Other names for Acid Indigestion

Heartburn
Dyspepsia
Upset stomach
Gastroesophageal discomfort
Acid reflux

Synopsis of Acid Indigestion

Acid indigestion, commonly known as heartburn or dyspepsia, refers to a burning sensation in the chest or discomfort in the upper abdomen caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. This condition is often linked to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to escape from the stomach into the esophagus. While mild acid indigestion is common after eating certain foods or overeating, chronic or severe episodes can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms include a burning chest sensation, bloating, nausea, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid.

Types:

• Occasional indigestion: Mild episodes triggered by food, stress, or overeating.

• Chronic indigestion (Functional dyspepsia): Persistent or recurring upper abdominal discomfort without an obvious cause.

• Acid reflux (GERD): Frequent acid backing up into the esophagus, leading to ongoing symptoms and possible esophageal damage.

Common Causes:

• Overeating: Stretching the stomach can increase acid production and pressure on the LES.

• Trigger foods and beverages: Spicy foods, fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods can weaken the LES or increase acid.

• Smoking: Weakens the LES and stimulates acid production.

• Obesity: Increased abdominal pressure can push stomach contents upward.

• Stress and anxiety: Can influence stomach acid production and digestive motility.

• Hiatal hernia: A structural issue where part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity, weakening the LES.

• Medications: NSAIDs, aspirin, certain antibiotics, and blood pressure medications can irritate the stomach lining or LES function.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux damaging the esophageal lining.

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus due to prolonged acid exposure.

• Barrett’s esophagus: A precancerous condition where the esophageal lining changes from chronic acid exposure.

• Ulcers: Stomach acid eroding the stomach or esophageal lining.

• Strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus from repeated damage.

When to See a Doctor:

• Symptoms occur more than twice per week

• Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep

• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food stuck in the throat

• Unintended weight loss

• Vomiting blood or passing black stools

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Chest pain (especially if it radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw—rule out heart conditions)

Natural remedies for Acid Indigestion

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Tonic: Although acidic, ACV can support proper stomach acid levels and improve digestion. Dilute 1 tablespoon in a glass of water and drink before meals to ease indigestion symptoms.

Ginger Tea: Ginger aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects that soothe the stomach lining. Sip fresh ginger tea before or after meals to reduce nausea and acid discomfort.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Acts as a natural antacid, neutralizing excess stomach acid. Mix ½ teaspoon in a glass of water and drink occasionally for relief.

Chewing Gum: Stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid and wash it back into the stomach. Choose sugar-free gum after meals.

Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe soothes the esophageal lining and reduces inflammation. Drink a small amount (1–2 ounces) of decolorized aloe vera juice before meals.

Slippery Elm Bark Tea: Forms a soothing coating along the esophagus and stomach lining, protecting from acid. Drink as a tea before meals or bedtime.

Chamomile Tea: Reduces stomach inflammation and calms stress-related acid production. Drink 1–2 cups daily, particularly after meals.

Licorice Root (DGL Form): Promotes mucus production, protecting the stomach lining from acid. Take DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets before meals.

Elevate the Head While Sleeping: Prevents acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep. Raise the head of the bed by 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Acid Indigestion

Acid protease
Activated charcoal
Allspice
Aloe vera
amylase
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bamboo
barberry
barley
basil
Myrobalan
berberine
berry flavor
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
black cumin
black pepper
radish
blackberry
rice
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
caffeine
calcium
cassia bark
celery
chamomile
chen pi
chloride
cinnamon
citric acid
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
dandelion
Melon
exo-peptidase
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
gentian root
ginger
gooseberry
Greek mountain tea
green banana
onion
HCL
cellulose
horseradish
Indian gum arabic tree
quassia
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus lactis
lemon
licorice root
lipase
lovage
magnesium
Marshmallow
Mastic gum
Methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Milk
Mint
natural flavor
olive
orange
oregano
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
pear
Peppermint
pepsin
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plantain
plum fruit
potassium
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protease
butyric acid
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
rosemary
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
Triphala
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
Wasabi
Water
bentonite
squawvine
tangerine
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
Hedychium spicatum
anise
Tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
Fumaria parviflora
Swertia
Szechuan lovage
bile salt
buckthorn
prickly ash
lemongrass
root tuber
amber
flowering quince
sweet flag
zanthoxylum
sodium alginate
caraway
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
Menthol oil
aster root
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
peach
paw paw
White oak
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
Alginic acid
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
sea salt
Asparagus
Alcohol
ash
Angelica archanglica
Apple fiber
apple cider vinegar
Acetic acid
Asafetida
Alpinia katsumadai
Aloe Polysaccharide
Actinidin
Alpinia
African Ginger
Agastache
American Basil
Artemisia Herba-Alba
Aldimine
anthraquinone
Aloe Polysaccharide
Amylase
Ardisia
Angelica
Acacia
Agrimony
Aspergillus oryzae
Asian Psyllium
Ajowan
Ammonium chloride
Amomum
Ammonium glycyrrhizinate
Aluminum Silicate
Activated Charcoal
Allspice
asafoetida
Artemisia
Alkaloid (unspecified)
Aloe vera
Acacia fiber
Anserina
Asian Bayberry
Artichoke
Agarwood
Allium (unspecified)
Alpinia (unspecified)
American Centaury
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Apricot
Activated Charcoal
Aluminum
Ammonium salt (unspecified)
Abrotanum
Abutua
Angostura
arrowroot
aspergillopepsin
Aluminum Hydroxide
Alkaloids
Amomum (unspecified)
African Basil
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteraceae
Aloe
Apple Acid (unspecified)
Algin
Alpha-Galactosidase
Apple
Apple
Allyl isothiocyanate
Alpha acids
Acidophilus
Alpha Galactosidase
Amylase (mixed amylase)
Anise
Asian Plantain
Ammonium carbonate
Ant
Aloe macroclada
Amomum subulatum
Amor seco
Arani
Ash (unspecified)
Assam Indigo
Aster (unspecified)
atractylone
Acidulant
Ammonium bicarbonate
Barberry
Betaine Hydrochloride
Bentonite
Bifidobacterium longum
Belleric myrobalan
Bifidobacterium
buttermilk
butter
Butyric acid
bermuda grass
Brassica oleracea (unspecified)
Bifidobacterium (various species)
Bengal Fig
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifobacterium (mixed)
Bidens pilosa
blackthorn
Broussonetia
Buckthorn Plantain
Bile acid (unspecified)
bicarbonate
Bitter Principles
balsam
Brassica
bishop\'s weed
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
bayleaf
belleric myrobalan
Bitter Melon
Bifidobacterium (mixed)
bran
black galingale
Blond Psyllium
Berberis (unspecified)
big quaking grass
Billygoat plum
bitter grass
Blackboard tree
bael
Bioflavonoids (mixture)
Beet Fiber
Bifidobacterium bifidum
butternut
boldo
Basil
Butter
Buttermilk
Bacillus (mixed)
Balsam (unspecified)
Bear Garlic
Black cardamom
bur-reed
Betaine citrate
Bicarbonate (mixed)
Berberine
Blackberry
Bismuth
Buckthorn
Black Psyllium
Bicarbonate (unspecified)
black salt
bee products
Bile
Bacillus (unspecified)
Bacillus subtilis natto
Bacteria (unspecified)
Bifidobacteria (unspecified)
black nightshade
Bombax
borassus palm
Brassica (unspecified)
British Elecampane
Buddha\'s hand
bitter principals
Blend (combination)
Butyric acid
bacteria
blend (herb/botanical)
Bacillus Coagulans
Bacteria Blend
black root
Bamboo
banana
Bifidobacteria
Bauhinia Variegata
Bacillus
Black Pepper and White Pepper
Black Pepper
Bupleurum (unspecified)
Bassia scoparia
balloon flower
Balsam pear
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
bottle gourd
biogenic amine
bitartrate
borneol
Butter fat
Blend (combination)
Cubebs
cucumber
cumin
centaury
Camellia sinensis
coconut
Cyperus (unspecified)
Curcuma wenyujin
Cellulose Gel
curry leaf
Cinnamomum tamala
Chloride
Cinnamomum
Coral
Caper spurge
carqueja
Cinnamomum loureirii
Cinnamon (unspecified)
Calcium Magnesium Citrate
chlorophyllin
Cinnamic aldehyde
Cellulose
Castor oil derivative (unspecified)
coriander
Citrus sinensis
cactus
Calcium Ascorbate
Citrus (unspecified)
cape aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Cream
Cayenne Pepper
Common Plantain
citron
Curcuminoid
Cluster Fig
carry me seed
Citrus
Cinnamon Bark
Cardamom
Capsicum
Chinese Mallow
cowherb
Curcuma amada
Caffeoylquinic acids (unspecified)
Calcium
carvone
curcumen
Cellulose
Carrot fiber
cloves
Coating
Cyperus rotundus
capers
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Curcuminoid (unspecified)
Capsaicinoids
Curcuminoids
Chinese Amomum
Calcium
cinnamic acid
Calamus rhizome
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Cinnamaldehydes
Cinidium
Centidepa (unspecified)
Citrus junos
colombo
Cassia (unspecified)
Cassia fistula
Cayenne
Cinnamomum burmanii
Clerodendron
common madia
cubeb
Curcuma
Capsaicinoid
Caraway
Chamomile (not specified)
cabbage
chirata
Clove
Chinese Rhubarb
Cellulose
Chinese Licorice
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carbonated water
Caffeine
calamus
Citrus nobilis
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Clostridium butyricum
Chrysantellum americanum
Citrus reticulata
Chamomile
China Rose
Citrus (mixed)
Commiphora wightii
celery
cinnamaldehyde
Coconut
Cellulose
Ceylon Ginger
Citrus Unspecified
Citric Acid
catkin
costus
Chamomile (unspecified)
Citrus oil
Cola
Capsules
Capsaisin
colocynth
citrus spp.
Cambodium Cardamom
Conehead Thyme
carboxylic acid
Calcium Carbonate
Cellulose derivatives
Chlorophyll Vegetable Cellulose
divi-divi
Desmodium molliculum
Dandelion
diatomaceous earth
DL-Methionine
Diatase
duodenal substance
Digestion resistant Maltodextrin
Diatomite
dehydrocholic acid
Dolomite
dragonhead
dill
Dwarf lilyturf
dehydrochloric acid
Diastase (unspecified)
Damask rose
dihydrogencitrate
English Chamomile
empresstree
Evodia
English horsemint
English Oak
Endopeptidase
exopeptidase
Elephant Yam
Echinodorus
enzyme blend
Elecampane
European Barberry
European five-finger grass
emodin
fig
Fiber Blend
Fruit & Vegetable Blend
Flax
flavor
fruit
Flax Fiber
fiber
Fritillaria (unspecified)
Flavonoid
fumitory
Flowering quince
fernbush
Flesh-Finger Citron
Fruit (unspecified)
Flavor (Natural & Artificial)
Fiber (unspecified)
fleabane
Flavor
fringed pink
Fruit acid (unspecified)
Flavor/Color (Natural & Artificial)
flavonones
false calumba
Fennel
Flavanoid (mixture)
goldthread
Ground Ivy
Guava
gentian
Gingerol
German Chamomile
Goldthread (unspecified)
gum
garlic
Gentian Root
Gentianella alborosea
Glycyrrhiza (unspecified)
Glycoside (unspecified)
Greater Celandine
Gum (unspecified)
Greater galangal
Gentianella amarella
giant blazingstar
gallotannin
Gardenia jasminoides
Grass-leaved calamus
Glycyrrhetinic acid
ghatti
Gardenia
Ginger oleoresin
Galangal
Garcinia Pedunculata
Gooseberry
Galanga
Ginger
Ginger phenols (unspecified)
Hedychium Spicatum
Himalayan Rhubarb
Hyacinth (unspecified)
Himalayan salt
Houttynia
Horseradish
honey
heal-all
Hemidesmus
Hydrochloric acid
Honey
Houttuynia
Hoenelen
honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Hydrous magnesium silicate
Horehound
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
honeydew
Herbal Blend
Holy Basil
Helicteres isora
Humic acid
Horsemint
Huang hua
Irish Moss
Indian Madder
Indian Rhubarb (herb powder)
iridoids
Isothiocyanate
Indian Cassia
Indian Gooseberry
isoquinoline alkaloids
Indian Redwood
long pepper
Iris
Iceland Moss
Iceland Moss
Indian kinotree
Indian mallow
Indian Chrysanthemum
Indian fagonia
Indian Rhubarb
Japanese Apricot
Javanese Turmeric
Japanese Mint
Jurubeba
Juniper
Japanese persimmon
Javanese Long Pepper
Kombucha Tea
Kefir
Kefir
Kurtha zopfil
kuding tea
lemongrass
loquat
Lactobacillus plantarum
lime
Lactobacillus delbrueckii lactis
Lactococcus acidophilus
Large-leaf gentian
Lettuce (unspecified)
Lesser speargrass
Licorice (unspecified)
Lemon Fiber
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus (unspecified)
Lactobacillus brevis
Licorice
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus (various species)
Lemon mint (unspecified)
Licorice (various)
lovage
limonene
lactic acid
luffa
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lesser Galangal
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus (mixed)
Luo San
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
Lotus (unspecified)
Lactic Acid
Lingustilides
Lemon
lotus
Lo Han Guo
Lycopodium
Lactobacillus mixed)
Luo Han Guo
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus
Lactobacillus (unspepcified)
Lipase
Mentha haplocalyx
Magnesium Silicate
Malt Diastase
mandarin
Mustard
mineral (unspecified)
Mineral Water
Mung bean
Marjoram
Moringa
mallow
Malt (Barley)
Mucilage
Mandarin
Moroccan oregano
Magnesium citrate oxide
Monoterpenes
Mucins
Magnesium
mace
Milk
Magnesium carbonate
Metal salt
Marshmallow
Mexican oregano
Mountain pepper (unspecified)
Marshmallow
Myrrh
Mucin
Mint (unspecified)
Matapalo Tree
Magnesium hydroxide
Methylxanthine
Momordica
Magnesium
Marine colloids
Mastic
mandarin orange
Meadowsweet
Magnesium Citrate
Mother of Pearl
milk
manzanita
maple
Maytenus ilicifolia
Microcos
Magnesium
Molybdenum
Northern Prickly Ash
Nucno Pichana
Natsudaidai
Nigella seed
Neral
Natural flavor(s)
Nutmeg & Mace
Nut Grass
Nutmeg
Oroxylum
oregano
Olive
Orange (unspecified)
onion
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oroxylum indicum
Oligosaccharide (unspecified)
Oligosaccharide
Orris
Ox Bile
Oligosaccharides
Osmanthus
Oak Bark
Oryza sativa
Origanum (unspecified)
Pear
Peppermint leaf
Propolis
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Phellodendron
Piperine
Plantain (unspecified)
Potassium Citrate
Psyllium fiber
Potassium bitartrate
Peach
Palmyra
polymorpha
Psacalium peltatum
Peppermint essence
Prebiotic (unspecified)
Phosphoric Acid
Pumpkin
Pepsin
Plantago
Pinellia ternata
Pentacyclic alkaloids
Pluchea
Pedicoccus acidilactici
Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. Shermanii
potato
Pepper Bark Tree
Pimpinella (unspecified)
Polypodium (unspecified)
Proanthocyanidins (unspecified)
Prunus
Phenolics (unspecified)
Phosphate ascorbate
Potassium
Potassium citrate malate
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
Papaya
Phosphate Salt
Pancreatin
probiotics
Plum
Pepper
Peucedanum
Piper retrofractum
polydimethylsiloxane
pointed gourd
Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)
Portulaca
Polyphenols (unspecified)
Piper nigrum
Potassium
Peppermint
Prickly Ash (Unspecified)
Pineapple
Pimpinella
Persimmon
Prickly ash (mixed)
polyphenols (various)
Pinellia
Pubescent Angelica
Probiotic (unspecified)
Propionibacterium freudenreichii shermanii
Parsley
Pedra hume
Physalis angulata
Plantain
potash
Papayotin
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phenolic (unspecified)
Polygonum
Potassium Bicarbonate
Potassium malate
Plantago (unspecified)
Pearl
Prickly Ash Bark
Plantain (common or English)
Plectranthus amboinicus
phenolics (various)
Polyphenols (mixed)
Qunice
quince
quinic acid
Quassia
Quillaja
Red-Rooted Sage
Rubus
Raspberry (various)
Rugose Rose
Raspberry (unspecified)
Rice vinegar
Rhapontic rubarb
Rice
Radish
resin
Rosemary
rose
Rooibos
Rhus coriaria
reed herb
Rhubarb (unspecified)
rhubarb
ricinoleic acid
Siler
Spilanthes
Sicklepod
Sodium chloride
Spiked Ginger Lily
Sichuan Pepper
Sharp-leaf galangal
Savory (unspecified)
Sete sangrias
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Sweet Orange
Self-Heal
Sodium Bicarbonate
Spearmint
Salt (sea)
Solanum indicum
Sea water
Satsuma mandarin
Spanish Oregano
Sacchoromyces (unspecified)
Sodium biphosphate
Sweet Almond
Shen Qu
Salt (Himalayan)
Sage-leaf alangium
Sweet Marjoram
Sea Salt
Sicilian Sumac
Slippery Elm
Saccharomyces cerevisae
Streptococcus Thermophilus
Shogaol
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Savory
Stellaria dichotoma
Squash (unspecified)
Squash
Spanish Thyme
Scabrous Gentian
Summer Savory
Stomach
Shiny-Leaf Prickly Ash
Sumac
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium chloride
Sweet Bay
Stone Root
Sodium Citrate
Salt (unspecified)
Scurfy Pea
Servicetree
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Sassafras
Sedanenolide
Sweet Orange alcohol
Terminalia
Thyme
Tannin (unspecified)
Tea (unspecified)
Tea
Tannins
Tropical Almond
Thymus
Tea (not specified)
Tarragon
Trisodium citrate
Tayuya
Turmeric
Taraxacum mongolicum
Terminalia (unspecified)
Thatch screw-pine
Tannin
Tomato
Tulbaghia
Tannates
Taka amylase
Tagetes
Tamarind
Thymus satureioides
Three-Leaf-Caper
Tarragon (unspecified)
Taraxacum
Thymus
Trisodium citrate
Trisaminomethane
Ulmus
Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vinegar
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine)
Vitamin C (unspecified)
Vitamin C (mixed)
Vinegar
Violet
Vidanga
Violet (unspecified)
Vegetable Fiber (unspecified)
Water
Wheat Bran
White Pepper
Wax Gourd
White thyme
White Rice
White Oak
White Pear
Wild plum (unspecified)
Wasabia japonica
Water Chestnut
Wild Thyme
Wheat Bran
Wulinshen
White Rice
Wild Mint
Yuzu
Yerba buena
Yogurt
Yellow Ginger
Zucchini
Zinc L-Carnosine
Zingiberene
Zedoary
Zinc-l-Carnosine
Zanthoxylum piperitum
Zeolite
Zingerone
Zinc carnosine