Indigestion

Indigestion

Pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.
*Also see HEARTBURN

Sudden severe "indigestion" in someone who has previously been symptom-free should always be investigated professionally for a possible underlying heart condition.
Chronic indigestion can also be a sign of peptic ulcers, gall bladder disorders, liver problems, or cancer; expert diagnosis is essential.

FOODS TO EAT MORE OF

Fruits: apricots, bananas, lemons, kiwi, mangoes, melons, papayas, pineapple
Vegetables: artichokes, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, watercress
Red Seaweed/Algae (laver and carrageen).
Almonds, barley, apple cider vinegar, flax seeds, brown rice, yogurt (daily)
Cilantro, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, cardamom
Alfalfa Grass, Agar (sea vegetable)

FOODS TO AVOID OR MINIMIZE

Alcohol, coffee, excessive salt/sugar & soda
Red meat & dairy products (except yogurt)
Artificial additives, refined foods & fried foods
Eating fruit immediately after a meal (try to wait at least an hour)

ESSENTIAL OILS

Bergamot, celery seed, Ginger, spikenard, peppermint, lavender, laurus nobilis (bottom of feet, stomach).

HERBAL

Aniseed, bergamot, calendula, cardamom, cayenne, celery seed, cilantro/coriander, cinnamon, dandelion, dill, fennel, German chamomile, ginger, lemon balm, licorice, meadowsweet, slippery elm, nutmeg, parsley, peppermint, raspberry, rosemary, slippery elm bark powder, spikenard, star anise, turmeric, yarrow, yellow dock
If using the above herbs in tea, try to drink in between meals (instead of during)
Tea Blend: 2 parts chamomile flowers, 2 parts lemon balm herb, 1 part lavender flowers (1-2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs per cup of boiling water, infuse for 5 minutes, strain and drink).
Slippery Elm and marsh mallow, either combined in capsules or mixed as powders with a little water to form a paste, make a useful remedy and are safe to take during pregnancy.
Yarrow Tea: Cover 1/4 cup fresh (or 1/2-1 Tablespoon dried) herb with boiling water. Let steep for 5-15 minutes. Strain & drink. Sweeten with honey if desired.

NATURAL

Elevate head and legs when sleeping.
Take vinegar and/or garlic mixed with 2 Tablespoons water before bed.
Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar in glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you eat.
Put 1 teaspoon caraway seeds in a cup of hot water, let it cool and drink it.
Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon vinegar to a glass of very warm water and drink.
Juice any of the following and drink daily: celery, spinach, rhubarb (omit if you have rheumatism, gout, arthritis, stones), cranberry, lemon

YOGA / MEDITATION THERAPY

Yoga for Heartburn & Indigestion (15 minutes - Christina D'Arrigo Yoga - ChriskaYoga)
Yoga For Acid Reflux (13 minutes - Yoga with Adriene)

HOMEOPATHIC

Abiesnigra

MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Can represent anxiety or fear over an upcoming or recently completed event.

FOOD MEDICINE
Not all recipes are nutritionally perfect, but the options below are a great way to start incorporating beneficial foods into your diet in delicious ways. Always try to buy organic, and feel free to make substitutions to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, etc diets.

Abbreviation Definitions:
LC = Low Calorie (under 400 for breakfast, 600 for lunch/dinner, and 200 for beverages/sides/snacks)
GF = Gluten Free
KT = Keto / Low Carb
VG = Vegan
VT = Vegetarian