Occasional indigestion is easy to deal with, but repeated indigestion should prompt you to see a doctor - it may be a sign of stomach ulcer, liver or gallbladder disease. What are effective over the counter medications for indigestion?

Over-the-counter indigestion medicationsare effective and quickly alleviate the symptoms of this unpleasant ailment. They can be divided into two groups: herbal and synthetic. However, remember that if indigestion symptoms persist or occur very frequently, you should see your doctor as they may mean that the problem is more serious.

Over-the-counter indigestion medications

  • Iberogast (Axellus, about PLN 22/20 ml) - this herbal composition reduces the secretion of digestive juices. Contraindications: do not give to children under 6 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation, taking the drug should be agreed with a doctor.
  • Tablets against indigestion (Labofarm, approx. 12 PLN / 60 tablets) - stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and bile, soothes the feeling of fullness. Contraindications: do not use in the case of intestinal or bile duct obstruction, intestinal inflammation, appendicitis.
  • Manti (USPharmacia, approx. PLN 10/30 tablets) - relieves flatulence, heartburn, symptoms of acidity and indigestion. Contraindications: incl. severe renal failure, hypermagnesaemia, osteomalacia, osteodystrophy.
  • Piastprazole (Aflofarm, approx. PLN 16/14 capsules) - prevents the secretion of gastric juice, it is recommended for indigestion, reflux disease and heartburn. Contraindications: taking antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infections.

    • Indigestion most often occurs after eating, especially with excessive appetite. The symptoms of indigestion are a burning sensation behind the breastbone (coronary pain is compressing) and belching accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth (indicating that acidic food has returned to the esophagus). Often there is hiccups, intestinal cramps (gurgling). Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain may also occur - worsen when lying down.

    Where does indigestion come from?

    Every day cells in the stomach lining produce about a liter of hydrochloric acid, which is essential for digestion. The acid usually remains in the stomach because the gastric cardia sphincter only opens whenwhen food passes from the esophagus to the stomach. If the sphincter is weak, the juice can move from the stomach into the esophagus and irritate the esophagus, making it feel like heartburn. The sphincter is less effective in obese, smokers and pregnant women.

    To avoid indigestion:

    • eat little and often, as this reduces the production of acid;
    • avoid fatty and deep-fried foods;
    • wait at least an hour after each meal before you start doing any abdominal compression work;
    • limit alcohol, which increases the production of gastric juice;
    • limit coffee, because it irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa;
    • eat dinner 3 hours before going to bed;
    • go to sleep so that the torso is slightly raised;
    • avoid tight clothes that increase pressure in the abdomen, which may cause food to flow back into the esophagus;
    • do not talk during a meal so as not to swallow a lot of air.

    It is worth remembering that indigestion can be the result of severe stress, which stops the secretion of digestive juice and slows down the work of the muscles of the stomach and intestines.

    Important

    Home remedies for indigestion

    You can drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it. Before eating, it is worth drinking the juice of half a lemon diluted with a few tablespoons of water. Sometimes a cup of hot black or green tea is enough. You can also cut the ginger rhizome into thin slices, pour boiling water over it and drink it after it has cooled slightly. A way to prevent indigestion and gas is to add marjoram to your food.

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