How to Get Rid of Indigestion
TUMS is an antacid used to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and upset stomach associated with these symptoms. TUMS is not a cure for indigestion.
Feeling uncomfortably full after eating? Bloated? Gassy? Nauseous? If you’re nodding your head right now, you might be experiencing indigestion. 1 Also referred to as an upset stomach or dyspepsia, indigestion is an unfortunately common condition that some experience daily. 1 Feeling full quickly after beginning to eat or experiencing abdominal pain are two of the more commonplace symptoms of indigestion, but indigestion symptoms can also include fullness after a meal that lasts longer than usual, bloating and gas buildup, a burning feeling or heat between the breastbone and navel, and nausea.1
Do I Have Indigestion or Heartburn?
Indigestion and heartburn are often confused with one another, but these two conditions each have their own set of individual causes, symptoms, and remedies. Indigestion, as mentioned, is commonly experienced as uncomfortable fullness, abdomen pain, and nausea, and is caused by overeating, eating overly fatty, spicy, or greasy foods, smoking, anxiety, taking some antibiotics, pain relievers, and iron supplements, or over-consuming caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and fizzy drinks.1 Heartburn, on the other hand, is a feeling of burning in the chest2 that is caused by stomach acid flowing backwards up the esophagus.2 Like indigestion, heartburn often occurs after eating and shares many similar triggers, including eating spicy foods, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and eating meals that are too large or fatty.2 Heartburn can also be triggered by eating peppermint, onions, citrus, tomato products, and chocolate.2 If you’re looking for heartburn remedies instead, check out our tips on getting fast heartburn relief.
Indigestion |
Heartburn | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Feelings of uncomfortable fullness, abdomen pain, or nausea |
Burning feeling in the chest |
| What causes it? | Many things | Stomach acid flowing backwards up the esophagus (acid reflux) |
| What can trigger it? |
|
Eating
|
7 Ways to Relieve Indigestion
Now that you’ve identified your symptoms, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of indigestion. Keep reading! Below, we’ll walk through 7 simple ways to get indigestion relief.
1. Avoid trigger foods
If you notice that certain foods don’t agree with you, avoiding them can help relieve some of your indigestion symptoms.3 As noted earlier, some common indigestion triggers include alcohol, carbonated beverages, fatty foods, greasy foods, and spicy foods. If pizza and beer is your favorite meal, than this suggestion is bad news for you, as fizzy, alcoholic drinks and greasy, fatty foods might be part of the cause of your indigestion.
2. Don’t eat in front of the TV
Another way to get indigestion relief is to be more mindful about what you’re eating and how fast you’re eating it. Eating while we’re distracted can take our minds off of our plates and multitasking activities such as eating while watching TV can sometimes result in eating too fast.1,4 Instead of putting on your favorite show during dinnertime, eat your meal without distractions and focus on enjoying your food.
3. Try an antacid
Though TUMS is not indicated for indigestion, your doctor may recommend taking an antacid to try and relieve some of the symptoms associated with indigestion by neutralizing the acid in your stomach.4 An over-the-counter antacid is indigestion relief you can purchase without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter antacids and whether this method suits your needs.
4. Eat smaller meals more frequently
Since indigestion can be caused by overeating, experimenting with eating smaller portions throughout the day may help you get some relief. Instead of eating a traditional three meals per day, try replacing large breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with five or six smaller meals.3
5. Say no to that second round of drinks
Reducing the amount of alcohol you consume—or eliminating alcohol from your diet entirely—can help provide some indigestion relief.3 Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and whether or not this lifestyle adjustment is feasible for you. For a delicious alcohol alternative that is friendlier on your stomach, try an herbal tea or natural fruit juice.
6. Reduce stress
As we know, stress and anxiety are two possible factors when it comes to indigestion causes. Making lifestyle changes to keep your stress levels under control is another way to help get rid of indigestion.3 Try deep breathing exercises or make meditation a part of your daily routine. Engaging in exercise, whether it’s something gentle such as yoga or something more high intensity such as long-distance running, is another great way to help manage your stress.
Stress is a challenge that all of us face and getting rid of it entirely is not always realistic. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor may also be a beneficial way to help you manage your mental health and reduce stress- or anxiety-induced indigestion
7. No more late-night snacks
When the 10pm munchies come around, it can be tempting to open the refrigerator. However, late-night snacking is not your friend when it comes to indigestion; in fact, it’s best to avoid eating two to three hours before going to bed.4 Plan your mealtimes accordingly and make sure you’re eating balanced, healthy meals to keep your hunger levels under control.
We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to get rid of indigestion. For more helpful resources like this one, explore more articles from TUMS.
SOURCES
- Indigestion - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211 . Accessed 5/4/2021. Referenced text is indicated in sourcing document.
- Heartburn – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223. Accessed 5/4/2021. Referenced text is indicated in sourcing document.
- Indigestion – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352215. Accessed 5/4/2021. Referenced text is indicated in sourcing document.
- Treatment of Indigestion. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/treatment. Accessed 5/4/2021. Referenced text is indicated sourcing document.
