There are numerous types of digestive problems such as indigestion and bacterial overgrowth. There are likewise many types of digestive remedies. Some solutions are provided by medications that have been approved by food and medicine associations and are backed by numerous tests that support their claims. Other digestive remedies are considered alternative methods and are highly regarded by some people, but they may not be widely endorsed or prescribed by medical professionals and there may not be research to support claims of their benefits.
Indigestion, for example, may be treated with antacids for those who prefer pharmaceutical remedies. Antacids are generally over-the-counter medications. Some resemble a packet of round candies and become effective once chewed and swallowed. There are also liquid forms of these medications which may be taken in measured doses.
It is suggested by many, however, that pharmaceutical options may not be the best for digestive problems. Instead, alternative digestive remedies are often encouraged as replacements. Peppermint tea is a good example.
Peppermint is considered one of the best natural digestive remedies. It can be used not only for indigestion but also for nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal bacteria overgrowth. It is generally believed that fresh peppermint leaves are best but tea bags may also be effective.
Grapefruit seed extract is another of the alternative digestive remedies that is believed to offer a wide range of benefits. Grapefruit seed extract is often considered a natural antibiotic. It can be used for digestive problems such as food poisoning and intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It is available in a variety of forms such as capsules and liquid extract.
Bitter orange is another citrus remedy. It can be used for nausea, bloating, and stomach pains. Since bitter orange can have laxative effects, it is also used in cases of constipation. Its use for these purposes is generally credited to traditional Chinese medicine. It is often available in several forms for internal consumption including extracts, tablets, and capsules.
Pau d’arco provides digestive remedies for all sorts of gastrointestinal problems including colitis and stomatitis. This treatment option is derived from the bark of trees that usually grow in tropical South American environments. Its use has been noted among various indigenous cultures. Natives tend to consume pau d’arco by making a tea from the dried bark. It is also available from some suppliers in capsule and liquid extract form.
The digestive benefits of black walnuts are believed to come from the hulls of the nuts. It is believed that black walnuts can act to combat a range of digestive problems. This includes eliminating toxins from the intestinal tract and alleviating constipation by acting as a laxative. Black walnut is usually available as a liquid extract that is consumed after it is mixed with water.