I'm sure this sounds familiar: At a restaurant, you decide to be a
little adventurous and select a meal you have never tried before.
On the way back home, you begin feeling somewhat queasy and
a little bloated. Once home, you decide it's late so you go directly
to bed, but instead of sleep, you experience heartburn, gas and
refluxing acid all night.
Unfortunately, indigestion affects 36 million Americans each month.
For the most part it's not dangerous, but it is a definite annoyance. So what can be done? about it?
What is indigestion?
First, let us distinguish between the different types of indigestion that exist.
Indigestion is a common term that includes heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, nausea, constipation, lactose intolerance, bloating, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Each condition is different, but they all have a common origin: bad eating habits.
One of the main symptoms of indigestion is heartburn, a.k.a. dyspepsia. Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs behind the upper ribcage. It is usually experienced one hour after meals with acid reflux and belching as common symptoms. The condition comes and goes, but some have chronic dyspepsia.
what causes indigestion?
Indigestion is caused by a variety of things including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, weakened digestion (caused by bad eating habits and lifestyle), and low stomach acidity and digestive enzymes.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The stomach and esophagus are connected by a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The valve acts as a barrier, controlling what goes in and out of the stomach. Normally, food can only go into the stomach without any backflow, even when lying down.
When the valve malfunctions -- when it is weakened or deformed -- acid can make its way back up the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. When that happens, a condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD arises.
What are the symptoms of GERD and how can you cure it?
People with this condition have chronic heartburn because the problem is physical in nature. About 7% of Americans have GERD and the condition can become dangerous with time. Studies have shown that chronic heartburn can cause ulcers in the esophagus and even some forms of cancer.
Cure: People suffering from GERD should not lie down after eating. Because the valve isn't functioning properly, it allows acid to flow back up the esophagus. Staying upright or at a 60-degree angle for half an hour after eating can help prevent acid reflux. And avoiding food consumption before going to bed goes without saying.
Weakened Digestion
People with weak digestive systems will suffer a variety of problems ranging from heartburn to nausea. Usually, a weakened digestive system stems from bad eating habits, which causes food to sit in the digestive tract too long. Here are some eating habits you should try to develop:
Cures:
• Chew properly
• Eat more slowly
• Don't watch television or read while eating
• Exercise; it strengthens digestion
• Don't eat large meals
• Figure out which foods your body can't tolerate and avoid them
• Avoid drinking while eating: water and other liquids dilute stomach acids
• Don't smoke
• Avoid caffeine
Low Stomach Acidity
Contrary to popular belief, too much acid in the stomach does not cause indigestion. Quite the contrary...
As stated above, most problems occur when food isn't properly absorbed into the system. When aliments sit in the digestive tract, they ferment and cause a wide array of problems.
A lack of acid in the stomach is one of the causes.
Some claim that antacids alleviate indigestion but studies have shown that the opposite is more likely. Leo Galland, MD, stated in an article for Alternative & Complementary Therapies that people who consume antacids may develop intestinal infections.
Cure: There are different ways to treat the problem without resorting to antacids such as the aforementioned tips, which could be enough to alleviate the problem. Many home remedies can also cure indigestion. Swallowing a raw bean or two, for instance, works for some strange reason.
Few Digestive Enzymes
Some individuals have few digestive enzymes. People with the condition might experience more frequent digestive problems.
Cure: Eating food that promotes the formation of enzymes, such as papaya and pineapple, is one way of dealing with the problem. Digestive enzymes, which help break down protein for easier absorption, are also available for over-the-counter purchase.
Indigestion should be taken seriously -- if left untreated, it might cause more severe problems. If symptoms are chronic despite treatments, one should consult a physician
