Indigestion
Definition:
Indigestion also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach is a general term that describes discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion is not a disease, but rather some symptoms you experience, including abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating. Although indigestion is common, each person may experience indigestion in a slightly different way. Symptoms of indigestion may be felt occasionally or as often as daily.
Signs & Symptoms:
People with indigestion may have one or more of the following symptoms:
Early fullness during a meal. You haven’t eaten much of your meal, but you already feel full and may not be able to finish eating.
Uncomfortable fullness after a meal. Fullness lasts longer than it should.
Discomfort in the upper abdomen. You feel a mild to severe pain in the area between the bottom of your breastbone and your navel.
Burning in the upper abdomen. You feel an uncomfortable heat or burning sensation between the bottom of your breastbone and your navel.
Bloating in the upper abdomen. You feel an uncomfortable sensation of tightness.
Nausea. You feel as though you want to vomit.
Cause:
Indigestion has many possible causes. Often, indigestion is related to lifestyle and may be triggered by food, drink or medication. Common causes of indigestion include:
Overeating or eating too quickly
Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages
Smoking
Anxiety
Certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements
Sometimes indigestion is caused by other digestive conditions, including:
Gastritis
Peptic ulcers
Celiac disease
Gallstones
Constipation
Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis)
Stomach cancer
Intestinal blockage
Reduced blood flow in the intestine (intestinal ischemia)
Indigestion with no obvious cause is known as functional or nonulcer dyspepsia.
How To Cure:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used to kick start a slow stomach. Though acidic in nature, it also has an alkalizing effect that helps settle indigestion.
Add one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a cup of water.
Mix in one teaspoon of raw honey.
Drink this solution two to three times a day for quick relief.
- Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds can be really helpful for indigestion caused by very spicy or fatty food. Fennel seeds contain volatile oils that can help reduce nausea and control flatulence.
Dry roast, grind, and sieve fennel seeds. Take half a teaspoon of this powder along with water. Follow this remedy twice daily.
Alternatively, you can drink fennel tea, made by steeping two teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds in a cup of hot water.
Another option is to simply chew a spoonful of fennel seeds for symptom relief.
- Ginger
Ginger stimulates digestive juices and the flow of enzymes that help you digest your food. This makes ginger an effective remedy for indigestion, especially when it is caused by overeating.
In fact, as a preventive measure, you can sprinkle salt on some fresh ginger slices and chew it thoroughly after eating a heavy meal.
Take two teaspoons of ginger juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of table salt and black salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and consume it with or without water, whatever suits you.
Another option is to add two teaspoons of ginger juice and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water and drink it.
You can also drink homemade ginger tea to get relief from bloating, cramps, gas and stomach aches. To make ginger tea, boil one teaspoon of grated ginger in a cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Adding ginger as a spice in your recipes can also help if you are suffering from indigestion.
