Indigestion affects just about everyone at some point in life. You’ve probably dealt with indigestion also, and you know just how uncomfortable it can be. There are many over the counter medicines to ease the discomfort that comes with indigestion. If you suffer from persistent indigestion, buying over the counter medications can get quite expensive over time. There might be an easier, and more affordable way to help ease indigestion. Baking soda and water. Does taking baking soda and water for indigestion work? Let’s first take a look at what indigestion is and what can cause it.

What Is Indigestion?

Indigestion is usually described as an “upset stomach”. It normally happens after you eat too much, but it can also happen if you eat too fast. One of the major symptoms of indigestion is heart burn, or esophageal reflux. Heartburn happens when too much acid is produced, and backs up into the esophagus. Symptoms of indigestion include:

• Pain in the abdomen.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Excessive gas.

What Causes Indigestion?

Several things can cause indigestion. Certain foods can cause an upset stomach in some people. There’s a better chance of getting indigestion if the person smokes, drinks alcohol, doesn’t get enough sleep, or is stressed out. Other things that can cause indigestion include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Drinking too much water with meals.
• Emotions such as fear, jealousy, and anger.
• Insomnia.
• Foods that are especially spicy or rich.
• Pregnancy.
• Other diseases including peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia, or gall stones.
• Allergies to certain foods.
• A sedentary lifestyle.
• An imbalance in digestive enzymes or stomach acid.

In the case of certain foods, if a particular food causes indigestion in one person, it does not mean that same food will have the same result in another person. Make a list of the foods that give you indigestion, and avoid eating them. A few of the more common foods include onions, coffee, chocolate, milk, baked beans, cauliflower, and fried foods.

How Does Baking Soda And Water For Indigestion Work?

Baking soda has a way of breaking up food particles that are hard to digest. It is able to break down fatty substances so they are more easily digested. Baking soda mixed with water can help calm down the acid producing “pumps” in the stomach. The less acid that is produced, the less your stomach will feel upset.

To use baking soda and water to help with indigestion, add a half teaspoon of baking soda to a half cup of water. This will help to neutralize the stomach acid. It will also help any rumblings that the stomach is making. It is safe to drink this mixture again in two hours if you still have indigestion discomfort. It is safe to dink this mixture up to seven times in a 24 hour period if you’re under the age of 60. You can also add in a half a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of warm peppermint tea. Peppermint has been known to soothe an upset stomach, and combining baking soda to the tea can provide extra relief. Drinking the mixture of baking soda and water for indigestion relief normally takes about 10 to 15 minutes to work.

If you have indigestion, or someone in your family suffers from it, there’s no need to spend lots of money for expensive over the counter medicines. Baking soda added to water will help soothe an upset stomach. It’s best to avoid the things (foods, stress, and anger) that trigger indigestion. It’s always best to see a doctor to be sure you’re suffering from indigestion, and not something more serious.