Digestion: Simple, Practical Ways to Feel Better

Stomach trouble can ruin your day. Whether it’s bloating after dinner, heartburn at night, or sluggish digestion in the morning, small changes often make a big difference. This page collects clear tips you can try right now and points to deeper guides on the site for issues like reflux, motility problems, and antibiotics that upset your gut.

Quick fixes that actually help

Start with how you eat. Slow down, chew well, and stop eating when you’re comfortably full—not stuffed. Smaller, more frequent meals reduce pressure on your stomach. Drink water, but avoid downing large amounts right during meals if you feel bloated.

Avoid common triggers for reflux and indigestion: fried foods, spicy meals, heavy sauces, and too much coffee or alcohol. After you eat, stay upright for at least an hour. If heartburn wakes you at night, sleep with your head raised an inch or two; that stops acid from moving up your throat.

Over-the-counter antacids work for quick relief. If you need daily control, there are other options besides esomeprazole—antacid tablets, H2 blockers, and lifestyle fixes can help. See our article on 2025 alternatives to Esomeprazole for practical choices and pros/cons.

For slow digestion or feelings of fullness, gentle movement after meals—like a 10-minute walk—stimulates motility. Some medicines, like bethanechol, are used for specific motility problems; those require a doctor’s prescription and follow-up. Read our Bethanechol piece if a slow gut is a recurring problem.

Antibiotics can throw your gut off balance. If you’re prescribed keflex (cephalexin) or another antibiotic, expect possible loose stools. Taking a probiotic during and after treatment can reduce that risk, but talk to your provider about timing and strains. If diarrhea is severe or bloody, seek medical care—this can signal a serious infection such as C. difficile.

Supplements and herbs: smart use, clear warnings

Supplements like octacosanol or palm oil extracts show promise for general health, but effects on digestion vary. Some people notice less fatigue or better cholesterol, while others see no change. Herbs such as tansy have a long history in folk medicine, but they can be toxic if misused. Always check interactions with prescription meds and ask a clinician before starting anything new.

Watch for red flags: unintentional weight loss, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or fevers. Those need prompt evaluation. Chronic reflux that won’t budge also deserves a proper check to rule out esophagitis or other problems.

If you want targeted reads, this tag page links to detailed posts on reflux alternatives, motility drugs, supplements, and safe antibiotic use. Try the related articles for step-by-step advice and practical tests you can try at home. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider—gut symptoms are common, but many causes are easy to fix when caught early.