Nine ways to soothe away stomach pain from acid indigestion
ABOUT 40 per cent of us suffer from indigestion after eating – whether it’s a bloated, painful stomach, wind or acid heartburn.
Dr Dan Robertson, medical officer with website Push Doctor, said: “The most common shortterm treatment is antacids – medicines that neutralise stomach acid and coat the throat with a protective layer to lessen the impact of acid reflux, or deal with other symptoms such as bloating or flatulence.
“While antacids work, there can be downsides. Some people experience side-effects and if you suffer frequent bouts, buying antacids can become costly.”
Recent research from University College London and Hong Kong University found long-term use of proton pump inhibitors – another drug group to treat reflux – is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
So, here are some more natural ways to avoid acid indigestion. 1. TIME FOR TEA Brew up a cup of chamomile. Dr Robertson said: “It can reduce the swelling in your throat and has painkilling properties.” 2. ENJOY GINGER Dr Robertson said: “Ginger is an effective antiemetic. It can prevent nausea and vomiting by reducing the number of stomach contractions. It’s useful after a large meal as it stops acid being pushed back to your oesophagus.
“It also has anti-inflammatory properties. You can eat ginger raw but it’s more palatable brewed into tea or added to stir-fries. Don’t have more than 4g a day. It’s a spice and can trigger indigestion.” 3. VEG OUT Some vegetables have an BY KIM JONES alkalinizing effect on gastric acid and a pharmaceutical study in India showed kale, radish and cucumber did well. But nothing beats broccoli – it scored as high as bicarbonate of soda. 4. DRINK MILK The study found a glass of cold milk helps neutralise stomach acid. 5. ELIMINATE ‘DIRTY DOZEN’ Dr Jonathan Aviv, author of The Acid Watcher Diet, advises cutting out acidic, inflammatory foods for a healing phase of 28 days before slowly reintroducing some.
The “Dirty Dozen” which trigger acid damage are: fizzy drinks, coffee and tea, other caffeine sources (some painkillers and desserts), citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, wine, alcohol, mint, raw onion and garlic. 6. POST-SUPPER WALK Dr Aviv said: “A walk after meals helps accelerate the digestive process which will empty the stomach and shrink it back.” 7. STOP SMOKING Cigarette smoke and nicotine delay gastric emptying and relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the oesophagus. 8. FORGET FRIED FOOD This not only adds bad fats and empty calories, it’s also a notorious “lower oesophageal sphincter loosener,” said Dr Aviv.
Stick to roasting, sauteing, grilling, poaching and blanching. 9. FILL UP ON FIBRE We should all be eating 30g of fibre a day. It helps keep your digestion system healthy and makes you feel full.
Nutritionist Lily Soutter said: “Choose beans, lentils, chickpeas, fruit and vegetables.”
The most common short-term treatment is antacids