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

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

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

Kevin Pederson asked:


Indigestion is mainly the sign given out by your body due to the excessive and fast eating. Consumption of high fat food does not gel well with your stomach which causes indigestion. The normal symptoms of indigestion are nausea, bloated feeling, burning sensation and heartburn. Indigestion affects in different form like acidity, stomach pain or aches or heartburn. These problems can be dealt by simple home cure remedies.

Home Remedies for Acidity

A spoonful of honey in any form of indigestion is very useful, be it stomach problems, acidity or heartburn

To prevent acidic indigestion mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or cider vinegar in a cup of hot water and have it before your meal.

Take one teaspoon of fresh grape wine 30 minutes before munching onto your grub.

You can also have small amount of fresh pineapples after meals

Drink 1/3 part of a coconut milk from an average size coconut before breakfast

Drinking herbal tea like mint, raspberry, chamomile and blackberry can help you with your indigestion problem

Home Remedies for Stomach Ache

Mix 30 gm of pomegranate seeds with salt and a pinch of black pepper. This would help you with your stomachache problems.

Make a fine powder of two grams of oregano seeds, two grams of cumin seeds and two grams of rock salt. Squeeze a lemon it and have this mixture with lukewarm water to ease your stomach pains.

Trouble with your intestine; eat two ripe bananas with yoghurt daily for a week. Avoid spicy food during such time.

Add two-three drops of garlic oil to half-a-cup of Soya oil. Rub this solution on your stomach after meals.

Mix two pinches of rock salt and half teaspoon carom seeds. Chew it and wash it down with water to alleviate your stomach problems.

Mix 5-6 basil leaves, one fourth teaspoon sea salt and black pepper in three tablespoons of curd. Have this mixture at least four times a day to improve your stomach problems.

Home Remedies for Heartburn

Sucking on to the clove may relieve you from the acidic influx

Having a cup of vanilla ice cream or drinking a glass of cold milk can do the trick

Almonds help in relieving heartburn and having it everyday will help you a lot

Eating lemon strips mixed in salt before meals helps in preventing heartburn

You can also eat lemon rind to prevent heartburn indigestion Chewing basil leaves every morning also helps

Eating watermelon and banana would help you cool down

Gulp down a cup of water mixed with a pinch of baking soda to ease your heartburn problems

Put 10-15 raisins in your mouth for some time without chewing them. The saliva swallowed would help in easing the burning sensation

Chew a gum

Consume a tablespoon of vinegar to help you with your heartburn

Peppermint tea is very good for heartburn

Grated raw potato also helps in soothing heartburns

Pineapple and Papaya juice is also good for treating the heartburn

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.



Mario

Juliet Cohen asked:


Acid indigestion is a type of indigestion involving an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Indigestion resulting from hyperchlorhydria; often used colloquially as a synonym for pyrosis. Indigestion is the term used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest after meals. Sometimes it is also used to describe a distinctive burning feeling in the chest, known as heartburn. Acid indigestion should be distinguished from heartburn, which typically involves aggravation of the esophagus. Indigestion and heartburn are common problems for both kids and grownups.

Stress, not enough sleep, smoking, or drinking alcohol also can make indigestion worse. Foods with too much fat, spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, overeating, exercising or lying down soon after a meal, stress, smoking can cause acid indigestion. Aging can also contribute to frequent indigestion. Digestive problems, such as ulcers, can cause the symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, too. There are a few things you can do to reduce your symptoms of indigestion cut down on fatty foods, tea, coffee and alcohol eat little and often, stop smoking and sleep in a more upright position, propped up on a pillow.

H2 blockers work by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Natural ingredients in supplements to aid in relieving acid indigestion or upset stomach also help to support and maintain continued good health as a whole. Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain. Slippery elm bark in tea or tablet form helps form a protective coating in the stomach. Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas-relieving effects. Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract.

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.



Vincent

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Radisson asked:


From time to time, everyone experiences symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. Often, these symptoms occur following a big meal. An estimate five million men in the United States alone are affected by indigestion at one time or another. However, some people experience more frequent digestive problems.

There are a number of steps you can take to improve your digestive health and reduce the chance of indigestion. Here are five specific things that can help.

1. Eat a Diet High in Fiber

Not only will adding plenty of fiber to your diet prevent indigestion, it will also improve your overall digestive health. The modern person eats a diet made up of too much junk food and fast food. In addition, most people eat high-fat meals made of mostly meat. These types of foods only help to worsen episodes of indigestion.

In addition to improving digestion, a high-fiber diet can also aid in preventing heart disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and a host of other diseases. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, add more fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals.

For those that suffer with frequent indigestion, it may also be wise to avoid food that can give you gas, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, baked beans, and carbonated drinks and sodas. Drinking enough water is also a good idea, as it helps to lubricate the food within the digestive tract, and helps dissolve minerals, vitamins and other nutrients so they are more easily absorbed by your body.

2. Chew your Food

Proper chewing may be one of the most forgotten of all the habits for good digestion. Chewing helps to break down your food, and the motion signals the body to begin to release digestive enzymes. Take the time to ensure that you chew each bite well.

In addition, make sure you don’t overeat. It can be an easy thing to do, especially with the portion sizes doled out in many restaurants. The larger your meal is, the more acid your stomach needs to produce to properly digest the food. In turn, this extra acid can increase the your chances of developing heartburn or indigestion.

3. Exercise Regularly and Avoid Stress

Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, while improving your digestive health. Regular exercise can help to avoid obesity, which can lead to such digestive problems as diarrhea, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Excess stress can also have a negative effect on your digestion. Stress reduces blood flow to the abdomen. It also can reduce the production of digestive enzymes, which in turn slows the digestive process and can lead to indigestion and heartburn.

4. Don’t Overuse Antacids

When trying to rid yourself of heartburn or indigestion symptoms, you may be tempted to take more than the recommended dose of your favorite anatacid. Stomach acids can sometime reflux, or back up, into the esophagus which causes the burning sensation of indigestion.

Over-the-counter antacids usually work to neutralize stomach acid, but overuse can cause more harm than good. Too much antacid can cause your stomach to lose acidity, which will impair its ability to properly digest your food, and leave you susceptible to bacterial infections.

5. Supplement your Digestive System

Digestive enzyme supplements can be a great way to decrease the occurrence of heartburn. These enzymes are source from plant fiber, and help to enhance your body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.

If you are in poor health, or have an unhealthy diet, you likely do not have adequate amounts of digestive enzymes. Even otherwise healthy people can benefit from digestive supplements, especially if they are experiencing heartburn or indigestion.

While there are certainly other things you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion, these five will get you well on your way, not only to eliminating your symptoms, but to an overall healthier body.



Janet