Indigestion

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What Is Indigestion

Indigestion, commonly referred to as Dyspepsia or upset stomach, generally details discomfort in the upper abdomen. It's an all too familiar feeling that occurs after the meal. Indigestion is not really a condition, rather, it is a symptom that one experiences. While it can just be discomfort after a meal, Indigestion can be related to an underlying issue such as GERD, ulcers, or gallbladder disease.

Signs Of Indigestion

You may experience several symptoms when you have Indigestion. People often experience Indigestion with Heartburn, which is a burning in the chest, that is the result of too much stomach acid in the esophagus. Symptoms of Indigestion might be worse when you are stressed, or worse if you swallow too much air when you eat. Other symptoms are below:

Bloating
Belching
Chest Pain
Upset Stomach
Acidic Taste in Your Mouth
Early Fullness during a Meal
Discomfort in Upper Abdomen
Stomach Pain
Burning in Upper Stomach

What Causes Indigestion

Because Indigestion is a common condition, men and women of all ages can experience it. There is no single cause for Indigestion because it can be a symptom of several conditions. One of the primary causes of Indigestion is overeating or eating too fast. Indigestion is commonly related to lifestyle choices such as poor diet or eating spicy and fatty foods. It's also possible for pregnant women to experience Indigestion because of hormonal changes that relax the digestive tract. Other causes are as follows:

Overeating (or eating too quickly)
Poor Dietary Choices (too much spicy food, fast food, meat, or greasy food)
Anxiety
Smoking
Excessive Soda or Caffeine Consumption
Acid Reflux or GERD
Stomach Infections
Pregnancy
Thyroid Disease
Medications
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

If you are overweight or obese, switching to a healthier diet can help reduce frequent Heartburn. Avoid eating fried foods, citrus fruit, dairy products, processed foods and acidic foods to help your body restore its neutral pH level. Additionally, slow down when you eat because this will help you control the amount of food you eat.
Make ginger or chamomile tea. Add a few slices of fresh ginger to two cups of hot water (or make chamomile tea) and drink 20-30 minutes before your meal. Consuming the tea helps bring relief to the acidic sensation you experience with Indigestion.
Instead of drinking caffeine during the day, recharge yourself by taking a short nap in a chair. Sitting, as opposed to lying down, helps keep the acid down in the stomach. You can also drink water infused with lemons because this helps aid smooth digestion.
If spicy or acidic foods caused the Indigestion, take a handful of fennel seeds and chew on them. After giving them a good chew, swallow them because the oils help reduce nausea and flatulence. You can also chew fennel or carroway seeds to provide additional relief.
Steer clear of juice and dairy products. The high amounts of fructose in sugary juices can cause abdominal pain and gas when it enters the colon. Making fresh juices from organic fruits is a better and healthier option to avoid this discomfort. Dairy products may make you feel bloated or gassy. This could also be a sign of an intolerance to lactose. Almond milk is a great, lactose free alternative you can try.
Drink aloe vera juice because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Drink about a half cup of aloe vera juice before eating meals. Note that most aloe vera juices are laxatives, so look for the bottles that indicate the laxative has been removed.

Things you should eat