Digestive Issues
How to Deal With Digestive Issues

Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common condition that affects many people. It is a feeling of discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, usually after eating or drinking. Indigestion can have different causes and symptoms, and it can affect anyone at any age. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about indigestion and provide some tips on how to prevent and treat it.
What is Indigestion?
Indigestion is not a disease, but a term that describes a group of symptoms related to the digestive process. Some of these symptoms include:
- Feeling full too soon or for too long after eating.
- Feeling bloated or gassy in the upper abdomen.
- Feeling a burning sensation or pain in the chest or stomach.
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
- Burping or regurgitating food or acid.
Causes of Indigestion?
There are many possible causes of indigestion, some of which are related to the food or drink you consume, and some of which are related to your health or lifestyle. Some of the common causes of indigestion are:
- Eating too much, too fast, or too spicy food.
- Drinking too much alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Taking certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or antibiotics.
- Having a bacterial infection in the stomach, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
- Having a digestive disorder, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Having a food intolerance or allergy, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease.
- Having a stomach cancer (rare).
NOTE: If you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs of a serious condition, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Are Symptoms of Indigestion?
The symptoms of indigestion can vary from person to person, and they can also change over time. Some of the common symptoms of indigestion are:
- Feeling full too soon or for too long after eating.
- Feeling bloated or gassy in the upper abdomen.
- Feeling a burning sensation or pain in the chest or stomach.
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
- Burping or regurgitating food or acid.
Some people may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Loss of appetite or weight.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Chest pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arm.
Who Gets Indigestion?
Indigestion can affect anyone at any age, but some people may be more prone to it than others. Some of the risk factors that can increase your chances of getting indigestion are:

Gender:
Women are more likely to get indigestion than men, especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
Age:
Older people are more likely to get indigestion than younger people, due to changes in the digestive system and the use of more medications.
Smoking:
Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus, and increase the production of stomach acid.
Medications:
Some medications can cause or worsen indigestion, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, steroids, or antidepressants.
Stress:
Stress can affect the nerves and hormones that control the digestive system, and cause or worsen indigestion.
Diet:
Eating foods that are high in fat, sugar, spice, or acid can trigger or aggravate indigestion, as well as eating too much or too fast.
Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus, and increase the production of stomach acid.
Other Conditions:
Having a digestive disorder, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can cause or worsen indigestion, as well as having a bacterial infection, such as H. pylori, or a food intolerance or allergy.
How is Indigestion Treated?

The treatment of indigestion depends on the cause and the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, indigestion can be relieved with some simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals, and chewing slowly and thoroughly.
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger or worsen indigestion, such as spicy, fatty, acidic, or carbonated foods and beverages.
- Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco, or reducing the amount you use.
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine, or drinking them in moderation.
- Taking over-the-counter antacids, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, to neutralize stomach acid and ease discomfort.
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, to reduce the production of stomach acid and prevent or heal ulcers.
- Managing stress, anxiety, or depression, with relaxation techniques, counseling, or medication.
- Exercising regularly, but not right after eating, to improve blood circulation and digestion.
- Sleeping with your head elevated, or using extra pillows, to prevent acid reflux at night.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes, and avoiding belts or tight waistbands, to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
If these measures do not help, or if you have severe, persistent, or recurrent symptoms, you should see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may perform some tests, such as blood tests, breath tests, stool tests, endoscopy, or X-rays, to determine the cause of your indigestion and rule out any serious conditions. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications, such as antispasmodics, antidepressants, or painkillers, to relieve your symptoms and treat the underlying problem. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery, such as fundoplication or gastrectomy, to repair or remove part of your stomach or esophagus.
Indigestion Diet – Foods to Eat – Foods to Avoid
One of the best ways to prevent and treat indigestion is to follow a healthy and balanced diet that suits your individual needs and preferences. However, some foods and drinks may be more beneficial or harmful than others when it comes to indigestion. Here are some general guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid if you have indigestion:
Foods to Eat
Some of the foods that may help with indigestion are:

Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Some of the best vegetables for indigestion are leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, celery, and potatoes.
Fruits are also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Some of the best fruits for indigestion are bananas, apples, pears, melons, and berries.
Whole grains are rich in fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, a common cause of indigestion. Some of the best whole grains for indigestion are oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and barley.
Lean proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, and they can also help you feel full and satisfied. Some of the best lean proteins for indigestion are chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and tofu.
Low-fat dairy products are good sources of calcium, which can help neutralize stomach acid and ease discomfort. Some of the best low-fat dairy products for indigestion are yogurt, cheese, and milk.
Healthy fats are important for absorbing nutrients and maintaining cell membranes, and they can also help you feel full and satisfied. Some of the best healthy fats for indigestion are olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
Herbs and spices can add flavor and aroma to your food, and they can also have medicinal properties that can help with indigestion. Some of the best herbs and spices for indigestion are ginger, mint, fennel, chamomile, and turmeric.
Foods to Avoid
Some of the foods that may worsen indigestion are:

Fried foods are high in fat, which can slow down digestion and increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. Some of the worst fried foods for indigestion are french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and doughnuts.
Processed foods are high in salt, sugar, additives, and preservatives, which can irritate the lining of the stomach and esophagus, and cause inflammation and bloating. Some of the worst processed foods for indigestion are canned foods, frozen meals, deli meats, and chips.
Spicy foods can stimulate the production of stomach acid and cause a burning sensation or pain in the chest or stomach. Some of the worst spicy foods for indigestion are chili, curry, salsa, and hot sauce.
Acidic foods can increase the acidity of the stomach and cause a burning sensation or pain in the chest or stomach. Some of the worst acidic foods for indigestion are citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, and