Question:

I've been suffering from indigestion on and off for several years despite trying to control my diet (omitting processed foods and spices, etc). I don't like using the over-the-counter remedies, especially week after week. Can you suggest anything I could try?

Answer:

The most common reason people have indigestion is a lack of stomach acid, which is needed to break down the food you have eaten so it can be absorbed. Fermentation can occur when the food takes too long to break down, which leads to burping and feelings of indigestion.

A simple way to help this is to begin your day with a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon in it. Have this first thing in the morning and don't eat for half an hour. You can also try having a spoonful of cider vinegar in a little water before each meal.

If you still feel the symptoms after trying this it is time for a visit to your naturopath to get some herbal medicine tailored to your individual symptoms.

For more information please visit Alison Johnson’s website.