Indigestion

Hey foodie! We know you love trying new food every time. Are you experiencing discomfort after eating? Do not worry because we got your back and are here to help you out with it. Let’s see if you could relate what has been bothering you with what we have for you here.

Multiple factors affect the normal functioning of the digestive system, causing discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling of fullness, heartburn and nausea are called indigestion or dyspepsia. Often experienced after a heavy meal, may include several other causes.

The causes are all related to our lifestyle and what we eat, drink and the medications we take:

• A large intake of caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, or carbonated beverages.
• Smoking.
• Anxiety.
• Overeating or eating too fast.
• Consumption of foods that are spicy, high in fat, and oily.

Then there are some medical conditions that may also contribute to the same. Conditions like - 

• Peptic ulcers,
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD),
• Lactose, gluten, and other intolerances,
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and
• And Gastric cancer

The intensity of the symptoms and their frequency varies from person to person but certain symptoms are common for all like - 

1. Burning pain in the upper abdomen and stomach
2. Acidic taste in the mouth
3. Burping and gas
4. Abdominal bloating
5. Loss of appetite
6. Fatigue and weakness

Other symptoms include:

• Early fullness during a meal: Feeling full even before completing a meal.
• Nausea: A sudden urge to vomit/puke.
• Uncomfortable fullness after a meal: A long-lasting feeling of fullness causing discomfort.
• Discomfort in the upper abdomen: Pain in between the bottom of your breastbone and your belly button. The intensity could range from mild to severe.

In case of occasional indigestion, looking out for how what and when you eat could be helpful. But in case of recurring indigestion, these should help-

• Eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of the traditional three big meals
• Keeping control of caffeine and alcohol intake and reducing them can prevent indigestion
• Not eating at least 2-3 hours before sleeping
• Exercising 1-2 hours before or after your meal
• Avoiding spicy, greasy, and fatty foods

Indigestion is a common problem and can be treated with lifestyle changes. A few home remedies along with medications can be beneficial in treating indigestion.

• Ginger: Including ginger in your diet in different ways can show the benefits. Adding ginger to your food while cooking, making ginger tea, sucking on ginger candy, and having ginger juice are some of the ways.
• Fennel seeds: Drinking fennel seeds (½ a teaspoon) boiled in water, and chewing them directly after meals or fennel tea can be effective remedies too. 
• Lemon water: Although lemon juice is acidic in nature, once metabolized, it reduces the acidic effects of stomach acid. 
• Antacids: Serves as quick assistance for acid reflux by neutralizing the stomach acids.
• Antibiotics: Infections such as Helicobacter pylori can be treated using antibiotics.
• H2 blockers: These are used to treat GERD, peptic ulcers, and ulcers linked to NSAIDs. H2 blockers help in reducing the amounts of stomach acids.

Indigestion can be treated with a few natural home remedies, if not severe. Make sure to seek medical attention when the severity increases.