Make-Your-Own Remedies for Digestive Issues

Who doesn’t suffer from some sort of digestive problem? Gas, constipation, bloating, heartburn, “gurgling” sounds in your gut. You name it, we’ve experienced some or all of these at some point. It’s annoying and uncomfortable. Over-the-counter products don’t really work. So, what does? Here are some home remedies that are all natural and safe to use to cure what ails you (the last one is our absolute MUST-HAVE item on hand at all times!). Of course, prevention is key. Don’t forget to eat right, stay hydrated, and get plenty of exercise and sleep.

Home Remedies

Get rid of gas  Try peppermint tea or peppermint oil capsules. Or try a teaspoonful of fennel seeds (chew before swallowing). Another remedy to try is to eat a teaspoon of olive oil on an empty stomach each morning to prevent gas.

Got a tummy ache? Try mixing ½ tsp. baking soda into 4 oz. of warm water and then drink it. It may taste nasty, but it will make you burp and give you some relief.

Heartburn? Try a teaspoon of honey.

Bloated? The juice of 1 lemon in a cup of hot water will help that.

Constipated? Add ground flaxseed, about 1-2 tbs. per day, to yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, cottage cheese, soup, chili, stews, and baked goods. Also, try the Ayurvedic remedy called Triphala. It helps improve the health of your colon and keep you regular. Of course, don’t forget to eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water. Eating right is the best way to prevent constipation in the first place.

Block fat Reduce some of the dietary fat from being absorbed by consuming ½ tbs. vinegar, twice a day. It’s pretty hard to drink it straight, so try mixing it into water or eating it on your salad or cooked veggies. It’s a great way to improve the flavor.

Activated Charcoal is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. Read more about activated charcoal here.

The following are not home remedies, but are important in keeping a happy and healthy gut:

Probiotics  The best ones are refrigerated. Aim for one that has at least 10 billion CFUs and a range of different bacteria strains.

L-Glutamine   This amino acid helps in tissue healing, maintains a healthy digestive tract, and effectively treats small intestine absorption problems. Aim for 5 grams a day.

Olive Leaf extract combats inflammation and irritation in the intestinal tract and stomach.

Try some of these out and let us know what you think.