Nilutpal Gogoi asked:


WHAT EXACTLY IS INDIGESTION?

If you have been to a party and have taken too many fatty foods, you would in all likelihood have indigestion. Indigestion is a common tummy dysfunction. Everybody has felt this discomfort called indigestion at some point or the other. However, the most complain of indigestion is flatulence or formation of gas in the tummy. Long with it comes the uneasy feeling of something solid and bitter coming up the food pipe or the esophagus. This is nothing but the stomach acid rising.

INDIGESTION SYMPTOMS

Some other symptoms of indigestion are nausea, a burning sensation or pain particularly in the upper portion of your abdomen, and you may even feel bloated. Indigestion also causes heartburn and unstoppable burping.

INDIGESTION DISORDERS

There is, of course, no need for worry if you had indigestion after a heavy dinner. However, if indigestion keeps on recurring with an uncanny regularity, then do consult a doctor. Such frequent indigestion can be a sign of a serious tummy ailment. Indigestion without having any fatty meals is definitely not natural.

Prolonged and rather repeated indigestion can be the cause of the irritation of the tummy lining or of the duodenum. The duodenum hollow tube connects the stomach and the jejunum (the central and shortest portion of the small intestine). Such aggravation can aggravate into life-threatening ulcers. Mentionably, many confuse heart burn with this dysfunction. But heart burn is basically due to the irritation of the esophagus.

DYSPEPSIA

Dyspepsia refers to the recurring pain in the tummy. Dyspepsia is also accompanied by heart burn, nausea and indigestion. Dyspepsia can be caused by ulcers in the stomach. These ulcers are formed by the hydrochloric acids. The situation can be aggravated by heart burn and indigestion. Certain drugs used in schizophrenia and arthritis have also been identified as primary causes of dyspepsia.

MEANS TO AVOID INDIGESTION

If you go to bed late or take your major meals quite late, you can have acid indigestion. So, always follow a proper diet roster. It is always advisable to have homemade meals. If you cannot make the time, then opt for a hygienic locale. Moreover, have the meals at the fixed times. Go for a nutritious breakfast. Then you can skip the lunch. Have lunch before noon and supper latest by nine. Avoid fast food as much as possible.

Don’t hit the bed immediately after the major meals. Allow the meal to settle down. Walk leisurely for some time after the meals.

Kick away the habit many people have of drinking water between and immediately after the meals. The water leads to flatulence formation. Allow at least 30 minutes between the meal and the glass of water.

Spice may be appealing to the palate. It is very dangerous for the tummy. Spicy foods trigger off flatulence. Similar is the case with the mouth watering dairy products. How many can say ‘NO!’ to chocolates? But then don’t rue the day if you have acid indigestion later on. The best option is to stay away from these lollipop booby traps. Having them in limited quantity once in a blue moon is okay, though!

Just as overeating is akin to inviting indigestion so also is drinking too much of alcohol or even caffeine. The other popular hobby of hundreds of people, namely smoking is also a culprit.

RELIEF FROM INDIGESTION

To get immediate relief, you can go for antacids. These antacids are readily available in any chemist’s shop. Antacids cure indigestion by neutralizing the hydrochloric acids that form in the tummy. The fatty substances that we consume accelerate the acid formation process. This leads to the uncomfortable feeling of indigestion.

BREATHING & YOGIC EXERCISES

To provide your body guaranteed immunity from indigestion, take to breathing and yogic exercises. One simple yogic byam also called asana (exercise) is the ‘Bajrasana’. After you have your meal, kneel down with your feet fingers bent outside under your buttocks. Place your hands on your knees. Close your eyes. Take deep breaths and concentrate on the food in your tummy. Imagine that they being digested. Wait for just five seconds and then exhale. Repeat it 10 times. Email me if you do not feel relaxed.

Early in the morning after brushing your teeth, just gulp down five grains of rice. Wait for some time and then drink at least 400 milligrams of water. This will stop indigestion and also ensure smooth bowel movement. Besides, you won’t feel hungry or feel the formation of gas if you have to skip lunch during the day.

Last but not the least, remember this principle. It is after all your body. Learn to respect it and it will respect you. Don’t overuse this machine. The parts may get worn out. Don’t treat is as a dustbin! You may have to spend a fortune overhauling it!



Nathaniel

William Lagadyn asked:


There are many things that can cause indigestion! Your digestive tract can not only be upset by underlying disease but it can also be influenced by emotional disturbances and stress. Some of these would be fear, worry, anxiety, anger, frustration and not taking the time required for elimination when you feel the urge to do so.

However there is another element that can contribute to indigestion and stomach pain, and that is the foods we consume. Food or drink can be broken down into two categories (1) Alkaline, and (2) Acidic foods. A normal diet should consist of 75% alkaline foods and 25% acidic foods.

Foods help control the pH of our bodies which is very important if we want to live a long healthy life. The ideal range of our bodies pH should be around 7.3 to 7.4. Values lower than these are considered acidic and the lower the number, the more acidic we become.

If you don’t keep the pH balanced in your swimming pool, what happens? Right, it turns green. And if you don’t keep the pH balanced in your fish tank the little fellers will die! The human body is equally important to have a balanced pH level because being in an acidic state for long periods of time is the underlying cause of many diseases.

When you are too acidic the stomach can become inflamed and irritated. The medical community terms this condition as “Gastritis” which basically means a red sore stomach in layman’s terms. “Gastritis”will cause you to experience stomach pains, increased stomach pressure (bloating) and flatulence more than normal because your whole body is full of acidic gases.

When your stomach is bloated and has too much pressure it will force the Lower Esophageal Sphincter valve open and allow the acidic stomach gases to reflux and enter your esophagus. Upon entering the esophagus these stomach gases will build up pressure in your chest and sometimes this pressure will radiate out to the arm or back which will cause discomfort.

The reflux of stomach gases can irritate the larynx and cause hoarseness, and the gases can also aspirate into the lungs, producing asthma-like symptoms. Many people have been prescribed asthma meds for their wheezing and coughing, when all they had to do was balance their pH levels which then controls the reflux.

These same gases when they are building up pressure in your esophagus may also make you feel like you have a lump in your throat or a constriction right near your Adam’s apple. This is quite normal, and is called “Globus Sensation.”

Once the gases build up enough pressure in the esophagus they will force the Upper Esophageal Sphincter valve open and the gases will come rushing out of your mouth in the form of a burp. When you burp you relieve the chest pressure, and usually the “Globus Sensation” ends at the same time.

If you are suffering from stomach bloating, reflux, or other digestive problems take this simple at home test to determine the pH of your body and if you are too acidic take the necessary steps to correct the problem.

CHECKING pH LEVELS

You can purchase some “Litmus Paper” at the health food store, and check the “acidity of your saliva” which is an overall indicator of just how acidic you have become. Being too acidic is the major cause of disease such as heart disease and cancer so it is important to keep your pH levels in an alkaline state. A body that is in an acidic state means that all of your organs have to work much harder, which is going to cause even further health problems.

INSTRUCTIONS

You fill your mouth with saliva a couple of times and then spit into a container. Tear off a little piece of the “Litmus Paper” and dip it into the saliva. Leave it there until it changes color. (approx 5 to 10 seconds) Then match your test paper up with the color chart on the package that the paper came in and you will see a value or a number. Your reading should be around 7.3 to 7.4, values lower than these are acidic and should be corrected. Do the test in the morning when your stomach is empty and then again in the evening before you retire and then you will have an average reading. P.S. If you cannot locate any test paper just send us an address where we can send you out a sample at no charge. Copyright 2006-2007



Christian

Cathy Taylor asked:


Numerous women report that menopause comes along with gastrointestinal distress causing uncomfortable symptoms such as indigestion, flatulence and sudden bloating. Not only are these annoying and embarrassing, they can also be quite painful.

During menopause, gastrointestinal bloating is caused when air fills the abdomen, creating a full feeling. Even though your stomach remains the same size, your pants probably feel tighter and your waistline just seems to keep expanding. Excess intestinal gas is produced by bacteria in the intestines. Sugar located foods often contribute to the growth of this bacterium.

Poor digestion, a lack of lactose – an enzyme that breaks down food and liquids, can cause gastrointestinal distress as well. Gas distress can also be rampant during menopause due to lack of estrogen. Medical studies have suggested that a menopausal woman’s diet can be to blame – particularly too many high sugar foods including fruit, and certain vegetables such as cauliflower, onion and broccoli that create even more bacteria in already inflamed intestines.

Of course your hormones might also be the trigger for bloating. For example, progesterone in the right doses has a calming effect, but in too high doses can cause bloating and ****** tenderness. A form of estrogen called Estradiol, on the other hand, is sometimes prescribed as a relief for bloating.

People who eat too much protein at once can cause bloating because the stomach can’t digest it all. Enzymes that help digestion such as Beano aid in the consumption of products such as soy that can have numerous positive effects for menopausal women.

Herbs can be used to restore balance in menopause. You need to be clear on what stage of menopause you are in. Different hormone levels vary significantly from peri-menopause to menopause and post-menopause, and of course your doctor needs to help you with these decisions.

For bloating as well as headaches and ****** tenderness, an herbal tea that provides minerals in a dissolved form can help. Minerals help your body handle waste loads as well as provide a good source of calcium. You can use a combination of raspberry, dandelion, lemon balm, nettles, and green oat straw tea. Drink one cup of tea per day. Don quai can increase the effectiveness of estrogen released from fat tissue and help soothe menopausal discomfort as well.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.



Chad

peterhutch asked:


Indigestion is a common problem. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, or drinking wine or carbonated drinks. It may also be caused by eating too fast or by overeating. Some people may find that spicy foods, high-fiber foods, fatty foods, or too much caffeine can all make this problem worse. Symptoms may be worsened by anxiety and depression.

“Indigestion” refers to any number of gastrointestinal complaints, which can include gas (belching, flatulence, or bloating) and upset stomach. “Heartburn” refers to a burning feeling that can be caused by stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus from the stomach, by gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), or by an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum (also called peptic ulcer). “Low stomach acidity” refers to the inability to produce adequate quantities of stomach acid that will affect digestion and absorption of nutrients.

A variety of disorders can cause symptoms of indigestion, including ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and less commonly, cancer. In about half of cases brought to a doctor’s attention, however, no identifiable underlying problem can be determined; doctors refer to such cases as “functional dyspepsia.” Many different medications are available to treat indigestion, even when the underlying causes cannot be identified.

Indigestion is the term used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest after meals. The medical term for this is dyspepsia. Sometimes it is also used to describe a distinctive burning feeling in the chest, known as heartburn. Most people have suffered from indigestion after a large meal at some time, and up to one in four adults suffer from heartburn each year.

Causes

Indigestion might be caused by a disease or ulcer in the digestive tract. However, for many people, indigestion is caused by eating too much, eating too quickly, being tired, drinking too much caffeinated beverages, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, can also cause indigestion or make it worse.

Due to all these reasons the food does not get digested even if it has been taken at proper time and wholesome as well as light to digest. The common symptoms of indigestion are stasis of food in the stomach, malaise, headache, fainting, giddiness, stiffness in back and waist, yawning, body ache, thirst, fever, vomiting, griping, anorexia and improper digestion of the food.

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure, the occurrence of indigestion could easily be prevented when the food intake is monitored. Monitoring food does not only require a person to check the food contents or nutritional values of the food but even the time of eating and the amount of food. It is still better to avoid the foods or situations that can cause indigestion. Smokers can be relieved when smoking is minimized or quitted. Exercising just after eating is also not recommended as it also causes indigestion.

Precautions

Fasting till the agni is proper and then giving manda, peya, vilepi till it is restored back to normal should be done. The diet should consists of old rice and light vegetable soup of spinach with warm water. Avoid all heavy and fried foods and cold drinks. Excess sweet, milk and its products which are heavy for digestion and meat of animals.



William

Robert asked:


on is a very common problem that everyone, old or young, will have experienced at some point of time or another in their lives. It does not matter how strong your constitution is because there are many times when you will not be able to keep from overeating and that in turn will lead to experiencing symptoms of indigestion. Excess Acid Eating foods whose expiry dates have elapsed is a possible reason for developing indigestion. Mostly, the reason for suffering from indigestion is that you may have overeaten or there is excess acid in the stomach. Though it is necessary for the stomach to have sufficient acid in order to digest food, when the level rises above normal, the excess acid can lead to development of symptoms. Typical symptoms of indigestion included feeling pain in the upper parts of the abdomen, loss of appetite, heartburn as well as feeling of sickness and having too much gas within the stomach that leads to flatulence and to belching. Such symptoms however only cause very slight discomforts and before long, in most cases, the symptoms will disappear on their own and can also be controlled through use of over-the-counter medicines. However, when symptoms last over a prolonged period of time there is need to take sterner action. In case of severe symptoms it is necessary to seek advice from a doctor and commonly symptoms such as uncommon weight loss as well as indigestion occurring for the first time in people in their middle to late forties and severe pain will necessitate getting professional help. These symptoms could be indicative of more serious problems and so should be checked by a doctor. One surefire cure for indigestion is changing your diet; though getting a doctor to evaluate your condition is also a good idea. Of course, most indigestion problems are generally harmless and the symptoms develop because a person has been negligent about their eating habits. In such cases, using non-prescription medications can prove to be the right solution. Pregnant mothers-to-be are also often affected by indigestion though they need not worry because following childbirth the problem generally disappears on its own. Acid indigestion is another common health problem and one that is quite similar to general indigestion though the latter occurs because of overeating while the former occurs because of presence of unwanted amounts of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The discomfort felt as a result of indigestion can vary with the more serious symptoms being hard to get rid off through ordinary means. A doctor will need to diagnose the condition and recommend suitable treatment including changing the diet as well as performing exercises to help you relax.

Diane

Ivan S. Pullicino B.Pharm. (Hons.) M.Sc. asked:




If one has a digestive problem and there is no acidity involved, it is useless to treat oneself with an anti-acid, as there is no need to suppress acidity.

There are a number of natural ingredients which provide relief from digestive problems by treating the underlying causes.

Digestive enzymes, like Bromelain and Papaya provide relief by helping digestion when the underlying cause is delayed gastric emptying. Bromelain is derived from the pineapple fruit and is a lipolytic enzyme (an enzyme capable of digesting fat globules). Papaya is an enzyme which helps reduce gas, bloating, and fullness after a high-fat meal.

Artichoke has a choleretic (bile stimulating) action, and helps bile flow to increase significantly. Artichoke is an ideal treatment for mild indigestion—particularly following a meal high in fat. It also helps to reduce nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and flatulence.

Licorice is a natural acid-blocker. It is also used as a complimentary treatment to H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors when treating gastro esophageal reflux (GERD) disease which is a disorder of the esophagus that causes frequent symptoms of heartburn.

Aloe Vera is a remedy to indigestion and nausea caused by overeating, wrong food choices or combinations, stress and stomach bugs. An Aloe layer is formed over the food being digested and this gives a soothing effect.

Calendula has soothing effects and has been used for the natural relief of stomach ulcers and inflammation.

Peppermint Oil is classified as a carminative and is excellent when the underlying cause of indigestion is a hypo motility – a substance that prevents and relieves intestinal gas.  It may also relieve spasms in the intestinal tract. Peppermint oil or peppermint tea is often used to treat gas and indigestion.

What would be better than having all these advantageous substances combined into one product which can be bought over the counter?

Altaflora Gastrogel Syrup, by Alta Care Laboratoires – Paris is a 100% natural supplement containing all the above mentioned digestive enzymes, extracts and essential oils. It is a unique formulation of certified concentrated aloe, essential oils and digestive enzymes, combined with herbs recognized for their soothing and digestive properties.

Altaflora Gastrogel has the advantage of being manufactured in syrup form. Thus the ingredients used in Altaflora Gastrogel Syrup are fresh and not processed, unlike the case of tablets, where the efficacy of the ingredients is lessened, due to manufacturing processes like drying or compressing in which the ingredients lose some of their activity and some of their properties are lost or altered.

Since tablets or capsules take longer to digest than syrup, Altaflora Gastrogel guarantees faster and immediate symptom relief.

Alta Care Laboratoires – Paris, do not dilute their syrups with water, thus the active ingredients are stronger and therefore give better effective results. The ingredients of Altaflora Gastrogel Syrup are diluted in sugar-free honey and Pineapple juice, guaranteeing an excellent taste!

If you suffer from common digestive problems Altaflora Gastrogel is definitely worth a try to treat the underlying cause of indigestion! Take one tablespoon of Altaflora Gastrogel Syrup after meals or when symptoms appear. 

Altaflora Gastrogel Syrup is available in 200ml or in the maxi size 500ml bottles and can be purchased from pharmacies.

www.altacare.com

 

 

 



Charlene

Philip Bailey asked:


Eating habits and stress can be contributing factors, as can food sensitivities. When you next get a bout of indigestion try and recall what you have eaten and if you notice any recurring patterns try excluding the food you suspect.

I find that New Era tissue salts help, but only for a short while.

Mint, but not peppermint (although it is often suggested for gas), is recommended as a remedy. And the following are often causes: -



Onions

cheese

hot spicy foods, although often it is stated they aid digestion!

unripe fruits

strong tea and coffee

Fatty or fried foods

liquid with meals, but a glass of wine is good



 

A pinch of bicarbonate of soda added to a glass of water is a useful ally against flatulence and indigestion.

After reading about the benefits of coconut I have started adding a spoonful to my breakfast and have noticed a distinct improvement.

Eating fruit well apart from meals is also recommended, because apparently it will otherwise ferment and not be easily digested. Fruit on an empty stomach will pass through the stomach very quickly. Starchy fruits, such as banana’s take slightly longer, but again they are quickly digested by an empty stomach. Many people recommend eating fruit for breakfast with the less starchy fruits eaten first and then followed by banana’s, figs, dates etc about 15 mins later.

The following herbs are also useful allies:



angelica – relieves spasms & flatulence

caraway oil – is used to relieve the feeling of fullness and flatulence

cinnamon – is used to relieve bloating, gas & cramping

dandelion – relieves gas

fennel – to relieve gas and belching

genitian – for bloating and flatulence following fatty meals

hops – for relief of digestive troubles brought on by stress

horehound – relieves gas

ginger – relieves irritated stomach & belching

slippery elm – soothes the stomach

turmeric – for stomach irritation



 

I have a keen interest in using natural remedies and have had years of experience in using herbs and homeopathy.

My site The Apothecary was set up to discuss natural remedies and related subjects. Please feel free to use the forum.



Anita

peterhutch asked:


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.

The fundamental digestive disorder is indigestion or dyspepsia, which may give rise to more acute or serious diseases. The basic cause of indigestion, besides weak digestive powers, is over eating or eating foods, which must be avoided. Stools of such persons contain large amounts of undigested matter. They suffer from flatulence arising from putrefying matter in the stomach or the intestines.

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

Common home remedies for indigestion are peppermint and ginger. These are also popular in treating other digestion problems. Apple and tea are also used, as are Epsom salts. Another effective way to relieve indigestion is drinking the juice of a raw potato or an egg white. Cloves are also considered treatment for indigestion. Other herbs that help relieve the discomfort that comes with indigestion are meadowsweet and lavender. In traditional medicine, the use of feverfew, fennel and dill as cures for indigestion is common, as well as thyme and speedwell.

Lemon juice kills nausea. Lemonade is good the summer and the winter too. After the Christmas meal, if you have nausea from eating too much, squeeze a lemon in a glass and drink it all in one move. Add a teaspoon of honey and you are safe from indigestion.

Bishop’s weed is used in the treatment of a large number of problems related to digestion, such as indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, atonic dyspepsia, colic and flatulence. It is an important ingredient of most Indian dishes. It helps in the digestion of heavy oily and spicy food.

Cardamom is a cooling agent. It helps the stomach and the intestines to soothe down after a heavy meal and perform the digestion better. It helps in expelling the wind that is caused due to undigested food material.

Licorice. A form of licorice called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), a chewable form of the herb, is a natural antacid. Unlike a regular licorice, DGL does not have hormonal side effects. This makes DGL more effective and will not contribute to elevated blood pressures, which can be a side effect of other forms. Licorice helps fight ulcerations caused by hyperacidity.

A banana acts as a natural antacid for the stomach and will soothe heartburn and indigestion. If you are suffering from indigestion you can also eat a pineapple or papaya as well as drinking the juice depending on your preference. This will help settle yourstomach naturally without the the chemicals you get in over-the-countermedicines. Many people have reported that eating a teaspoon full of mustard willimmediately work to help their indigestion.



Marlene