Indigestion and flatulence are most often caused by eating too much or too quickly, and by not chewing food thoroughly. Food that is not fully digested tends to ferment and form intestinal gas. Some people lack specific digestive enzymes for certain foods, particularly dairy products. Other foods, such as beans, produce gas in almost everyone. In addition, an imbalance of intestinal flora may contribute to indigestion and flatulence. Caffeine and alcohol are primary culprits in heartburn, and anything that squeezes the stomach - a tight waistband or belt, lying down after eating, or bending or heavy lifting after a meal - pushes the stomach contents up into the esophagus and can cause heartburn. Antacids are often taken to relieve temporarily the discomfort of indigestion, but should not be used regularly because they can disturb the body's acid-alkaline balance. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Identify and avoid the foods that are causing symptoms, and eat simpler meals, meaning fewer different foods at one meal. Increase dietary fiber, including whole grains, beans, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and try to eat smaller meals and to chew foods until they become liquid. To reduce the gas-producing properties of dried beans, soak them overnight before cooking, bring them to a boil in fresh water, drain and rinse the beans again, then cook them until thoroughly soft. Take any of the following supplements to help relieve indigestion and flatulence: activated charcoal, take 500 mg with meals or at the first sign of indigestion, and again two hours later if needed: helps absorb gas bromelain or papain, chew two to four tablets after each meal: provides digestive enzymes acidophilus, 1/2 teaspoon or two capsules with each meal: to increase "friendly" bacteria in the intestines psyllium (1 teaspoon of powder in a glass of water, followed by another glass of water) or pectin (1 tablespoon three times a day): to provide additional fiber BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Herbs can help relieve indigestion by stimulating the flow of digestive enzymes, relaxing the digestive organs, and soothing mucous membranes. Take any of the following: herbal bitters, 1/2-1 teaspoon three times a day, fifteen to thirty minutes before meals, in 1/2 cup of warm water: contains bitter herbs such as gentian and angelica, which stimulate the production of digestive enzymes ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, I cup of tea, or two capsules three to four times a day: for its antispasmodic properties chamomile, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or 1 cup of tea three to four times a day: to relax the digestive tract and relieve gas BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Take one of the following single remedies depending on the symptoms: Carbo. vegetabilis: for indigestion and flatulence accompanied by belching Nux vomica: for indigestion or flatulence caused by rich and fatty foods, often accompanied by constipation and a sense of heaviness in the stomach BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Essential oils can be massaged into the stomach and abdomen to help relieve indigestion and heartburn. Use any of the following essential oils, all of which possess antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties: cardamom peppermint sweet fennel PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use