What is Indigestion ?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common digestive disorder characterized by discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It often occurs after eating and can be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, nausea, and heartburn. Indigestion describes symptoms, such as abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness soon after starting to eat. Indigestion arises when the digestive system struggles to properly break down and process food. This condition can manifest in various ways, often causing sensations of bloating, belching, and an acidic taste in the mouth. In more severe cases, individuals may experience nausea, heartburn, and a feeling of fullness even after consuming small meals.

Indigestion can be triggered by a range of factors, including overeating, consuming rich or spicy foods, excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol, stress, and certain medications. While indigestion is typically a temporary discomfort, it can be chronic in some cases and may indicate an underlying digestive disorder. Seeking medical advice is important if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by concerning signs such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. Management often involves dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Types of Indigestion

Here are some common types of indigestion:

1) Functional Dyspepsia:
This is a term used when no specific cause can be identified. It is thought to be related to abnormal function of the digestive tract, and it can be further divided into two subtypes: postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS).

2) Acid Reflux Indigestion (GERD):
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. This can be a form of indigestion.

3) Peptic Ulcer Indigestion:
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). They can cause a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, which is a type of indigestion.

4) Gastritis:
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.

5) Gallstone-Related Indigestion:
Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. They can cause indigestion, particularly after consuming fatty or rich meals.

6) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Indigestion:
IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and various digestive symptoms. Some individuals with IBS may also experience symptoms of indigestion.

7) Functional Heartburn:
This is a condition where the symptoms of heartburn occur without any evidence of acid reflux. It is considered a type of functional dyspepsia.

8) Food Intolerance or Sensitivity:
Some individuals may have difficulty digesting certain types of food, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort. This is not an allergic reaction but can still cause indigestion.

9) Medication-Induced Indigestion:
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and some antibiotics, can irritate the stomach lining and lead to indigestion.

10) Stress-Induced Indigestion:
Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate indigestion symptoms or even be a primary cause.

Symptoms of Indigestion

• Early fullness during a meal
• Uncomfortable fullness after a meal
• Burning in the upper abdomen
• Discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Bloating in the upper abdomen
• Nausea

Causes of Indigestion

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Fatty, greasy or spicy foods
• Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate or carbonated beverages
• Certain antibiotics, pain relievers and iron supplements
• Smoking
• Anxiety
• Inflammation of the stomach
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Gallstones
• Constipation
• Pancreas inflammation
• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal blockage
• Reduced blood flow in the intestine
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy

Prevention Tips for Indigestion

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overloading the digestive system.
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to aid in proper digestion.
• Avoid overindulging in rich, fatty, or spicy foods that can trigger indigestion.
• Limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can irritate the digestive tract.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Quit smoking, as it can contribute to indigestion and other digestive issues.
• Maintain a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods to support overall digestive health.
• Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
• Engage in regular physical activity to promote healthy digestion and overall well-being.
• If taking medications that may contribute to indigestion, consult a healthcare provider for alternative options or strategies to minimize side effects.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating, as this can hinder the digestive process.

20 Amazing Home Remedies for Indigestion

1) Cut a lemon into two halves and fill it with two pinches of black or rock salt and ground black pepper in one of its slits. After that, heat it a little by placing it on a slow fire or on a hot pan. Sucking this lemon, when it is lukewarm, removes the bitterness of the mouth and improves the taste of the mouth, as well as removes indigestion or other disturbances of the stomach, and at the same time, there is a lot of open appetite.

2) Ajwain (Carom Seeds) extract, camphor and peppermint (mint flowers) (25-25 grams each) small cardamom oil, cinnamon oil and clove oil (10-10 grams each) put all these medicines in a clean vial for 10 minutes. Shake for 15 minutes or keep it in the sun. Inside a vial all the medicines will become ‘Amritdhara’. This medicine is a panacea for all diseases like cough, cold, dyspepsia, stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea, cholera, toothache, scorpion bite etc.

In case of indigestion : Taking 2-3 drops of this medicine in batasha or water, and taking it, it ends stomachache immediately. If there is no relief in one go, then after half an hour, taking such a dose again provides relief. Taking 2-3 spoons of this medicine in clean cold water or boiled in cooled water. Taking 2-3 drops of this medicine in the morning and evening after meals can cause diarrhoea, convulsions, dysentery, diarrhoea (thin stools), cholera, sour Belching, strong thirst, excessive thirst, flatulence, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea after eating food, belching, belching, indigestion etc. diseases are eradicated. In the case of insect-moth bites like scorpion bite etc., it is applied on the affected area with the help of a cotton furrow.

3) Peeling ginger (from 1 to 3 grams) and finely chopping it, sprinkle a little rock salt or common salt used in domestic kitchen and eat it half an hour before meals (times a day) for eight days continuously, it cures digestion. Hunger is felt very freely and the air (air/gas) of the stomach is cleared. By doing this, the fire becomes bright. It is interesting and also a tongue and throat purifier. It is also beneficial in stomachache, bloating, indigestion, dysentery and constipation. If a few drops of lemon juice is mixed in the above mixture and consumed before meals, then indigestion, gulm and colic is destroyed. Indigestion is destroyed and the fire is ignited. There is interest in food. Air, phlegm, constipation and rheumatism are destroyed by this use.

4) Add 2 grams powder of finely ground carom seeds or half a gram of rock salt to it. Consuming it with warm water twice a day after meals removes malformations of spleen or spleen, destroys colic, improves digestion, worms in the stomach, all disorders and indigestion etc. The diseases become frizzy with just 2-3 days of use. This use also gives benefit in cough and if there are loose stools then they also stop.

5) 5 Cloves and 10 grams of sugar grind very finely and 3 ml. consuming clean water mixed with it ends nausea and the pain of indigestion.

6) If the food is chewed properly (32 times in 1 mouthful) and if food is eaten less than hunger and food is taken at fixed or fixed time, then stomach diseases like indigestion and flatulence can be easily avoided. In this way, by keeping the digestion process right, food strengthens the body. Apart from this, if a person takes 8 breaths after a meal by lying on his back, then taking 16 breaths on the right side and then finally taking 32 breaths on the left side, then by doing this action the food will be digested quickly and the air of the stomach that has stopped. The gas is immediately expelled through the mouth or through the anus in the form of apanvayu.

7) Eating ripe papaya as breakfast on an empty stomach does not cause diseases like tuberculosis (tuberculosis), asthma, eye diseases, dyspepsia, anemia etc. Papaya is the best use for cleaning the intestines. It is a fruit in the form of nectar, which removes diseases of the digestive system. Those wishing to conquer old age should make continuous use of it permanently. It is not only the best liver tonic but also a youth tonic.

8) Grind nutmeg in lemon juice and lick it, it clears diarrhea and ends stomach upset.

9) Taking asafoetida (hing), Nausadar and rock salt (10-10 grams each) take 600 ml. Stir in water. When all the medicines mix together in water, then keep this medicine safe by filling it in a clean bottle. Give it 25-25 ml. Consuming this quantity in the morning and evening (2 times a day), it provides conditional benefit in diseases like pain, swelling of kidney-spleen, liver, airway, indigestion, loss of appetite etc.

10) Take 10 grams of desi carom seeds, two and a half grams of black salt and asafoetida 4 grains (2 ratti). Grind these three medicines finely and keep them safe in a clean vial. Taking half to one gram in the morning and evening with a little hot water is beneficial in all diseases of the stomach.

11) Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help soothe the digestive tract and relieve symptoms of indigestion. Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drink it slowly.

12) Atees, Peepal, Nagarmotha and Kakdasingi (Equal quantity of each and keep it safe. Licking this powder with honey usually cures all stomach diseases.

13) Drinking 25 tola (1 tola is equal to 180 grains) of ice water, mixing 2 tola of sugar candy and lemon juice, ends indigestion.

14) Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for proper digestion. They can help maintain a balanced digestive system and reduce the occurrence of indigestion. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or take probiotic supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider.

15) Roast three grams of cannabis in 2 grams of ghee and keep it safe. Licking this powder mixed with honey ends indigestion.

16) Make a powder by mixing 20 grams dried basil leaves and carom seeds and 10 grams rock salt. Taking 3 grams of this with lukewarm water is beneficial in indigestion and indigestion.

17) Prepare a powder by taking soda, black pepper, dry ginger, nausadar and small peepal (each in equal quantity. Taking one and a half grams of this powder with water thrice a day ends indigestion.

18) Make a powder by taking 10 grams each of roasted asafetida, pomegranate, dry ginger and black salt. By taking this powder in the quantity of 4 Masha (1 Masha is equal to 0.972 Grams), almost all the diseases of the stomach are eradicated.

19) Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline substance that can help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from indigestion. Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it. However, this remedy should not be use excessively as it can lead to an imbalance in stomach acid.

20) Despite being acidic, apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH levels in the stomach, aiding in digestion and reducing symptoms of indigestion. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals

FAQ’s

When should I seek medical attention for indigestion?
You should seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent symptoms of indigestion, especially if accompanied by weight loss, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or if you have a history of gastrointestinal disorders.

Can certain medications worsen indigestion?
Yes, some medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics, and certain pain relievers can contribute to indigestion. If you suspect your medication may be causing indigestion, consult your healthcare provider for possible alternatives.

Can indigestion be a symptom of a more serious condition?
Yes, indigestion can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions such as GERD, peptic ulcers, gastritis, or even more serious issues like stomach cancer. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

How is indigestion treat medically?
Medical treatment for indigestion may involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, medications to reduce stomach acid production or provide symptom relief. In severe cases or when an underlying condition is present, additional treatments may be necessary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

How to cure indigestion fast?
To alleviate indigestion quickly, try sipping on ginger tea, which can help relax the digestive muscles and reduce inflammation, or take an over-the-counter antacid for immediate relief.