice”. This supplement is being added to daily drinks and potions as an effective cleansing remedy. Whether it’s food poisoning, gas and bloating, or even a hangover, activated charcoal helps to trap toxins in millions of charged microscopic pores, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and allowing us to eliminate them through the bowels. Take the recommended dosage at the first sign of symptoms and be sure to drink plenty of water to help to flush the toxins through the system.
6. Ginger
This classic herbal remedy eases digestive upsets and stomach cramping caused by overeating, food poisoning, or other general complaints. Warming in nature, with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can be taken fresh or dried, or made into teas and tinctures. For many, the act of even sucking on a piece of raw ginger can help to alleviate symptoms.
7. Digestive Enzymes
Stop indigestion before it starts with digestive enzymes. While they may not be for everyone, digestive enzymes can be a life-changing solution to chronic indigestion or poor digestion, helping to break down foods more effectively and thoroughly and causing the body to absorb nutrients from harder to digest foods. If you experience food allergies or sensitivities, have sensitive digestion, undigested food in your stool, or experience gas and bloating after meals regularly, digestive enzymes may help prevent symptoms and enhance nutrient absorption. Take approximately 20-30 minutes before meals, and speak with your doctor about long-term usage.
Have You Tried Any Of These Solutions Before? Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Below!
If you haven’t already, join our free global challenge at www.GetOffTheGluten.com to receive daily recipes & health tips, access to our private group for support and inspiration, plus before and after testing to track your progress in key areas of your life such as weight, sleep, bloating, skin-conditions, mental health and more!
James Colquhoun is the filmmaker behind Food Matters, Hungry For Change, and Transcendence Seasons 1 & 2 and founder of Food Matters and FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded the Food Matters community following the release of the 2008 documentary, giving people the tools (films, books, articles, and guided programs) to take charge of their own health. From here, FMTV was born! It was designed as a place where you can access vital information by watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews, & recipe videos in one place, and in early 2020 FMTV found it's new home on Gaia.