Indigestion

Most people experience indigestion now and then, and occasional episodes are not cause for concern.

It is most commonly caused by:

• Over-eating
• Eating too quickly
• Eating foods that are spicy, fatty, or difficult to digest
• Alcohol or coffee
• Eating while under stress or feeling anxious
• Performing strenuous activity soon after eating (e.g. lifting or bending)
• Lying down too soon after eating

Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of indigestion by putting physical pressure on the stomach and intestines. The symptoms may be exacerbated by any activity that further increases the pressure on the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. bending over).

In some cases, recurrent episodes of indigestion may indicate the presence of an underlying health problem. For example:

• Indigestion that is accompanied by intermittent gnawing pain in the upper abdominal region may indicate the presence of an ulcer. Typically the pain occurs when the stomach is empty, or during the night. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which disturbs the mucus that protects the gastric lining from the acidic contents of the stomach, allowing an ulcer to form. The pain of ulcers is exacerbated by the acidic nature of the gastric juices, which further irritate and inflame the damaged tissue.
• Recurrent indigestion symptoms that are accompanied by reflux (the upwards passage of sour-tasting food or acid from the stomach into the throat or mouth), difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat may indicate the presence of gastro-oesophageal disease (GORD, referred to in some countries as GERD).
  

• Herbs that are traditionally used to relieve digestive upsets and aid the management of gastric symptoms such as indigestion, flatulence and pain include marshmallow, fennel, ginger and peppermint. These herbs are traditionally used to help stimulate digestion and promote gastric secretions.
• Other herbs that are traditionally used to aid the management of heartburn and reflux include gentian, dandelion root, meadowsweet and agrimony. For best results, it is recommended these herbs be taken in a liquid formula about 15 minutes prior to each meal.
• Preliminary research suggests that in patients with indigestion (dyspepsia) who are infected with H. pylori but don’t have stomach ulcers, taking the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri may help to inhibit H. pylori, and may also relieve symptoms of bloating, flatulence and disordered bowel motions. Additional and larger studies will be required to confirm these effects.
• Lemon balm is traditionally indicated for indigestion (dyspepsia). In cases where indigestion and other minor gastrointestinal upsets are related to worry, nervousness and tension it is often taken with passionflower and hops.
  

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine if they trigger your symptoms.
• Concentrating on chewing your food thoroughly will stop you from eating too fast, and may help prevent heartburn and maintain healthy, comfortable digestion
• Avoid eating on the run or when you’re under stress
• Drink lots of fluids during the day (water is best)
• Try to minimise the use of antacids as they may decrease your ability to digest proteins properly and may promote the growth of H. pylori, the bacterium that is linked with the development of peptic ulcers
• Elevating the head of your bed by a few inches may help reduce evening episodes of indigestion and reflux by using gravity to prevent food moving upwards from the stomach to the oesophagus.
• If you’re overweight, working with your healthcare professional to devise a diet and exercise regime that allows you to achieve a healthy body weight may help to relieve your indigestion
• Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects and similar activities that increase the pressure on the digestive organs, especially after meals
  

• It is not uncommon for the symptoms of a heart attack to be mistakenly attributed to indigestion. If you experience unusual indigestion-like pain or pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm or neck, it’s possible you are having a heart attack. Call for an ambulance immediately, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.