Indigestion

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Indigestion is also called dyspepsia which is a feeling of fullness while eating or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a meal along with pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen. Indigestion is a disorder in the digestive tract in which the stomach acid goes back into the esophagus. As a result, the lining of the stomach are irritated and sore which leads to heartburn and pain. The sphincter or the valve found on top of the stomach is incapable of functioning very well.

Symptoms

• Heartburn is severe pain behind the breastbone or sternum when the digestive acid moves from the stomach and travel up to the esophagus and sometimes the person vomits.
• A feeling of uneasiness and fullness of the chest and stomach after eating a meal.

  

• Belching, bloating and burping

Causes

• Digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions of the stomach.
• Irregularities in the bile ducts or pancreas and peptic ulcers in the duodenum.
• The stomach or the first part of the small bowel or the duodenum becomes inflamed or damaged that can result to peptic ulcers
• A side effect of some medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication for arthritis can cause indigestion.
• Pleasure foods such as chocolates and caffeine relax the sphincter found at the joint of the esophagus and stomach

Treatment

• Eat small quantities of food and avoid fatty foods that are hard to digest.
• Stop smoking and drinking carbonated beverages, alcohol and coffee.
• Get plenty of sleep at night and plenty of rest during the day.
• Avoid being emotionally and physically stressed out. It is recommended to perform meditative practices to lessen the level of stress such as yoga or swimming.
• Avoid taking medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications in order to prevent irritation of the lining of the stomach. Seek medical help if there is underlying condition.
• After eating a meal, drink ½ glass of pineapple juice since it helps with the condition.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress on the stomach at least 30 minutes after eating.
• Drink a cup of ginger tea after eating a meal in order to help prevent heartburn and nausea.
• Chew fresh garlic clove mixed with some salt at least for 10 minutes before eating to help stimulate the digestion.
• Take prescribed over-the-counter medications and antacids to help with the condition. These are beneficial for indigestion since they help the stomach in moving the food into the small intestines.
• Encourage the individual to stick with a regular exercise routine to promote good digestion. The individual can take a walk at least for 30 minutes every day. In addition, a brisk walk at night after eating a meal can also help with good digestion.