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Yes, mustard does help with indigestion. Indigestion is a very common concern, and while it can be a source of great discomfort, most times it can be easily remedied by at-home tips and tricks.
The common home remedies employed to treat indigestion are drinking peppermint tea, chewing fennel seeds, and drinking lemon water, but among them, the use of mustard seeds or mustard condiments stands out as an effective way to treat indigestion!
Many people recommend taking a spoonful of mustard along with a glass of water at the first sign of acid reflux, which is a symptom of indigestion.
How Does Mustard Help?
Indigestion is the feeling of stomach upset that may be accompanied by varying symptoms that include acid reflux or heartburn. (1)
One way to combat this symptom is by consuming some type of antacid that can effectively neutralize stomach acid. Mustard is able to do just that due to its alkalizing nature.
Studies have found patients who took a spoonful of mustard at the onset of feeling heartburn or acid reflux found immediate relief. (2)
How to Take Mustard for Indigestion
Yellow mustard is widely available as a condiment, and it belongs to the brassica family, which also includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower. The condiment is obtained by preparing a paste of mustard seeds along with salt.
It has a peculiar bitter taste that comes from specific bioactive compounds called isothiocyanates. (3) Due to this taste, it may be difficult to consume mustard on its own.
Here are some intake suggestions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of mustard in ½ cup of yogurt and consume it with your food to promote digestion.
- Spread it on a piece of dry toast or crackers and consume when the feeling of heartburn strikes.
- Mix it with honey to combat the strong taste.
Mustard Allergies
Mustard seed and the condiments prepared from it can be a potential allergen for some people. It is recommended to check for mustard sensitivity, especially if you have experienced anaphylactic symptoms from other allergens such as nuts. (4)
Can I Give Mustard to Children?
As long as the child has no allergies, mustard is safe to be given to them.
Practical Takeaways
- Indigestion is an uncomfortable situation that causes symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn.
- Of all the home remedies, taking a spoonful of mustard along with a glass of water has been reported to bring about immediate relief.
- Mustard creates an alkaline environment that neutralizes the stomach acid and prevents its backflow into the food pipe.
- Mustard can be a potential allergen, so people who are allergic to nuts need to check for sensitivity to mustard.
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