How to deal with indigestion using doctor's drugs and natural ones

Whatever type of indigestion that attacks will definitely make the stomach uncomfortable. Bloating, heartburn, nausea, belching, and even stomach pain can result from digestive problems. How to deal with digestive system disorders that are safe and effective?

How to deal with indigestion with drugs

1. Antacid drugs

Taking antacid drugs can be used as a way to treat several diseases that attack the digestive system. This drug is commonly used to treat symptoms of GERD (stomach acid reflux), heartburn, or dyspepsia (often referred to as ulcers).

Antacids also relieve symptoms of acid reflux such as a burning sensation in the chest and throat, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry cough, and heartburn when lying down.

Antacid drugs contain ingredients such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate which work to neutralize stomach acid. At the same time, antacids also treat indigestion by preventing stomach acid from rising.

2.PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors)

Proton blocking drugs (PPIs) are used to reduce acid produced by the stomach. Some of the drugs that belong to the PPI class are:

• Omeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Pantoprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Rabeprazole

PPI drugs function to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, and relieve symptoms of GERD (stomach acid reflux). This drug can also be used as an ulcer medication due to bacterial infections and stomach ulcers caused by NSAID drugs.

Proton pump inhibitors can be obtained with or without a doctor's prescription. However, you need to buy a prescription medication if your digestive ailments include GERD, gastric ulcers, and H. Pylori bacterial infection.

These drugs generally work more effectively than H2 blockers. You can also use this medication for a longer period of time than taking an H2 blocker medication.

You need to take PPI medication once a day, about 30-60 minutes before breakfast, to control stomach acid.

3. H2 blocker drugs

Taking H2 blockers is one way of dealing with digestive disorders caused by high stomach acid. This drug works to reduce acid produced by the stomach.

H2 blockers do not usually work as fast as antacids. Even so, doctors can also prescribe a combination of antacids and H2 blockers taken at the same time as a way to treat digestive ailments.

The following are several types of H2 blocker drugs:

• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
• Cimetidine

However, H2 blockers should only be used short-term (maximum for 2 weeks). You can drink it before meals to prevent heartburn, or before going to bed.

4. Laxatives

The way to deal with indigestion caused by constipation is to take laxatives.

Laxatives are drugs that work to empty the contents of the stomach and soften the stool. This drug also simultaneously stimulates the intestines to contract so that feces are easily removed.

Some examples of laxatives include:

• Methylcellulose
• Psyllium
• Wheat dextrin

You can use over-the-counter laxatives under a variety of brands. However, the medicine must be used properly.

When abused or overused, laxatives can actually cause chronic constipation problems.

5. Probiotic supplements

Probiotics can treat symptoms of indigestion caused by bacterial infection. Probiotics are a type of good bacteria.

The way probiotics relieve indigestion is to help balance the number of good bacteria with bad bacteria in the intestines. In addition, probiotics also function to ward off toxins and help maintain the immune system.

Some digestive disorders that can be helped with probiotics are diarrhea, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and constipation. Probiotics are available as drugs in supplement form.

However, there are also probiotics that are found naturally in foods such as yogurt, kimchi, or kefir.

6. Antibiotic drugs

Taking antibiotics is a way to treat digestive ailments caused by bacterial infections.

Indigestion caused by bacterial infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and abdominal pain. Bloody stool can also be a result of a bacterial infection of the intestine.

The type and dose of antibiotics for each case may be different. Consult your doctor to get a prescription and how to use the correct antibiotic drug.

Natural ways to treat indigestion at home

1. Eat fibrous foods

Eating fibrous foods can be a natural way to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation.

This is because fiber is an important substance that helps the digestive system work, especially the large intestine and small intestine.

Fiber acts as a substance that is used by colon cells to function properly. Fiber works to improve the digestive system by keeping the bowel movement pattern soft and regular.

You can easily consume fiber from fruits like papaya and green leafy vegetables like mustard greens.

2. Drink chamomile tea

Drinking chamomile tea can be a way to deal with digestive ailments such as colic, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and other disorders.

The reason is, chamomile contains anticonvulsant properties that help relax the smooth muscles, especially in casesirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Chamomile also has a soothing and pain-relieving effect.

3. Drink ginger tea

Consuming boiled ginger tea can be a natural way to treat digestive disorders such as stomach pain, heartburn, and bloating. In addition, ginger can help improve digestion and stimulate saliva production.

The phenolic compounds in ginger are believed to help relieve irritation in the digestive tract and reduce gastric contractions. This can reduce the risk of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus.

However, this method is not recommended for treating digestive diseases in pregnant women. Eating too much ginger is feared to increase the risk of miscarriage.

Tips and a healthy lifestyle for dealing with indigestion

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Indigestion can be caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This one problem is usually experienced by people who are overweight or obese.

So to prevent as well as overcome this, you should start to achieve a healthy weight.

Most experts agree that the best way to lose weight is with a combination of regular exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet.

2. Stop smoking

How to deal with disorders of the digestive system can start by quitting smoking.

Smoking can cause digestive problems, one of which is reflux of stomach acid, because the toxins can weaken the muscle valves of the esophagus.

In fact, the esophageal valve works to prevent food and stomach acid from leaking from the stomach into your throat. If it is damaged, acid from the stomach can flow upward and cause unpleasant symptoms.

3. Stop eating unhealthy foods and alcohol

Indigestion is often triggered by oily and spicy foods that can cause stomach upset and bloating.

In addition, alcoholic drinks can also cause stomach acid to rise easily if consumed frequently in large quantities.

So, as much as possible limit the portions or better avoid these foods and drinks altogether.

4. Do not go to sleep immediately after eating

Do not sleep immediately or lie down after eating is the simplest way to deal with digestive disorders.

After eating, the intestine which looks like a tube will be full of food. When you lie down on a full stomach, the acid in the stomach and food that has been digested by the intestines can flow back up into the esophagus. This is what causes stomach acid to rise.

Doctors recommend that you last eat at least 3-4 hours before bedtime to prevent acid reflux at night.