What helps with indigestion
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Effective Remedies for Indigestion: Insights from Recent Research
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by symptoms such as fullness, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, belching, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Various treatment options are available, ranging from lifestyle changes to synthetic medications. However, recent research highlights several effective remedies, including herbal treatments, probiotics, and specific dietary interventions.
Herbal Remedies for Indigestion
Phytotherapeutic Approaches
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat indigestion. Plants contain phytochemicals that can have significant roles in treating and preventing digestive disorders. Traditional herbal remedies are gaining popularity due to their holistic biological functions and minimal side effects. Commonly used medicinal plants include hawthorn, which has been shown to improve gastrointestinal motility and alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia1 6.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. It contains various bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Despite its long history of use, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential toxicological effects10.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Bacillus Coagulans and Digestive Enzymes
Probiotics, particularly Bacillus coagulans, combined with digestive enzymes, have shown promise in treating indigestion, especially in the elderly. These probiotics help balance the gastric microbiota and improve digestive enzyme activity, leading to significant reductions in indigestion symptoms, abdominal pain, and flatulence3.
Bacillus Subtilis
Another probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, has been found to improve symptoms of constipation, indigestion, and dyspepsia. In a randomized controlled trial, participants who took Bacillus subtilis reported significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms compared to those who took a placebo7.
Dietary Interventions
Kiwifruit Consumption
Kiwifruit, particularly the green variety, has been associated with a reduction in upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including indigestion. Clinical trials have shown that regular consumption of kiwifruit can alleviate abdominal discomfort, pain, and indigestion, making it a beneficial dietary addition for those suffering from these symptoms4.
Traditional Antacids
Antacids remain a common remedy for indigestion. They work by neutralizing stomach acid and providing quick relief from symptoms. However, they should be used cautiously, especially in individuals who are pregnant or on other medications, as they can interfere with drug absorption9.
Conclusion
Indigestion can be effectively managed through a combination of herbal remedies, probiotics, and dietary interventions. Phytotherapeutic approaches, such as the use of hawthorn and red yeast rice, offer natural alternatives with minimal side effects. Probiotics like Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis improve digestive health by balancing the gastric microbiota and enhancing enzyme activity. Additionally, incorporating kiwifruit into the diet can provide significant relief from gastrointestinal symptoms. While traditional antacids are effective, they should be used with caution to avoid potential interactions with other medications. Further research is needed to explore these remedies' full potential and mechanisms.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Healing indigestion: a phytotherapeutic review
Phytotherapeutic traditional herbal remedies, such as chamomile, fennel, and fennel seed, show potential in treating and preventing various digestive disorders.
Evaluation of bismuth subsalicylate in relieving symptoms of indigestion.
Bismuth subsalicylate provides faster and more effective relief for indigestion symptoms, particularly nausea, sense of fullness, heartburn, abdominal distention, and flatulence, but not upper abdominal pain.
RCTA prospective, randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled comparative study of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30,6086 with digestive enzymes in improving indigestion in geriatric population
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30,6086 and digestive enzymes effectively treat indigestion in geriatric patients, with no major adverse effects observed.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHabitual Green Kiwifruit Consumption Is Associated with a Reduction in Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Systematic Scoping Review
Habitual green kiwifruit consumption is associated with reduced abdominal discomfort and indigestion, with some evidence for indigestion relief.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalRolling review: gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
The treatment of indigestion has varied over time, with antacids and milk being the most common and effective agents.
Highly CitedInvestigation of the improving effect of raw and charred hawthorn on functional dyspepsia based on interstitial cells of Cajal
Charred hawthorn has a stronger effect on improving gastrointestinal motility in functional dyspepsia model rats than raw hawthorn, with both treatments increasing interstitial cells of Cajal.
RCTBacillus Subtilis (BG01-4TM) Improves Self-Reported Symptoms for Constipation, Indigestion, and Dyspepsia: A Phase 1/2A Randomized Controlled Trial
BG01-4TM, a strain of Bacillus subtilis high in branched-chain fatty acids, significantly improves symptoms of constipation, indigestion, and dyspepsia in people with self-reported functional gastrointestinal disorders.
RCTEthnomedicinal plants for indigestion in Uthiramerur Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu, India.
Ethnomedicinal plants from 8 genera and 8 families are used by rural people in Uthiramerur Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India, to treat indigestion problems.
Remedies for common family ailments: 1. Indigestion and heartburn.
Antacids can be a useful remedy for indigestion and heartburn, but if indigestion persists, seek medical advice and consider lifestyle changes.
Red Yeast Rice: A Systematic Review of the Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control of an Important Chinese Folk Medicine
Red yeast rice (RYR) has potential health benefits, including anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-cancer properties, but further research is needed to characterize its diverse chemical constituents and toxicological actions.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited