What is Indigestion?
Indigestion is a very common health condition that occurs when you feel discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. This condition is commonly known as an upset stomach and is also called dyspepsia. The symptoms may include bloating or feeling full, abdominal pain and discomfort, loss of appetite, etc.
What are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
If you have indigestion, you may have:
- The symptoms of this condition are very common. You may experience the following symptoms if you have indigestion. One of the most common symptoms of indigestion is early fullness while eating your meal. This may make you feel that you have eaten so much and will not allow you to finish your normal portion.
- Paining and feeling uncomfortable in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and belly button. You may experience moderate to severe pain depending on the condition.
- Along with the pain, you may feel a burning sensation in the area between the bottom of the breastbone and belly button. Bloating in the upper abdomen is also a very common symptom of indigestion. You may feel uncomfortable and tight in the upper abdomen area and may feel nausea.
What are the Causes of Indigestion?
- There can be several causes of indigestion. Most of the time it depends on your lifestyle, particularly food habits. Let’s see what the possible triggers of indigestion are.
- Overeating may be one of the major causes of indigestion. Additionally, too much fatty, greasy, and spicy food may result in indigestion.
- Too much consumption of alcohol, carbonated beverages, and caffeine can cause indigestion.
- Certain medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, iron supplements, etc. can trigger this condition.
- In some rare cases feeling anxious and restless can cause indigestion.
When to see a Doctor?
- Indigestion is the most common condition which may be experienced by everyone and is not a cause of concern. However, in case the suffering and symptoms don’t improve or go away completely within two weeks, you should consult with your doctor. Also, in case your pain is severe, then you need to call your doctor immediately.
- There may be instances when you develop more severe symptoms along with the normal indigestion symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, recurrent vomiting, trouble in swallowing food, weaknesses, and fatigue, etc. This is the time to see a doctor as it may indicate a more severe illness.
Lifestyle Prevention of Indigestion
- Preventing indigestion is very much possible by following a healthy lifestyle. Identifying the food that is causing you indigestion and avoiding them is important. Other than that you may take the following preventive measures to prevent indigestion.
- Try to eat small meals throughout the day so that you don’t force your stomach to work too hard.
- Eating slowly is a very good practice in developing digestive capacity. So, try to eat slowly.
- You should not eat foods that are high in acid.
- Caffeine causes indigestion and you need to avoid any food and drink which contains that.
- Working out is very important along with eating green vegetables. Green vegetables have high fiber which helps you improve your bowel movements and helps you improve your digestion.
- Smoking and consuming alcohol may irritate your stomach lining and cause indigestion. So quit them
Common Ayurvedic Remedies for Indigestion
Some of the Ayurvedic remedies can help you treat indigestion and give you immediate relief. Some of the herbs and spices like aloe-vera, baking soda, fennel seeds, saliva, holy basils, ginger, apple cider vinegar work very well for indigestion.
- Aloe vera juice: Drink half a cup of aloe juice prior to meals to keep your stomach and esophagus soothed.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water, then drink up before every meal or at sleep time.
- Baking Soda: Simply melt one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink. The baking soda will assist nullify acid immediately.
- Saliva: Saliva helps reduce acid, so raising the quantity of saliva you generate after a meal is a good way to prevent acid formation. Try chewing a stick of gum for 30 minutes for reduced indigestion or stomach ache.
Curative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Ginger | Garlic and Trikatu | Bay leaf | Cardamom | Fennel seeds | Holy basil I Salvia
Preventative Ayurvedic Herbs:
Not Known.
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