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digestive system
Indigestion/Heartburn
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Dyspepsia, or common indigestion, and upset stomach are often accompanied by bloating, gas, and a burning pain in the stomach.
If you think you have been exposed to contaminated water or food poisoning or if you have vomiting and diarrhea, you must see a doctor. This is especially so for infants and debilitated or elderly people. It is important to replace lost fluids. For more information on diarrhea, refer to the aticle on that topic.
Common indigestion that is repeatedly treated with antacids may get worse as the stomach rebounds to counter the effects of the antacid.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING DIETARY MEASURES:
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.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR INDIGESTION AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Digestive Enzymes 1 or 2 capsules with each meal.
2. Hydrochloric Acid 1 capsule with meals. Do not take it if suffering from an ulcer or heartburn.
3. Charcoal 2 to 3 capsules with meals. This is used to diminish gas.
HERBS USED FOR INDIGESTION:
1. To aid in the digestion of foods, the following herbs can be used by themselves or in combination: Golden Seal, Gentian, and Ginger. One capsule of each is taken before or after meals.
2. To diminish gas, use Fennel, Chamomile, and Mint. You can make a tea by steeping 1 heaping teaspoon of the dried herbs per cup of boiling water. Take right after meals.
3. If indigestion is associated with nervousness or mental stress, Hops and Chamomile can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. One capsule is taken before meals.
HOMEOPATHY
From the following homeopathic remedies, choose the one that best matches the symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue for 2 days while necessary.
Nux vomica 12C: For indigestion that is worse after overindulgence of food or drink.
Lycopodium 12C: If food takes many hours to digest and there is a sensation of bloating after meals.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with both chronic and acute indigestion. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.