What is Indigestion?

Indigestion is the end result of eating too much fiber, fatty or spicy foods and eating them too fast. When this happens, the acids in the stomach become overwhelmed and the liquids that have been churning in the stomach are sent back up to the esophagus. This produces reflux, which leads to a sensation of burning near the heart, which is often called heartburn.

There is little solid evidence on what causes indigestion but many think that smoking, drinking too much alcohol, anxiety and stress, not eating regular meals and eating certain foods such as foods with too much fat and drinking tea bring on the symptoms of indigestion.

In addition, it is thought that stress and anxiety contribute to the release of excess acids that go into the stomach. Also, several types of indigestion are brought on by eating improperly such as eating too fast and ingesting too much air while eating. When food is swallowed too fast, it brings in too much air to the stomach. Also, drinking too many carbonated drinks or beverages such as wine, can initiate bloating and indigestion. To get relief from this kind of indigestion, belching can help. Over- the-counter remedies also help lessen indigestion, as well as drinking cool, refrigerated water.

Indigestion can also be helped by eating smaller, low-fat meals and eating them, slower. Staying away from coffee and alcohol can also help. Limiting the use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs can also help reduce indigestion. And, seeking ways to decrease stress in your life can also help, such as taking more walks or practicing relaxation therapy.

Also, sufferers of indigestion can now also buy over-the-counter acid reducers. This helps many with indigestion because once the acid level is lowered; pain and discomfort from indigestion will lessen. Peppermint, for years, has been known to help and sometimes cure indigestion.

The symptoms of indigestion are sometimes mistaken for warnings of a heart attack but a doctor can tell from examination whether the discomfort is coming from indigestion or pending heart concerns. It is advised that if over-the-counter remedies don’t help your indigestion and that your indigestion continues or gets worse, then it would be best to go to an emergency room soon.

• Conditions that could develop with indigestion are: a condition known as GERD—gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer, or peptic ulcer disease. Should these conditions occur, there may be a need to have stool tests, x-rays or an upper endoscopy with biopsies performed in order to examine the indigestion process or take prescribed medication.

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