Alien asked:


Description

Indigestion is a symptom that is caused by a number of stomach conditions, including hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Helicobacter pylori, heartburn, and dyspepsia. Because many of these conditions can pose serious health risks, it is important to visit your healthcare provider in order to properly diagnose the reason for your indigestion. The condition usually occurs after eating. People experience indigestion for a variety of reasons-after eating a specific food, after eating too much food, after drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, or after smoking cigarettes. The frequency of occurrence also varies from person to person. Approximately one in ten adults experiences indigestion weekly, while approximately one in three experiences it monthly.

Heartburn, a problem affecting the esophagus, is perhaps the most common type of indigestion. Your esophagus is a 10-inch-long tube leading from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Food travels down the esophagus to the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acids from escaping from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn occurs when this lower esophageal sphincter is weak or dysfunctional, allowing stomach acid to escape.

People who are overweight are at increased risk for developing indigestion because excess weight can increase pressure on the abdomen which, in turn, can make it difficult for the lower esophageal sphincter to stay tightly shut. Pregnant women also experience a higher incidence of the condition because they, too, experience increased pressure on the abdomen. In addition, people who smoke are at increased risk because cigarettes relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal tenderness and distention

Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen

Burning sensation in the chest, often originating in the upper abdomen and radiating to the neck

Regurgitation of bitter liquid into the throat or mouth, commonly when lying down

Nausea and vomiting

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suffer from indigestion only occasionally, you may experience relief by taking over-the-Counter antacids, which neutralize gastric acids. You also can prevent future cases of indigestion by avoiding any food or drink that irritate your stomach.

If you experience indigestion frequently, see your doctor, who will try to determine when your indigestion occurs, what foods and drinks seem to trigger it, in what part of the abdomen the discomfort is strongest, and how long it typically last. Your physician also may want to run a series of tests to make sure that your indigestion is not being caused by a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, colon cancer, stomach ulcer, gastritis, pancreatic disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. A barium X-ray, endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, or stool sample may be necessary. In order to rule out disorders of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder, your doctor also may recommend an ultrasound examination of those organs.

If over-the-counter products do not offer relief, your physician may prescribe cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or omeprazole (Prilosec) to block acid production in the stomach. A medication that increases the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, such as metocopramide or bethanechol, also may be prescribed.



Ramon

papa_de_q asked:


What are some some mostly surefire and effective herbal cures for heartburn and indigestion. I am not interested in merely managing it .. but “fixing” it if I can.

Be sure to include a disclaimer in you answer stating that you are not offering unlicensed medical advice. I too, will admit that I realize that your “hearsay” does not promote constitute or claim a cure. The FDA and the medical establishment is understanably paranoid about herbs that might really work.

Jessica

Corwin Brown asked:


Soda crackers are an old folk cure that actually works. Soda crackers (preferably unsalted) are bland, they digest easily, and they absorb stomach acid. They also contain bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar, which neutralize the acid. Tip: You know that package of soda crackers they always give you at the restaurant that you leave on the table? From now on, take them with you. These come in handy when you’re plagued by heartburn and can’t seek immediate relief.

Apple honey is a simple remedy that will neutralize stomach acids. Peel, core, and slice several sweet apples. Simmer with a little water over low heat for three hours until the mixture is thick, brown, and sweet to the taste. Refrigerate in an airtight container and take a few spoonfuls whenever you have the need.

Every 3 to 4 hours drink water with 2 to 3 drops of mint essence in it. Massage your stomach with a mixture of 2 to 3 drops of garlic oil and half a cup of Soya oil. Ginger tea after meal promotes digestion. Herbal tea prepared using blackberry, raspberry, mint and camomile is effective for indigestion. Take one glass of honey and lemon juice, both mixed in equal quantity. For instant relief add some baking soda to one glass of water and drink it.

Herbal remedies for acid reflux include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root and other botanicals, including aloe. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common “folk remedies” for the relief of indigestion.

Taking plain soda water gives immediate relief from symptoms of gas, distended abdomen and acidity.

To relieve pressure at night, use blocks to raise the head of the bed frame at least 6 inches. This will lessen the pressure on the stomach and prevent stomach contents from moving into the esophagus. Wait a couple of hours after a meal before lying down. Sleep on the left side of the body, the stomach is lower when lying on the left side.

It relieves gas and stomach cramps. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. A tablespoon of cinnamon water, taken after an hour after meals, relieves flatulence and indigestion. Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. Aloe vera gel helps soothe the stomach. Charcoal absorbs medications and should not be taken within two hours of taking any medicine.

Papaya (Fruit and Leaves) While papaya is not known as a herb, its plant has a surprising potency in combating digestive disorders and calming down a disturbed gastrointestinal tract. Its powerful enzyme, papain, helps to breakdown complex proteins, reducing the digestive load on the stomach.

Mint. An ancient medicinal herb, mint is a cooling diaphoretic that relieves indigestion, gas or colic, and heartburn. It can also calm nausea and vomiting. The menthol in mint appears to soothe the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. Some studies show peppermint also may help to prevent stomach ulcers and stimulate bile secretions.

Eating right and in the right portions can help prevent the onset of acid indigestion, but sometimes the food variety is too good to pass up. During those times preparing to experience acid indigestion can also help provide relief when it happens and not after hours of unneeded suffering.

The follicle is depression that penetrates into your dermis, the second layer of skin. This is where all the hair-growing action takes place. Once you understand this, you can see the basic flaw in many hair loss remedies. A hair loss product that you apply directly to your scalp has little chance of penetrating down to your dermis, where all the new hair growth takes place.



Harold

littlel asked:


We’re in our dorm room so we don’t have many resources available.

Samantha

Dr Savitha Suri asked:


The word “Indigestion” is commonly used to describe the discomfort in one’s belly mostly caused after food consumption. Fullness, bloating, nausea, heart burn are other symptoms of Indigestion.

Before discussing Indigestion , understanding the process of digestion is very essential. The Ayurveda approach of explaining digestion is very simple and effective. The food we eat is digested by Agni or body fire which is present in our body. It is very much similar to the way we cook the food. The Agni or body fire helps to digest the food which is consumed, much like the fire of a stove cooks the food kept on it. The Agni is mainly situated in Jatara or in upper part of digestive system and is called as Jataragni. The Agni is further categorized as Bhootagni (which digests the 5 pancha mahabhoota factors present in food), Dhatwagni (The agni present in tissues which help them to absorb required nutrients), Malagni ( the agni which helps in formation of body wastes like stools, sweat and urine) . The Jataragni controls bhootagni, dhatwagni and malagni. Through this it is evident that ayurveda approach of digestion explains cellular metabolism too.

The factors which help agni to digest the food completely. : Thridoshas -Vata , Pitta and Kapha help agni to digest the food.

If the process of digestion is compared to that of cooking rice, the stomach,like the vessel., receives food. Vata provides the necessary conditions like the air blower, Pitta acts like the stove, providing optimum working conditions while Kapha provides the moisture needed much like the water in the vessel. When all these factors are normal and well balanced, an optimum condition is created to digest the food completely.

When food is completely digested by all the agnis, the body tissues will be well nourished and one is blessed with attractive complexion, glow, longevity, strength, good health, growth, enthusiasm, vitality and overall healthy development of body and mind.

The indigestion occurs when agni is imbalanced by the factors (tridoshas) which help agni to digest food. The variations of agni due to tridoshas are of 4 types.

Samagni (balanced agni) :The agni which is well balanced due to balanced tridoshas indicate the condition called Samagni . Samagni digests the food completely and nourishes the body tissues very well.

Vishamaagni (varying agni):- When vata is predominant this condition surfaces. The regular food gets digested normally on some occasions and poorly on others. Vata increasing foods and lifestyles lead to this condition. This variation of agni causes constipation, flatulence, pain in abdomen and other vata predominant diseases. The indigestion caused by this type of agni is called Vistabdhajeerna

Teekshnagni (increased agni) : This variation of agni occurs due to predominance of pitta. Pitta increasing foods and lifestyle cause this variation. This variation of agni causes increased hunger, thirst, acidity, heart burn and loose motions. The indigestion thus caused is called as Vidagdajeerna.

Mandagni (decreased agni): As increased moistness reduces the intensity of fire, the increased kapha reduces the intensity of agni. Kapha increasing foods and lifestyle cause this variation. Feeling Heaviness of body, swelling of eyelids (lower), belching which emit the smell of food consumed and water brash are few symptoms which of indigestion caused by mandagni. The indigestion caused by mandagni is called as amajeerna.

The decreased agni improperly digests the food and this indigested food is sticky in nature and improperly nourishes tissues, causing weakness of body. This sticky improperly digested food is called ama. Ama due to its sticky nature blocks the channels of body, vitiate doshas , contaminates tissues, imbalance body functions and cause diseases.

Causes of imbalance of agni which lead to indigestion

1.Spicy foods, chilly, oily foods, medicines, milk and milk products, tobacco and alcohol.

2.Irregular food habits and sleeping patterns.

3.Medications like pain killers, antibiotics, oral contraceptives and steroids.

4.Intestinal parasites.

5.Diseases of pancreas, liver, gall bladder, intestinal infections etc.

6.During pregnancy, premenstrual period, menopausal period in women.

7.Emotional upset like anxiety, stress, examination, family tensions, etc.

Home Remedies for Indigestion

1.Fasting completely for one day helps to normalize imbalanced agni and digest ama.

2.Consuming liquid foods, boiled vegetables or fruit juices for 2- 3 days also improves agni and relieves indigestion.

3.Avoid the factors (mentioned above) which cause indigestion.

4.Mix a ½ tea spoon of lemon juice, ½ tea spoon ginger juice and little salt in a cup of water and consume thrice daily.

5.Drinking ½ glass of warm water once in 2 hours increases agni and digests ama.

6.Cook ½ cup of rice with 4 cups of water with crushed ginger (1”) and salt. Powder long pepper (2 or 3)and fry it in a spoon of cow’s ghee and add it to gruel. Consume this when it hot. This is very light to digest and relieves colic pain.

7.Abdominal Massage also helps to relieve indigestion. It loosens the tight muscles and increases the blood supply to digestive system. American Journal of aphysical medicine and rehabilitation mentions that “Abdominal massage has positive effects on some clinical aspects of neurogenic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury. “

Consuming well balanced food balances doshas and agni and hence keeps the body healthy and free from diseases.



Gilbert

Nick Mutt asked:


Diarrhea, constipation and indigestion are the common problems that you see in your daily life. It is always better to treat such problems through natural cures. Natural cures are safe, inexpensive and heal the disturbing eliminates of the body from the root.

This article will discuss the beneficial effects of aromatherapy in treating stomach problems like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and indigestion. Due to change in climate, water and diet, upset stomachs often occur. Aromatherapy can help you to get relief from stomach related problems like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and indigestion.

Diarrhea

Add six drops of lavender and three drops of neroli oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Very gently rub into the lower abdomen and solar plexus area. You can also try adding the above oils to a bath to ease stomach cramps.

Constipation

These oils can help you in getting relief from constipation:

• Rosemary

• Juniper

• Black pepper

• Fennel

Add 12 drops of oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and massage it into your abdomen. Or add twenty drops to your bath and soak in it for 15 minutes.

Indigestion

This is a horrible acid feeling in your stomach often experienced after a rich or heavy meal. Peppermint oil is a great remedy for digestive problems.

Add 12 drops of peppermint oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil and gently massage it into your stomach and solar plexus. Also dab a little of the blend under your nose so you can inhale it. If you wish, you can follow the treatment with a cup of mint tea.

Vomiting

Add four drops of lemon, four drops of fennel and four drops of peppermint to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Massage into the abdomen and solar plexus as needed.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read more about aromatherapy, ayurveda, yoga and massage therapy at Natural cures website. Read the benefits of Triphala and know how it cures constipation. Also know the benefits of anti-aging herb Amla.



Kim

Dev Sri asked:


Indigestion is the condition that Ayurveda describes as agnimandhya, or the suppressed state of fire. Over eating or eating incompatible food can cause temporary indigestion. Indigestion can be characterized by a burning sensation in chest, heaviness in stomach, vomiting and nausea.

Tension, worry, anger can also lead to indigestion. The preventive measures for indigestion are taking only easy to digest food, avoiding too cold food items and not eating too soon. Staying away from causes of stress also is another thing you must keep in mind.

Some Ayurvedic home remedies for indigestion

Take an ounce slightly diluted wine.

Drink a glass of lemon juice as first item on morning.

Take buttermilk with chopped coriander leaves, crushed curry leaves, a pinch of salt and a pinch of red chilly (pepper) powder.

Crush some curry leaves and extract the juice. Squeeze half a lemon to a glass of water. Add the curry leaf juice and a tsp honey to the water. Quickly drink it.

Stir a teaspoon of cumin seed powder in a glass of water. Add chopped coriander leaves or its juice. Drink it two times a day.

Small cardamom, ginger, cloves and coriander grounded together relieve indigestion.

Chew peppermint leaf for immediate relief.

Add two drops of peppermint oil to a glass of lukewarm water and drink it immediately.

Avoid cigarette.

Don’t eat after sunset.

Don’t sleep in daytime.

A pinch of baking soda in a glass of water can suppress the symptoms of indigestion.

Take a tsp of triphala. It is a mild laxative; strengthens colon and reinstates digestive fire.



Charlotte

Tom alter asked:


This article is dedicated to the best Home Remedies for Indigestion. First of all let me tell you what is Indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is distress or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often followed by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting.

Indigestion might be caused by a disease in the digestive tract such as ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but for many people, it results from eating too much, eating too rapidly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful conditions. Indigestion accompanied by smallness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm.

Indigestion is very ordinary and most people have it from time to time. Indigestion may be psychological in basis and connected with stress. Indigestion may be a symptom of such situations as ulcers and gall bladder inflammation.

Indigestion Symptoms

Symptoms may include pain and distress in the upper abdomen belching and loud intestinal sounds (borborygmi)nausea, constipation, poor appetite, diarrhea, flatulence. Symptoms include nausea, heartburn, abdominal ache, gas suffering, and a feeling of abdominal distention.

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Indigestion:

Home Remedies for Indigestion

1) Orange is effective Home Remedy for Indigestion as it gives relax to the digestive organs and supplies nutrition.

2) Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is an effective Home Remedy for Indigestion.

3) A teaspoon of seeds of ajwain with a little rock salt is a superior remedy for indigestion.

4) One good Home Remedy for Indigestion is to put some lemon juice or cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before the meal.

5) In 1 glass of water, add 2-3 drops of mint essence and drink after every 4 hours to remove indigestion

6) Peppermint is a superior for indigestion. Those who are prone to heartburn may take peppermint tea. It will assists indigestion with out causing heartburn.

7) Mix 2 pinches of rock salt and 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain). Chew it and wash it down with water for stomach trouble or indigestion,

Make a mixture of 5-6 chopped basil (tulsi) leaves, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and some black pepper in 3 tbsp of curd, and then eat it. Repeat this 4 times a day for one week for total reconditioning of stomach.

9) Add three drops of garlic oil to an half a cup of soya oil and massahe onto the stomach after food.

10) Drink a herbal tea of mint, raspberry and blackberry to remove indigestion.

11) Drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda for immediate relief. This is simple and effective Home Remedy for Indigestion.



Lydia

Rachel Broune asked:


Heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It is a burning discomfort that is generally felt in the chest just behind the breastbone. The burning sensation results when harsh stomach juices come in contact with and irritate the delicate lining of the esophagus. (Also known as acid indigestion or pyrosis). A burning sensation felt in the chest and throat when acid from the stomach leaks up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, the muscle at the top of the stomach that usually prevents digestive acids from going back up relaxes, allowing gastric juices to splash back. Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.

Continual bouts of heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Frequent or severe heartburn may limit daily activities and lead to further complications such as ulcers in the esophagus. With proper understanding of heartburn and treatment, relief can be obtained from this condition.

Antacids, acid blockers, and perhaps surgery may provide relief from heartburn and prevent it from turning into more serious disease.

For mild or occasional symptoms, simple lifestyle modifications can be helpful. Avoid large meals.

Avoid caffeine (coffee, teas, some soft drinks).

Avoid foods or drinks that reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter such as chocolate, peppermint, caffeine-containing beverages, and fatty or fried foods.

Avoid foods that damage the esophagus such as spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes and tomato sauces.

After eating, beware of activities that force acid back into your esophagus. Such activities include lifting, straining, coughing, and wearing tight clothing.

Avoid the foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn symptoms or relax the sphincter muscle. (These may include onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeine-containing beverages and foods, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, or high-fat foods). A good way to figure out what foods cause your symptoms is to keep a heartburn diary.

Shed some pounds. If you are overweight, losing weight by following a healthy weight loss plan can help relieve your symptoms.

Stop smoking. Nicotine can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the opening between the esophagus and stomach and prevents the acid-containing contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus.

Many women will experience heartburn during their pregnancy. Even for women who have never experienced it before, heartburn may occur for the first time while they are pregnant. That burning sensation in the chest and throat, and sour, acidic taste in the mouth, may become an all too familiar sensation for some of them.

Treatment medication for Heartburn

Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. They are usually the first remedy doctors will recommend patients take to relief heartburn symptoms. Antacids include Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon, and Chooz.

H2 blockers, also called H2 receptor agonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. H2 blockers include Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. PPIs include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix.



Chester

mohamad ali asked:


Indigestion normally happens when the food that you consume is improperly digested and therefore cannot be fully absorbed into the body cells. The foods you eat usually consist of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Ideally, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars like glucose; proteins are broken down into amino acids while fats are broken down into its acids and glycerol.

The role of digestion is undertaken by the digestive enzymes. Your body produces about ten liters of digestive juices daily. However if these enzymes are insufficient, indigestion sets in. The symptoms of indigestion include abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating or gas, heartburn, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Other causes of indigestion are varied. Sometimes indigestion can be due to ulcers and acid in the gullet but some people are eventually found to have a disorder affecting other parts of the digestive system, including the gallstones or the irritable bowel syndrome. Gallstones are cholesterol or calcium salts deposits that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. The presence of the deposits can also cause abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea or vomiting. However, for most cases, indigestion is nothing to worry about. The largest causes of indigestion still center on diet.

Most treatment of indigestion include the use of antacids medications aimed at removing the symptoms without action to treat the cause. Sodium bicarbonate preparations are the most commonly used antacids. However, their excessive use can cause an imbalance of the acid alkali equilibrium, creating the state of alkalosis. If this condition is sustained with a substantial consumption of calcium in the form of milk or antacid, it can cause irreversible kidney damage.

To treat the dietary causes of indigestion, you need to take heed of the following:

1.       Stomach acid combines with pepsinogen to form the powerful enzyme called pepsin which breaks down protein into tiny particles for absorption. However, the production of stomach acid is dependent on the sufficient intake of zinc. Thus you need to take zinc supplement to help overcome indigestion.

2.       Take a digestive enzyme supplement to assist in the digestion of food. You can take this supplement up to a month provided you also take a daily dose of a multi vitamins and minerals tablet. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the production of the digestive enzymes.

3.       Do not rush through your meals, and chew your food thoroughly. Chewing will stimulate the secretion of salivary amylase, breaks down food into smaller particles for better exposure to enzymatic digestion.

4.       Avoid stress while eating. Stress will inhibit part of the nervous system that is responsible for normal enzymatic activity and gastric motility.

5.       Avoid refined carbohydrates, strong spices, salt and sugar as these will cause a rapid secretion of gastric acid and irritates the delicate mucous membranes.  Add in green vegetables to your meals to maintain the acid alkali balance.

6.       Do not take any liquid with solid meals as the liquid will dilute the action of digestive enzymes.



Russell