What is the best treatment for indigestion?
1. Over-the-Counter Medications For gas pain, medicine that has the ingredient simethicone (Mylanta, Gas-X) can help get rid of it. For heartburn from …
What are the treatments for an acidic stomach?
The most common medications that claim to relieve immediate symptoms are activated charcoal and simethicone (Gas X, Gas Relief). Herbal Remedies Peppermint and …
How to treat stomach pain in adults?
Jul 22, 2019 · Bananas are among the best additions to a low acid diet. They are also high in a soluble fiber called pectin that helps keep the contents of the stomach moving, which minimizes excess acid. Fennel: A naturally soothing low acid herb, addition of fennel to your diet can help ease discomfort from excess stomach acid.
What can I do to help an upset stomach?
Mar 15, 2022 · Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR). Medications that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief.
What to do when your stomach is full?
When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called "grazing"—eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily. 2. Avoid certain foods.
How to get acid out of your stomach?
Don't drink carbonated beverages. They make you burp, which sends acid into the esophagus. Drink flat water instead of sparkling water. 4. Stay up after eating. When you're standing, or even sitting, gravity alone helps keeps acid in the stomach, where it belongs. Finish eating three hours before you go to bed.
Can you have a sore throat from a virus?
Image: Bigstock. A few lifestyle changes are worth trying before resorting to drugs for controlling gastroesophageal reflux. If you are sounding a little hoarse and have a sore throat, you may be bracing for a cold or a bout of the flu. But if you've had these symptoms for a while, they might be caused not by a virus but by a valve—your lower ...
What is the backward flow of acid called?
The medical term for this process is gastroesophageal reflux; the backward flow of acid is called acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD.
What causes a bad taste in your mouth?
Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD.
How to get rid of esophagus?
1. Eat sparingly and slowly. When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called "grazing"—eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily. 2.
What happens when your stomach is full?
When the stomach is very full, there can be more reflux into the esophagus. If it fits into your schedule, you may want to try what is sometimes called "grazing"—eating small meals more frequently rather than three large meals daily.
Why is mucus important in the stomach?
This mucus is vitally important to the process. It protects the lining of your stomach so the acid and other gastric juices don’t damage the sensitive organ.
What is stomach acid?
Share on Pinterest. Nick David/GettyImages. Stomach acid, or gastric acid, is a watery, colorless fluid that’s produced by your stomach’s lining. It’s highly acidic and helps break down food for easier digestion. This helps your body absorb nutrients more easily as food moves through your digestive tract. In order to break down everything ...
Why is stomach acid acidic?
It’s highly acidic and helps break down food for easier digestion. This helps your body absorb nutrients more easily as food move s through your digestive tract. In order to break down everything from meat to tough, fibrous plants, stomach acid has to be highly acidic. Your body is designed to handle normal levels of stomach acid so it doesn’t cause ...
What happens if your stomach acid is too high?
If the level of acid in your gastric juices is too high, the mucus in your stomach may stop being effective. High stomach acid levels can lead to a number of complications, including: gastric ulcers. acid reflux.
Can stomach acid cause heartburn?
High levels of stomach acid can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and eventually ulcers. Low levels of stomach acid may impair your ability to digest food. Seek medical attention if you’re showing signs of low or high levels of acid. Both of these can be problematic if they’re chronic and not treated properly.
What is the pH of battery acid?
This scale ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the pH level, the stronger the fluid’s acidic levels. For example, battery acid has a pH of 0. It’s a highly potent acid. The least acidic fluids are at 14. They’re called alkaline liquids.
What is the best medicine for indigestion?
Ginger. Ginger is a common natural remedy for an upset stomach and indigestion. Ginger 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.
How to help an upset stomach?
Heat may relax tense muscles and ease indigestion, so taking a warm bath may help to ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. It could also be beneficial to apply a heated bag or pad to the stomach for 20 minutes or until it goes cool.
Can you have indigestion after eating?
Everyone experiences an upset stomach and indigestion, or dyspepsia, from time to time after eating or drinking. The condition is usually no cause for concern, and it is often possible to treat the symptoms using home remedies. Common symptoms of an upset stomach and indigestion include: heartburn, or acid reflux. nausea.
How long does it take for indigestion to go away?
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.
How much water should a woman drink a day?
In general, the Health and Medicine Division (HMD) recommend that: women should have around 2.7 liters (l), or 91 ounces (oz), of water a day. men should have about 3.7 l, or 125 oz, of water a day. Around 20 percent of this will come from food, with the rest coming from beverages.
Can vomiting cause heartburn?
2. Avoiding lying down. When the body is horizontal, the acid in the stomach is more likely to travel backward and move upward, which can cause heartburn.
Does ginger help with nausea?
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.
How to get rid of indigestion in the stomach?
Fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can trigger indigestion. Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
How to help indigestion?
Treatment. Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion. Your doctor may recommend: Avoiding foods that trigger indigestion. Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals. Reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and caffeine.
What tests are used to diagnose dyspepsia?
A tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis. Imaging tests (X-ray or CT scan), to check for intestinal obstruction or another issue. If initial testing fails to provide a cause, your doctor may diagnose functional dyspepsia.
How to get rid of a swollen stomach?
Spend time doing things you enjoy. Get plenty of sleep. Changing your medications. With your doctor's approval, stop or cut back on pain relievers or other medications that may irritate your stomach lining. If that's not an option, be sure to take these medications with food.
What are some ways to help with pain?
Herbal therapies such as peppermint and caraway. Psychological treatment, including behavior modification, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy. Acupuncture, which may work by blocking the pathways of nerves that carry sensations of pain to the brain. Mindfulness meditation.
What is STW 5?
STW 5 (Iberogast), a liquid supplement that contains extracts of herbs including bitter candytuft, peppermint leaves, caraway and licorice root. STW 5 may work by reducing the production of gastric acid.
What is the purpose of a laboratory test?
Laboratory tests, to check for anemia or metabolic disorders. Breath and stool tests, to check for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacterium associated with peptic ulcers, which can cause indigestion. H. pylori testing is controversial because studies suggest limited benefit from treating the bacterium unless it is associated ...
How to stop stomach pain?
You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely. It can help to: 1 Eat several smaller meals instead of three big ones 2 Chew your food slowly and well 3 Stay away from foods that bother you (spicy or fried foods, for example) 4 Ease stress with exercise, meditation, or yoga
How to get rid of gas in stomach?
Home Remedies. You might try a heating pad to ease belly pain. Chamomile or peppermint tea may help with gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has enough water. You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely. It can help to: Eat several smaller meals instead of three big ones.
What is the best medicine for gas pain?
For gas pain, medicine that has the ingredient simethicone (Mylanta, Gas-X) can help get rid of it. For heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), try an antacid or acid reducer (Pepcid AC, Zantac 75). For constipation, a mild stool softener or laxative may help get things moving again.
How to get rid of belly pain?
Chew your food slowly and well. Stay away from foods that bother you (spicy or fried foods, for example) Ease stress with exercise, meditation, or yoga. 3. When to See a Doctor. It's time to get medical help if: You have severe belly pain or the pain lasts several days.
How to know if you have appendicitis?
These may be signs of appendicitis. You're vomiting blood. You have a hard time breathing. You're pregnant and have belly pain or vaginal bleeding. 1. Over-the-Counter Medications. For gas pain, medicine that has the ingredient simethicone (Mylanta, Gas-X) can help get rid of it.
What is the best digestive aid for IBS?
Peppermint and peppermint oil have the best record as digestive aids, but there are many other foods that may help. In one study, Chinese herbal formulae outperformed placebos in soothing IBS symptoms. Commonly included ingredients are:
How to help gas pain?
Stomach Massage. A gentle self-massage can help ease pressure and cramping associated with gas and may even help relieve constipation. Rub your fingers in a small circular motion, moving clockwise and traveling up the right side of your stomach and down the left. Diet Changes.
What is gas pain?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Swallowed air. Carbonated beverages. Gas pain is often described as generalized or as cramp-like. More localized pain or pain that comes in waves may indicate a different cause. In addition, some women experience more gas during certain times of their cycle.
Does stomach pain go away on its own?
Most stomach pain and gas will go away on its own, but there are steps you can take to ease discomfort and prevent future gas pain. Gas-related stomach pain remedies include:
How long does stomach pain last?
You should also consult your doctor if: Your pain lasts more than a couple days. Stomach gas and pain remain well after an immediate cause, such as constipation, is relieved.
Does gas hurt when you eat?
As we eat, we swallow some air. Plus our digestive tracts produce additional gas as bacteria in the colon breaks down certain foods. As long as gas moves through the body, intestinal gas is not generally painful.
Is gas painful in the stomach?
As long as gas moves through the body , intestinal gas is not generally painful. However, when a bubble of gas gets trapped inside, the pain can range from mild to intense. Stomach pain and gas can result from a number of different things. Some of the most common causes of stomach pain and gas include:
How to reduce stomach acidity?
Along with adding low-acid foods to your diet to reduce or balance your stomach acidity, be mindful that what you do eat isn't high in acid. It doesn't matter how many bananas you eat per day if you follow them with a fried breakfast and a large coffee.
What foods help with stomach acid?
Fennel: A naturally soothing low acid herb, addition of fennel to your diet can help ease discomfort from excess stomach acid. Lettuce, celery and red peppers: These vegetables are all mild and low in acidity, ...
What are the processes of digestion?
According to the Riordan Clinic, stomach acid is necessary for four key digestive processes: 1 Proteolysis: The breakdown of proteins so that they can be sufficiently absorbed. Without this process, none of the key nutrients in your food could be absorbed. 2 Enzyme activation: In particular, the activation of pepsin, a key enzyme in the breakdown of proteins leading to proteolysis. 3 Chemical signaling: The beginning of the process of moving the contents of the stomach through to the small intestine is signaled by stomach acid. This is why a deficiency in stomach acid can lead to constipation. 4 Bacteria inhibition: Stomach acid actually kills a lot of damaging bacteria that may find its way into your body, making infections less likely. This does not mean that more acid equals less chance of infection, but what it does mean is that a healthy amount of stomach acid is necessary for the health of your digestive system.
What vegetables are good for acid reflux?
Green vegetables: Green vegetables are low in fat and sugar, two causes of acidity in the stomach. In addition, they tend to be alkaline —. especially asparagus, Brussels sprouts and kale. Melon: Melons are alkaline fruits that can help to balance the stomach's pH levels.
What foods help with acid reflux?
especially asparagus, Brussels sprouts and kale. Melon: Melons are alkaline fruits that can help to balance the stomach's pH levels. They are also naturally high in magnesium, which is frequently found in stomach acid medications. Oatmeal: High in fiber, oatmeal is a great addition to a low acid diet.
Is oatmeal good for acid reflux?
Oatmeal: High in fiber, oatmeal is a great addition to a low acid diet. It helps to keep food moving through the digestive system and helps you feel fuller for longer, so your desire for sugary, acidic snacks will be minimized.
Is stomach acid bad for you?
In short: No, stomach acid is not bad. It is the excess of stomach acid that causes problems, and this is controllable through the proper diet. In fact, stomach acid is an integral part of the digestive process.
How to help stomach acid?
Avoid irritating foods. Avoid foods that irritate your stomach, especially those that are spicy, acidic, fried or fatty. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can irritate the mucous lining of your stomach.
What is the best medicine for gastritis?
pylori. For H. pylori in your digestive tract, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, others) or metronidazole (Flagyl), to kill the bacterium. Be sure to take the full antibiotic ...
Does alcohol cause gastritis?
Alcohol can irritate the mucous lining of your stomach. Consider switching pain relievers. If you use pain relievers that increase your risk of gastritis, ask your doctor whether acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may be an option for you. This medication is less likely to aggravate your stomach problem.
What is the procedure to open the esophagus?
Close. Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). Although your doctor is likely to suspect gastritis ...
What is the procedure called when you insert a tube down your throat?
An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum).
How to detect H pylori?
H. pylori may be detected in a blood test, in a stool test or by a breath test. For the breath test, you drink a small glass of clear, tasteless liquid that contains radioactive carbon. H. pylori bacteria break down the test liquid in your stomach. Later, you blow into a bag, which is then sealed.
What happens if you get H pylori?
If you're infected with H. pylori, your breath sample will contain the radioactive carbon. Using a scope to examine your upper digestive system (endoscopy). During endoscopy, your doctor passes a flexible tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
What is the best treatment for H. pylori?
pylori infection, a doctor will treat your NSAID-induced peptic ulcer with PPIs or histamine receptor blockers and other medicines, such as antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylates, or antacids. PPIs reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
Does antacid help with peptic ulcers?
Antacids. An antacid may make the pain from a peptic ulcer go away temporarily, yet it will not kill H. pylori. If you receive treatment for an H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer, check with your doctor before taking antacids. Some of the antibiotics may not work as well if you take them with an antacid.
Can antibiotics kill H pylori?
pylori. How doctors prescribe antibiotics may differ throughout the world. Over time, some types of antibiotics can no longer destroy certain types of H. pylori. Antibiotics can cure most peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori or H. pylori -induced peptic ulcers.
Can antibiotics help with peptic ulcers?
Antibiotics can cure most peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori or H. pylori -induced peptic ulcers. However, getting rid of the bacteria can be difficult. Take all doses of your antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribes, even if the pain from a peptic ulcer is gone.
Does bismuth subsalicylate kill H. pylori?
Although bismuth subsalicylate can kill H. pylori, doctors sometimes prescribe it with antibiotics, not in place of antibiotics.
Can you take antibiotics for H pylori?
If you receive treatment for an H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer, check with your doctor before taking antacids. Some of the antibiotics may not work as well if you take them with an antacid. Check with your doctor before taking antacids while your ulcers are healing.
How long does it take for a peptic ulcer to heal?
When you have finished your medicines, your doctor may do another breath or stool test in 4 weeks or more to be sure the H. pylori infection is gone.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion. Your doctor may recommend: 1. Avoiding foods that trigger indigestion 2. Eating five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals 3. Reducing or eliminating the use of alcohol and caffeine 4. Avoiding certain pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodi...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Mild indigestion can often be helped with lifestyle changes, including: 1. Eating smaller, more-frequent meals.Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. 2. Avoiding triggers.Fatty and spicy foods, processed foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can trigger indigestion. 3. Maintaining a healthy weight.Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your st…
Alternative Medicine
- Alternative and complementary treatments have been used for many years to ease indigestion, although their effectiveness varies among different individuals. These treatments include: 1. Herbal therapies, including plain peppermint, or a combination of peppermint and caraway oils and the Japanese herbal formula Rikkunshito. 2. STW 5 (Iberogast), a liquid supplement containi…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor, or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases (gastroenterologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.