What Is Good for Indigestion?

Indigestion--discomfort or a burning feeling in the chest following a meal--usually results from eating too much food, eating too fast or eating certain foods that irritate the digestive tract. Avoiding foods that can cause indigestion, making changes to lifestyle and eating habits and understanding what treatments may help are important considerations.

Foods to Avoid

• Many foods can cause indigestion and avoiding them is one main way of treating indigestion. Spicy foods, fatty foods, foods containing a lot of acid (such as tomatoes), and beverages containing caffeine all can cause indigestion. Reduce or eliminate them from your diet.

Lifestyle & Eating Changes

• Eat meals slowly. Don't talk while eating. Drink beverages after a meal, not while you eat. Reduce the stress in your life, and use less alcohol or tobacco. Don't wear tight clothing that constricts the stomach is also associated with indigestion. Don't exercise with a full stomach or lie down right after eating.

Treatments

• When thinking about treatments for indigestion, the main purpose is to soothe the stomach. Peppermint, chamomile or ginger tea are classic remedies for indigestion. Home remedy sources suggest artichoke-leaf extract to relieve the symptoms. A number of studies have shown that the use of probiotics, helpful bacteria that usually live in the digestive tract, can help the symptoms of indigestion. Probiotics are available in dairy products like yogurt or in capsule form.