In Mexico, people start revving up in September, as they enjoy traditional Mexican snacks, pozole, tacos, desserts, and more on September 15 and 16, Mexico's Independence Day, so it is not uncommon for them to suffer from the famous empacho, also known as indigestion. 

The feast does not end there, as shortly after it's time to enjoy tamales, atole, mole, and other Mexican dishes for the Day of the Dead. Later, turkey, pork loin, leg, romeritos, and cod are eaten at Christmas, while on New Year's Eve, all kinds of Mexican and international dishes are served. To close with a flourish, the rosca de reyes is a must on January 6, and tamales for Candlemas Day. 

As you can see, Mexicans eat very well from September to February, but this also means that empacho is abundant, so apply these home remedies, and you will feel better right away! 

You can also read: Ancestral Mexican Ingredients to Avoid Illnesses

What is empacho? 

According to the dictionary of the Spanish language in Mexico, empacho can be defined as a "disease or discomfort characterized by various digestive disorders, generally due to overeating or eating undercooked or unripe foods." 

Although in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries it is known as empacho, this condition is also widely known as indigestion, which usually affects us when we eat too much or have difficulty digesting certain foods. 

For its part, the MedlinePlus portal defines indigestion as "a feeling of discomfort or burning in the upper abdomen. It may involve heartburn or belching and feel bloated. You may also feel nauseous and even vomit." 

You can also read: 5 Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice 

What causes empacho? 

Experts from MedlinePlus explain that empacho, or indigestion, is caused by "eating too much or too quickly, consuming fatty foods or eating in times of stress. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, taking certain medications, excessive fatigue, and ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or worsen it." 

Symptoms of empacho 

The symptoms of empacho or indigestion are as follows:  

• Heartburn 
• Nausea 
• Stomach pain 
• Feeling very full 
• Inflammation 
• Belching 
• Gas 
• Food regurgitation 

You can also read: Home Remedies for Diarrhea

5 Home Remedies for Empacho 

Now that you can identify empacho and are sure it is not a serious case, you can relieve the symptoms and discomfort with very easy home remedies that will bring you back to life in no time.  

1. Water with Baking Soda  
This remedy is the most practical, as you only need a glass of water and baking soda to get rid of indigestion quickly. The portal WebMD recommends dissolving ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, drink it a couple of hours after eating, and you're done. 

2. Lemon Water 
Just like baking soda, lemon will help neutralize stomach acids and thus improve the symptoms of indigestion. Experts from Healthline recommend dissolving 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in warm water and drinking it before meals to prevent empacho. 

3. Mint Tea 
Besides being delicious and refreshing, mint tea is perfect for calming nausea and indigestion. So, if you feel empachado, don't hesitate to prepare a mint tea after eating. 

You can also read: Fruits and Vegetables for Good Digestion

4. Ginger 
Another excellent home remedy to get rid of indigestion is a rich ginger tea, which will help you avoid nausea, inflammation, and even gas, according to WebMD. 

5. Bland Diet 
If you have recently eaten a lot of Mexican snacks or plan to eat everything at the Christmas dinner, it will surely be beneficial to adopt a bland diet if you have empacho. Another good option is the so-called BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. 

Remember that these home remedies are ideal if you experience nausea, a feeling of fullness, or gas, but if you experience severe pain or if symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to see a doctor.