Indigestion

Dyspepsia, or common indigestion, and upset stomach are often accompanied by bloating, gas, and a burning pain in the stomach. It is a common ailment and results from dietetic errors.

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Symptoms of Indigestion

Abdominal pain, a feeling of undue fullness after eating, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and flatulence or gas are the usual symptoms of Indigestion. Vomiting usually provides relief. What is vomited is intensely sour to the taste. Other symptoms are a foul taste in the mouth, coated tongue, and foul breath. At times a sensation of strangling in the throat is experienced. In most cases of indigestion, the patient suffers from constipation.

Causes of Indigestion

The main causes of Indigestion are overeating, eating wrong food combinations, eating too rapidly, and neglecting proper mastication and salivation of food. Overeating makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and bowels harder. When the food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed into the blood and, consequently, the whole system is poisoned. Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia. Other causes are intake of fried food, rich and spicy foods; excessive smoking; intake of alcohol; constipation; habit of eating and drinking together; insomnia; emotions such as jealousy, fear, and anger; and lack of exercise.

Treatment Of Indigestion

Lemon:
The use of fruits in general is beneficial in the treatment of Indigestion. They flush out the undigested food residue and accumulated faeces, and re-establish health to perfect order. The best fruit for die treatment of Indigestion is lemon. Its juice reaches die stomach and attacks die bacteria, inhibiting die formation of acids. Lemon juice removes indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite. The juice of one lemon, diluted with water, can be taken twice daily before each principal meal.

Pineapple:
Another fruit useful in Indigestion is pineapple. It acts as a tonic and relieves much of die digestive disorders of die dyspeptics. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after one meal in treating this condition.
Pomegranate: One tablespoon of pomegranate juice, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, is valuable in indigestion accompanied by giddiness. This dose may be taken twice daily. The seeds of this fruit act as a stomach tonic when mixed with a little rock salt and Mack pepper powder.

Buttermilk:
A very simple remedy for indigestion is a glass of thin buttermilk mixed with a quarter teaspoon of pepper powder. For better results an equal quantity of cumin powder may be added to the buttermilk.

Aniseed:
The use of aniseed is also beneficial in the treatment of indigestion. An infusion can be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water and leaving it covered overnight The clear fluid can then be decanted and taken with honey.

Carrot:
Carrots are valuable in Indigestion. Chewing of tins vegetable increases saliva and quickens digestion by supplying die necessary enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Half a glass of carrot juice, diluted with an equal quantity of water, can be taken once daily to treat this disorder.

Herbal Digestive Tonic

1/2 ounce dandelion root
1/4 ounce gentian root
1/4 ounce licorice root
1/4 ounce fennel seeds
1/4 ounce dried ginger root
1/4 ounce dried organic orange peel
1/4 ounce cardamom pods
vodka

Using dried herbs, grind the herbs in a blender. Place in a glass jar and add enough vodka to cover the herbs, plus 2 inches. Close the jar tightly.
Place in a warm, dark place, and give the jar a gentle shake every day or two to keep the herbs from settling.
After 3 weeks, strain the liquid from the herbs through a strainer lined with several layers of cheesecloth, reserving the liquid. Squeeze the herbs to strain out all the liquid.
Funnel your bitters tonic into a dark-glass container, and store in a cool, dark place.

The ideal time to take this tonic is 10 to 20 minutes before a meal. Place one dropperful (about 30 drops) directly on your tongue or dilute the same dosage (about one-half teaspoon) in a small amount of warm water. Remember that to get your digestive juices flowing, the bitter taste needs to come into direct contact with your tongue.

Herbal Digestive Tea

1 teaspoon chamomile
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 cup water

Pour 1 cup boiling water over herbs. Cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink while warm.

Diet:

1. Because foods are more easily digested when properly combined, try a diet in which starches and proteins are eaten during separate meals. Proteins such as meats, fish, and dairy products would be eaten separately from high starch meals of bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta.

Vegetables and salads can be added to either type of meal. Add as many as possible.

Fruits need to be eaten separately from these main meals, at least 2 hours apart.

2. Do not eat within 3 hours of going to bed.

3. Chewing food slowly in a relaxed environment greatly aids in digestion.

Simple tips to Improve Digestion

Chew your food well. This may sound simplistic, but your stomach doesn't have teeth, and the more thoroughly you chew, the easier it is for your body to access nutrients from the foods that you eat. A good rule of thumb is to chew every mouthful of food until it is thoroughly pulverized.

Drinking large amounts of fluids with meals can interfere with digestion and cause bloating, but sipping a small amount of liquid with your meal can enhance digestive function.

Avoid eating when you are emotionally tense, because stress shuts down digestive processes.

Make it a habit to take a couple of minutes to relax and slow down before eating.

Take a couple of deep breaths, give your full attention to the food you are about to eat, and express your gratitude in whatever way feels comfortable to you for the nourishment you are about to receive.