Khim Lim asked:


Many used the terms indigestion and acid reflux interchangeably and to mean the same thing. However, in reality, there are a number of differences between the two conditions. Although acid reflux symptoms are similar to those that you experienced with indigestion, they are more often than not a lot more severe and can last more than a few hours.

In its most serious form, acid reflux is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is characterised by pain in the oesophagus and throat where the acid from the stomach causes damage to the lining. These symptoms can often only be relieved with medications and so it is important that anyone suffering from prolonged pain to consult the doctor with little delay.

If left untreated the acid reflux symptoms can become unbearable as the lining of the oesophagus is slowly eroded away by the stomach acid. The worst case scenario is that oesophageal cancer or any of the other serious and potentially life-threatening throat conditions develop which are a lot harder to treat than the initial complaint.

Indigestion is often thought to be a milder version although this is not technically true. Some of the symptoms are similar however indigestion has a number of symptoms not experienced in acid reflux and vice versa. For example, one of the most common symptoms of indigestion is gassy episodes and often these episodes are felt by sufferers of true acid reflux. Indigestion sufferers may also have an uncomfortable feeling around the chest and shoulder area that is not relieved by burping.

If you over-eat or eat too quickly, there is a good chance of getting indigestion. Basically, you have just bombarded your stomach with food and acid is produced in large quantities. Acid reflux however is caused when the sphincter at the top of the stomach is weakened and the stomach acid is allowed to travel up the oesophagus and often into the throat. Because of different causes, you feel the major symptoms of the two conditions in different parts of the body; that is, the chest in indigestion and the throat/oesophagus in acid reflux.

Whether you are having indigestion or acid reflux, you are likely to experience pain and a great deal of discomfort. The good news is that both can be managed with changing your eating and lifestyle habits. Making a few changes can help you to alleviate the pain that accompany their symptoms. Where you experience extreme pain, despite making these lifestyle changes, you should see a doctor quickly.



Floyd

Steven A Johnson asked:


Indigestion is often a sign that there are other problems in the body like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallbladder disease, or ulcers, rather than it being a condition or disease of its own. Indigestion is a reoccurring pain that is persistent and in the middle of the abdomen.

Symptoms of indigestion include burning in the stomach, stomach growling, nausea, vomiting, belching, gas, acidic taste in mouth, bloating, and abdominal pain. Most often people get a burning feeling in the chest called heart burn. All of these symptoms may worsen when stress levels increase.

Everyone can get affected by indigestion, even children and elderly. It’s a very common problem; it is mostly common among alcoholics and drug users. There are many causes of indigestion though, not just substance abusers get indigestion. Ulcers, stomach cancer, stomach infections, IBS, and thyroid disease can all cause indigestion as well. Even certain medications can cause indigestion, some of these include, aspirin, estrogen and birth control, steroid medications, antibiotics, and thyroid medications can all contribute to causing indigestion.

Eating to much food can factor in indigestion. Stress levels and fatigue can cause it as well. Swallowing excessive air while eating and drinking and pregnancy can be causes as well. Indigestion is not caused by to much stomach acid in the body and not every can find a known cause for there indigestion.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, other wise known as acid reflux or GERD, is a condition where the liquid content in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. It is a chronic condition and it normally lasts the entire life of the person. Most often the reflux occurs in the middle of the day when the person is standing or sitting upright.

Gravity, swallowing, and saliva are protective to the esophagus but this only works if the person is in the upright position. When lying down say at night sleeping gravity is not in effect, people don’t swallow while they are sleeping, and the amount of saliva produced is decreased. So at night when the reflux occurs the acid and contents are going to stay in the esophagus longer causing more damage to it.

Causes of acid reflux are complex and in most cases has many causes put together to cause the disease. Most people that have acid reflux however, produce large amounts of stomach acid. Some things that can contribute to it are the lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernias, esophageal contractions, and emptying of the stomach. Symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. More severe complications can arise from not treating acid reflux. Ulcer, strictures, barrett’s esophagus, asthma, inflammation of the throat and infection in the lungs can all happen.

Changing eating habits can help to treat GERD. Avoiding things like peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine can all help. Fatty foods are not good either. However, chewing gum can actually help treat acid reflux, the chewing of gum can stimulate production of saliva and increase swallowing. After swallowing saliva it neutralizes in the esophagus. Antacids can help as well; they neutralize acid in the stomach so that there isn’t any acid to reflux. There is also foam barriers and surgeries that can help in really severe cases.

Another thing that can help to treat acid reflux and indigestion is Acid Reflux and Indigestion Tea by Bell. It makes a soothing and relaxing action in the stomach that promotes good digestion and relieves abdominal pain as well as gastrointestinal tract spasms. It is also an antacid. It can also prevent bloating, promotes digestive enzymes, prevents cramping, stomach pain, and reduces inflammation in the digestive system.

Acid reflux and Indigestion Tea is all natural and safe to use, some of the ingredients in it are anise seeds, fennel, chamomile, dill, cumin, peppermint, ginger, sage, and orange peel. Acid Reflux an Indigestion Tea can be found at Alterative Health Supplements.



Jill

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

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