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.

• 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.

• 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
  

• If you experience unusual indigestion-like pain or pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm or neck, call for an ambulance immediately