Natural remedies for acid indigestion: what to know

Indigestion may feel like burning, fullness, belching, nausea or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Acid reflux can bring a sour taste or burning behind the breastbone; gastritis, an ulcer, gallstones, Helicobacter pylori infection or a hiatus hernia can produce overlapping symptoms. The symptom pattern, timing, medicines and examination help separate these causes. Do not treat repeated discomfort as simple indigestion without review.

Eat smaller meals, slow down while eating and remain upright after food. Notice whether fatty meals, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, mint or late-night eating trigger symptoms, then adjust only the triggers that affect you. Avoid smoking and tight clothing around the abdomen. Ask a pharmacist before using antacids or other acid-reflux medication, particularly if you take regular medicines, are pregnant or have kidney problems. Avoid bicarbonate or unregulated herbal mixtures.

Seek urgent help for chest pressure, severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, trouble swallowing or unexplained breathlessness. Arrange a medical review if symptoms recur, wake you often, cause vomiting, or do not improve with sensible changes. Unintentional weight loss or anaemia symptoms also deserve assessment.

Ask which cause is most consistent with your symptoms, whether testing is needed, and how long a treatment trial should last before review.