The term dyspepsia or indigestion refers to a series of symptoms that occur in the middle and upper part of the stomach, usually after eating. Although indigestion is not a disease, it is often the result of other digestive disorders and conditions.
The term dyspepsia or indigestion refers to a series of symptoms that occur in the middle and upper part of the stomach, usually after eating. Although indigestion is not a disease, it is often the result of other digestive disorders and conditions.
The pain and discomfort caused by indigestion is not always of the same intensity. There can be variations from person to person, depending on the food consumed or even from day to day. People with indigestion may have one or more of the following symptoms: Stomach ache – upper abdomen Flatulence – flatulence due to increased gas Heartburn Early fullness and bloating during a meal Fullness after a meal lasts more than necessary Nausea – vomiting (rarer) Sometimes people with indigestion also develop heartburn in the chest and throat due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, however, although the symptoms may be somewhat similar, they are two separate conditions and require different treatment.
The causes of indigestion are not easy to identify, as indigestion has many possible causes. Most often it is due to lifestyle and diet. However, there are some conditions and medications that can cause indigestion. In any case, if the symptoms are severe and do not subside with lifestyle changes, then it should be investigated whether there is another condition that causes indigestion. The most common causes are: Eating too fast Fatty or spicy foods High caffeine intake, Alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages Smoking Stress Certain antibiotics, analgesics Gastric or peptic ulcer: Gastrointestinal ulcers Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Mild indigestion can often be improved with small lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller and more frequent meals, chewing food well, and avoiding foods that can aggravate indigestion such as fatty, spicy foods, carbonated beverages and coffee. In addition it is very important to have a healthy body weight, as it reduces the pressure on the abdomen. Other lifestyle changes that can and do benefit indigestion are regular exercise as it promotes better digestion, stress management as well as smoking cessation. Dietary supplements can help in better digestion and assimilation of foods, thus improving the symptoms caused by indigestion. In any case, dietary supplements can not eliminate the cause that created indigestion, so it would be good to inform the doctor. Digestive enzymes. Enzymes involved in digestion and break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Simethicone and Carbon. They help in the capture and elimination of intestinal gases. They reduce flatulence and bloating, instantly relieving the symptoms of indigestion and stomach upset. Probiotics. Bacteria that improve intestinal function, enhancing digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Chios Mastic. It has antimicrobial activity and is used for digestive disorders as well as for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. Herbs and spices (Mint, Cumin, Artichoke, Ginger). They help digestion and relieve unpleasant symptoms such as burning, bloating and abdominal pain.