Dyspepsia: Treatment, Diet and Home Remedies

Food and Nutrition

Foods to be taken

• Fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, oranges, grapefruits, pineapples, pomegranate, peaches and melons.
• Peppermint taken in the form of warm tea is used to cure indigestion
• A glass of cold milk helps to coat the inflamed stomach lining which gives relief
• Ginger tea is also helpful
• Lemon juice reduces indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite
• Carrot, fenugreek, mint, buttermilk, aniseed are all very helpful for indigestion
  

Foods to be avoided

• Fatty, fried and spicy foods; carbonated beverages; caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea; alcohol; cocoa; chocolate; citrus fruits and juices; highly seasoned meats, over- boiled milk, pulses, potato, rice, cheese, tomato products; and peppermint. These foods can increase stomach acid.
• Foods like cabbage, beans, and onions are known to form excess gas, which can lead to indigestion.

Yoga and Exercise

Light exercises like walking, golf and swimming can be done
Yoga
Some yoga poses which help in relieving indigestion:

• Pawanmuktasana (Wind relieving pose):
• Shalabhasana (Locust pose)
• Pranayama
• Naukasana
• Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation)
• Shava Asana (Corpse pose)

Music and Meditation

Sit quietly and concentrate on breathing. This helps in relieving stress and keeps the mind calm.

Home Remedies

• Sleep with the head of your bed raised by about 20-30cm with something sturdy and solid
• Eat at least two to three hours before going to bed
• Reduce stress levels – try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing
• Do not eat too much or too quickly
• Avoid foods that trigger indigestion
• Eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large meals
• Do not exercise or sleep right after a meal
• Chew food carefully and completely