At Christmas, we all get to spend quality time with our family and friends, chatting and laughing and playing games. We also indulge in a lot of festive food, from Christmas dinner to festive desserts such as Yule Log and mince pies. While it’s a relaxed few days to press pause on our daily lives, it’s very easy to overeat and feel uncomfortably full. We risk getting indigestion, a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux). If you’re feeling the effects of heartburn after eating a lot of yummy treats, here are some good ways to get rid of it fast.
We’ve rounded up some of the quickest ways to get rid of the indigestion you might be feeling after indulging in some delicious festive food
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Antacids There are lots of antacids on the market that work quickly to improve the symptoms of indigestion including gas, bloating, and stomach pain. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets and can be bought from pharmacies and shops without a prescription. Antacids include products like Rennie’s which neutralise excess stomach acid and turn it into water and other natural substances. But these medicines do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use is not recommended. Try: Rennie Liquid Heartburn Relief Oral Suspension (£4, 150ml, Tesco) The liquid reduces bloating, heartburn, and indigestion for up to four hours and can be taken day or night. It forms a protective layer on top of the stomach contents to prevent stomach acid escaping into the food pipe.
The liquid reduces bloating, heartburn, and indigestion for up to four hours and can be taken day or night
(Image: Rennie)
Baking Soda Sodium bicarbonate has a high pH which means that it neutralises acid in the stomach and can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. To try this treatment yourself at home, mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in 118ml of water and drink it. Make sure you wait two hours between doses if you’re using this as too much sodium bicarbonate can cause uncomfortable side effects such as nausea. Experts advise that adults under the age of 60 should not have more than seven-half teaspoons of baking soda in 24 hours. Meanwhile, those over 60 are advised to consume three half teaspoons in 24 hours.
Sodium bicarbonate has a high pH which means that it neutralises acid in the stomach and can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion
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Peppermint or Chamomile If you’re suffering from a bloated stomach after indulging in lots of Christmas food, research has found that peppermint is another good way to ease discomfort. Sipping on warm peppermint tea will be soothing and help with bloating. Meanwhile, chamomile tea also works well as it reduces inflammation and spasms so will lessen any pain you are feeling. Seek medical advice if you are on blood thinners and want to use chamomile to help with indigestion.
Peppermint tea will help with bloating and stomach pain
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Meanwhile, chamomile tea works well too as it reduces inflammation and spasms so will lessen any pain you are feeling
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Liquorice Root The herb works quickly to ease uncomfortable stomach symptoms as it contains compounds that help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. Research suggests that it also helps food move through your digestive tract. Chew on liquorice root or put it in hot water to make tea if you want to try the remedy out yourself. But only have 2.5 grams or less per day as it can cause electrolyte imbalances when it is taken in higher doses.
The herb works quickly to help with uncomfortable stomach symptoms as it contains compounds which help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract
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Aloe Vera
The remedy, which comes from a plant, has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is an effective treatment for several symptoms of indigestion
(Image: Getty Images)
The remedy, which comes from a plant, has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is an effective treatment for several symptoms of indigestion. Drink Aloe Vera juice for fast relief from: heartburn, flatulence, acid regurgitation, food regurgitation, belching, nausea and trouble swallowing (dysphagia).Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnHealthChristmas
