Indigestion

• What is indigestion?

• Common causes

• Symptoms

• Natural remedies

• Other ways to help

What is indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a pain felt in the upper part of the abdomen underneath the rib cage and is often experienced shortly after a meal. Indigestion is normally due to overindulging in various types of food and drink that cause several different stomach ailments (acid reflux, heartburn, bloating and gastritis.) Indigestion can cause quite a considerable amount of pain and the effects can be socially awkward.
 

Common causes

Indigestion is usually the result of the acids in the stomach becoming temporarily overwhelmed by someone overindulging in the following substances:

• Overeating

• Eating too fast.

• Too much caffeine

• Eating fatty or spicy foods

• Excessive alcohol

• Smoking

• Carbonated drinks

Symptoms^†

• Heartburn (a burning pain in the throat and chest)

• Pain occurring in the upper abdomen or the chest.

• Nausea

• Burping

• Flatulence

If you are over 45 and have never experienced indigestion before, or if you experience the following symptoms in addition to indigestion you should see your GP:

• Unplanned weight loss

• Severe pain

• Vomiting some blood

Natural remedies

• Homeopathy has been traditionally used to treat the symptoms for indigestion. The homeopathic remedies Nux vom and Carbo veg relieve heartburn, discomfort and excess gas, while Lycopodium relieves tiredness and bloating after eating. (Always read the label.)^∏

• Heat therapy such as putting a hot water bottle over your stomach while breathing deeply in and out can ease the pain.

• Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic indigestion.

• Reiki is said to be an effective treatment for many sufferers of indigestion.

• The Alexander Technique and meditation could be beneficial if you think that your indigestion is stress related.

• Aromatherapy can relieve an upset stomach. Simply drop four drops of peppermint oil into an ounce of almond or olive oil and massage it into the abdomen.

Other ways to help

• Avoid foods and other things that you know give you indigestion such as spicy, fatty and citrus foods.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks.

• Try to eat at least two or three hours before lying down or going to bed.

• Stop smoking as this will improve your indigestion and overall health.

• Eat your food slowly and chew thoroughly to aid your digestion.

• If you’re carrying a few extra pounds, try and lose some weight.

• Watch the portion sizes of your meals as the more you eat, the more stomach acid you produce.

• Peppermint in tea or tablet form contains menthol and has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract, helping relieve gas and stomach cramps.

• Chamomile in tea or tablet form has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gas relieving effects.

• Ginger in tea or tablet form relieves gas and reduces bloating and pain.

• Try to raising your head on extra pillows at night or try putting blocks under the head end of your bed.

• Avoid tight clothes and tight belts as this puts pressure on your stomach.

• Try eating licorice after a meal as many heartburn and indigestion sufferers claim it really helps!

† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.

^∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.