12 Ways to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast at Home (And How to Stop It Coming Back)

Find immediate relief with these 12 expert-backed remedies and learn the simple lifestyle tweaks to keep indigestion at bay.

That burning sensation. The uncomfortable bloating. The feeling like you swallowed a bowling ball. Indigestion hits hard, and when it does, you need relief NOW.

Good news: You can find fast relief right in your kitchen. This guide gives you 12 proven remedies that work within minutes, plus the exact steps to prevent indigestion from returning.

Soothing Teas and Drinks

Your first line of defense against indigestion sits in your tea cabinet. These four teas can calm and soothe your stomach in under 10 minutes.

1. Peppermint Tea

Menthol in peppermint relaxes your stomach muscles, reducing spasms and pain ^[1]. Research shows peppermint oil improves symptoms in people with functional dyspepsia ^[2].

How to make it:

1. Steep 1 peppermint tea bag in 8 oz boiling water for 5 minutes
2. Or use 1 tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves for 7 minutes
3. Drink slowly while warm

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger contains natural compounds that speed up stomach contractions. This moves food through your system faster, reducing nausea and inflammation ^[3]. Studies confirm ginger helps with various digestive issues ^[4].

How to make it:

1. Grate 1 inch fresh ginger root into 8 oz boiling water
2. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain
3. Add honey if desired

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile relaxes digestive muscles, easing cramping and gas ^[5]. Research shows chamomile = anti-inflammatory properties that soothe stomach lining irritation.

How to make it:

1. Steep 1 chamomile tea bag in 8 oz hot water for 5 minutes
2. Drink up to 4 cups daily during flare-ups

“Can I really drink that much chamomile?” Yes, chamomile is gentle enough for frequent use, though you should start with 1 to 2 cups to see how your body responds.

Fennel Tea

Fennel seeds contain anethole, a natural compound that reduces gas, bloating, and stomach cramps ^[6]. Traditional medicine systems have used fennel for digestive issues for centuries.

How to make it:

1. Crush 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2. Add to 8 oz boiling water
3. Steep 10 minutes, strain, and drink

“But what if I don’t have time to make tea?” You’re right. Sometimes you need something faster.

Quick Remedies from Your Kitchen

These three ingredients work within 5 to 15 minutes. You probably have them already.

4. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda acts as a natural antacid, neutralizing stomach acid on contact ^[7]. The FDA recognizes sodium bicarbonate as safe and effective for occasional heartburn relief ^[8].

How to use it:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon in 4 oz warm water
2. Drink slowly
3. Use maximum twice daily

WARNING: Skip this remedy if you follow a low-sodium diet or have high blood pressure. Never use for more than 2 weeks straight.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Sounds backwards, right? Adding acid to fix acid problems? For some people, indigestion happens when stomach acid levels are too LOW. ACV might help restore proper acid levels, though scientific evidence remains limited ^[9].

How to use it:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon ACV in 8 oz warm water
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
3. Drink before meals

(Ed. note: Many people report success with ACV, but clinical research is still catching up to verify these claims.)

6. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera may reduce inflammation in your stomach lining ^[10]. Some studies suggest aloe vera juice can help with acid reflux symptoms ^[11].

How to use it:

1. Drink 2 oz pure aloe vera juice
2. Choose products labeled for internal use
3. Take 20 minutes before meals

(Ed. note: Many aloe products contain laxatives. Check labels carefully.)

Your body position matters too. Simple movements can provide relief when remedies alone aren’t enough.

Gentle Movement and Relaxation

7. Take a Light Walk

Walking stimulates digestion and helps gas move through your system. Physical activity aids digestive function and can reduce bloating ^[12].

What to do:

1. Walk slowly for 10 to 15 minutes
2. Keep your pace comfortable
3. Focus on deep breathing while walking

Ever wonder why you feel better after a post-meal stroll? Movement literally helps your digestive system process food more efficiently.

8. Simple Yoga Poses

Specific yoga poses relieve gas and bloating by massaging internal organs.

Wind-Relieving Pose (Apanasana):

1. Lie on your back
2. Hug one knee to your chest for 20 seconds
3. Switch legs and repeat
4. Then hug both knees for 20 seconds

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options

9. Antacids (Tums, Rolaids)

Antacids neutralize stomach acid for fast heartburn relief ^[13]. They work within 5 minutes and effects typically last 20 to 60 minutes ^[14].

How to use: Follow package directions exactly. Most recommend 2 to 4 tablets as symptoms occur.

☝️ While these remedies offer quick relief, preventing indigestion is the best long-term strategy.

Adjust Your Eating Habits

Small changes to how you eat can significantly reduce indigestion episodes ^[15].

10. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large meals overload your digestive system. Eating 5 to 6 small meals reduces stomach pressure and acid production.

11. Chew Your Food Thoroughly and Slowly

Digestion starts in your mouth. Chewing each bite 20 to 30 times breaks down food, making your stomach’s job easier. Research indicates eating slowly may improve digestion and reduce symptoms ^[16].

12. Don’t Lie Down Immediately After Eating

Gravity keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Wait at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down. Elevate your bed’s head 6 to 8 inches if nighttime indigestion bothers you.

“I always want to nap after lunch, though!” That post-meal sleepiness is normal, but try sitting in a reclined chair instead of lying flat. Your stomach will handle the meal better.

Identify and Avoid Your Trigger Foods

Indigestion often comes from specific foods. Track what you eat to identify your personal triggers.

Common trigger foods:

• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus)
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Chocolate
• Onions and garlic

“Does this mean I can never eat pizza again?” Not necessarily.

You might tolerate small amounts or find that certain combinations cause problems while others don’t.

Make Simple Lifestyle Changes

Manage Stress

Stress significantly impacts digestion. Your gut contains millions of nerve cells connected to your brain ^[17]. Chronic stress = increased stomach acid and slower digestion.

Stress reduction techniques:

• Practice deep breathing for 5 minutes daily
• Try meditation apps like Headspace or Calm
• Exercise regularly (even 20 minutes helps)

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight puts pressure on your abdomen, pushing stomach contents upward ^[18]. Weight loss can improve reflux symptoms in overweight individuals ^[19].

Quit Smoking

Smoking irritates your stomach lining and weakens the valve between your esophagus and stomach ^[20]. Quitting reduces indigestion symptoms over time.

Why does smoking affect your stomach so much? Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to escape more easily.

Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

Most indigestion resolves with home treatment. But certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain lasting over 2 hours
• Unexplained weight loss (10+ pounds in a month)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting with blood
• Black or tarry stools
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Pain spreading to jaw, neck, or arm

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions requiring professional treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your Path to Lasting Relief

You now have 12 proven remedies for fast indigestion relief. Start with peppermint or ginger tea to soothe your stomach. Try baking soda for severe acid. Take a walk to move things along.

Long-term relief comes from identifying your triggers and adjusting your habits. Eat smaller meals. Manage stress. Avoid your trigger foods.

Most importantly, listen to your body. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your doctor. You deserve to eat without fear and live without discomfort.

Relief starts now. Your stomach will thank you.