Most people suffer from digestive discomfort such as indigestion and bloating, especially after eating heavy meals, which causes a set of annoying symptoms such as feeling full, bloating and nausea.
This problem may be just a temporary symptom resulting from lifestyle and type of food, or it may be an indication of the presence of underlying medical conditions that require medical intervention.
Best Medicine for Indigestion and Bloating includes antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H-2-receptor blockers, and digestive enzymes.
In the following paragraphs, we will review these treatments and their mechanism of action in detail.
Top Medications for Indigestion and Bloating
The best treatment for indigestion and bloating include:
- Antacids that neutralize stomach acid: such as Calcium carbonate, Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminum hydroxide.
- Medications that help expel gas: such as Simethicone.
Other medications
- Famotidine: A histamine receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production.
- Omeprazole: A proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production.
- Lactase: An enzyme that helps break down lactose into simple sugars and is useful in treating symptoms of lactose intolerance.
- Antispasmodics: Help reduce bloating, cramps, and gas.
- Rifaximin: An antibiotic that can help treat bloating caused by an increase in “bad” bacteria in the intestines. (Drugs.com, n.d.)
| Antacids |
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| Histamine2 Blockers (H2 Blockers) |
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| Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) |
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| Promotility Agents |
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Natural Remedies for Stomach Discomfort
Common digestive remedies include:
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe nausea and treat indigestion.
- Peppermint: Peppermint helps treat spasms in the muscles of the digestive tract, reducing cramps, feelings of tightness and fullness.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces bloating and stomach discomfort.
- BRAT Diet: The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, all of which are light and easy to digest foods that can help treat diarrhea and nausea.
- Apple cider vinegar: Small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar can help treat indigestion.
- Heat: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen can help relax your stomach muscles and relieve cramps.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhea, and drink fluids such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte solutions.
Best Treatments for Digestive Relief
Here are the home remedies and the Best Medicine for Indigestion and Bloating:
To treat temporary symptoms of indigestion:
- Antacids: They neutralize stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn and indigestion. The most important of these are Tams, Maalox, and Mylanta. These medications provide temporary relief, not a long-term solution.(NHS, n.d.)
- Simethicone: This medication helps get rid of gas and bloating, and is available in products such as Gas-X and Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Treats heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Dietary and lifestyle modifications:
- Avoid spicy, fatty, and acidic foods that cause discomfort.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Eat your recommended daily intake of fiber.
- Stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
- Practice stress management techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises.
For persistent or chronic digestive problems:
- Histamine receptor blockers: These medications reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, including Pepcid and Zantac.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These are the most effective at reducing acidity, and are often used to treat recurring heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, the most important of which are Prilosec, Nexium, and Protonix.
- Motility enhancers: These medications help increase the speed of stomach emptying, the most important of which is metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Probiotics and prebiotics: These elements help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and are found in nutritional supplements and fermented foods such as yogurt.
- Digestive enzymes: They work to break down food, especially for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
References
- Drugs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from Medications for Indigestion
- NHS. (n.d.). Retrieved from Antacids
