The ABC of Indigestion

What do you mean by indigestion?

The scientific term for indigestion is “dyspepsia”. Indigestion is a common form of discomfort or the feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach. This form of discomfort can become severe in the case of overeating or acidity caused from spicy food. In that case, the common symptoms are nausea, churning feeling in the stomach, vomiting and bloating. Indigestion can be caused due to underlying problems that may be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or most commonly known as (GERD) or gallbladder disease.

Understanding the Human Digestive Mechanism:

Only by understanding properly, the human digestive system we can determine how and why our stomach suffers from indigestion. The food that passes down the oesophagus or gullet enters straight in our stomach. The stomach then creates a type of acid which may not be essential but plays a very important role in digesting food. The food then gradually passes through the small intestine first then also known as the duodenum. Thereafter, in the duodenum and in the rest of the small intestine, the food mixes with the chemicals that exist known as enzymes. These enzymes are secreted from the pancreas also from the cells that are present that are present at the lining of the intestine. These enzymes help break down and digest our food and the digested food is then absorbed from the small intestine and then into the entire body.

Any malfunctioning in the above-mentioned organs or enzyme secretion, thus lead to indigestion!

What are its common symptoms?

The basic symptoms of indigestion include heartburn, feeling full, nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, and also depression and anxiety. These are some of the basic symptoms of indigestion, but indigestion can be caused by various different reasons.

Dyspepsia or most commonly known as indigestion originates from problems in the upper gut that includes the stomach, oesophagus and the duodenum. The gut or gastrointestinal track begins from our mouth and ends to our anus. The various causes of indigestion are

• Belching

• Bloating.

• Feeling sick (nausea).

• Quickly feeling full after eating.

• Being sick.

These above symptoms are commonly relating to excessive eating. The unusual feeling of discomfort in the upper belly or the abdomen inevitably signifies overeating. Bitter tasting burps and liquids sometimes in the back of the throat are some of the common symptoms, of severe indigestion.

What causes indigestion?

The most common causes of repeated dyspepsia and the various types of indigestions are due to the following reasons:

• Non ulcer dyspepsia. This form of dyspepsia is also known as functional dyspepsia; it means that there are no known symptoms of this type of dyspepsia. Usually, it is determined by acidity or ulcer or inflamed oesophagus.

• Stomach ulcers and Duodenal. This form of ulcer develops in the underlying of the gut which is exposed and it damages the underlying tissues. Visually it looks like a red crater in the inner side of the gut. These are known as peptic ulcers.

• Inflammation of the stomach- this form of inflammation is also known as Duodenitis and gastritis which is the prior stage of an ulcer. It may be mild but may eventually lead to an ulcer in case it becomes severe.

• Stress: Stress is how; our body reacts to the problems and underlying tensions in daily lives. The release of the hormones upsets the overall functions of our body, leading to indigestion or cramps in the muscles.

• Unstable Food Consumption: Consuming unhealthy or incompatible food is perhaps the most common cause of indigestion. As an allergic reaction to the food you consume, the enzyme levels of our body turn misbalanced, and fail to break them properly, resulting in indigestion and constipation.

Quick Relief from Indigestion:

Almost all types of indigestions can be treated quickly, with the aid of some unique kitchen remedies. In case you have a burning sensation or severe pain in the abdomen, it is always better to consult your health physician, as it can build up toxins in your body.

1. Cardamom: Being a dynamic cooling agent, cardamom plays a vital role in soothing the stomach, as well as the intestine. Consuming cardamom after a heavy meal expels the wind from the abdomen, thereby facilitating digestion.

2. Clove: Clove bears an astringent action that stimulates the dietary enzymes and accelerates the digestion process.

3. Chicory: This herb is widely recommended to treat indigestion and chronic constipation.

4. Garlic: Garlic, has been traditionally recognized as an agent, that facilitates production of digestive enzymes and eliminating the waste matters, winds and intestinal worms. Because of the antiseptic properties, garlic is used as a precautionary measure against gastro-intestinal problems.

5. Fennel: Fennel is an effective herb to cure indigestion, and bad odours in the mouth.

6. Ginger: Ginger is a fast and effective cure for gastrointestinal problems. It is largely used to treat flatulence, dysentery, diarrhea and severe abdominal pains.

7. Bishop’s Weed: Bishop’s weed is very effective against digestion, dysentery, flatulence, diarrhoea. It is widely used in Indian dishes, to digest heavy, oily and spicy dishes.

Transform Your Overall Dietary Schedule:

Following a regular balanced diet, is the most effective mode of avoiding indigestion:

1. Avoid excessive oily or junk foods, especially during summer.

2. Avoid skipping meals frequently; instead of staying empty stomach, consume light food frequently.

3. Avoid heavy diets, when experiencing serious indigestion. Follow a vegetarian diet, with more fibres and adequate water.

4. Drink ample water, during the day time to expel the toxins, formed in the body.

5. In case you are fasting, consume fresh fruit juices, and liquids without any synthetic ingredients.

6. Whenever, you consume heavy diet or overeat, try to take least a short walk before going to sleep right away.

Indigestions are unavoidable, but it is should be monitored properly, and must be ensured, that it does not occur frequently, so has to harm the smooth functioning of the body. In case of prolonged indigestion problems, with burning or pain in the abdominal area or chests, or vomiting, fatigue and uneasiness; it is always better to consult your health physician immediately and ask for a diet chart to be followed to overcome problem.