You overloaded your plate with so much food and you’re determined to finish them all because they’re so delicious. Antacid ads will tell you to proceed and consume every bit of morsel on your plate since you can always take the medicine later. However, overeating is not the only cause of indigestion.
What is Indigestion?
To be precise, indigestion is described as the failure to digest food correctly. This includes all from acid overproduction, upset stomach and heartburn to nausea, vomiting and pain, wind that brings about burping, bloating or flatulence, and heartburn that includes acid regurgitation.
Causes
Indigestion may either be caused by a surplus or shortage of stomach acid. There are times when the esophageal sphincter is to blame. This is the regulator connecting the stomach and esophagus. If the sphincter malfunctions and was not able to close up properly, acid and partly digested foods are allowed to move away from the stomach and back to the throat. This condition is called heartburn.
Other reasons for indigestion could be a slow-moving digestive system, feelings of anxiety and stress, in addition to not chewing food properly and eating fast. Indigestion may also be a side-effect of some drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen, certain heart medications, narcotic pain relievers, corticosteroids, iron supplements and some medications for treating asthma. But one thing is sure, if you have a weak digestive system, eating too much or consuming problematic foods can definitely result to indigestion.
Possible Health Risks
If you are experiencing persistent indigestion, it could be a symptom of a more serious health condition. Some of the known continuing gastrointestinal diseases are gallbladder disease, peptic ulcer, stomach inflammation, chronic appendicitis, gastro-esophageal reflux and hiatus hernia. So, pay a visit to your physician to get appropriate diagnosis.
Known Treatment For Indigestion
• Using Prescription or Non-Prescription Drugs
Antacids
These drugs help reduce the effect of acid overload in the stomach and remove excess wind as well. Its common side-effects are stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation and whitish stool. Known antacids are activated dimeticone (e.g. Unigest), magnesium (e.g. Bisodol, Bismag), calcium carbonate (e.g. Tums), and aluminum hydroxide (e.g. Mucogel).
Colloidal Bismuth Compounds
Bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol, Bisma-Rex and Roter aid in indigestion by binding and coating the inside layer of the stomach to shield it from irritation that can be caused by excess acid. Its side-effects include weakness, skin rash and joint pains. If large doses are taken, it may cause stomach irritation or diarrhea.
Histamine Antagonists
These meds lower the amount of acid and digestive enzymes excreted in the stomach. However, they are known to cause confusion. Zantac and Pepcid are two of the known drugs under this category.
Prokinetic Agents (Cisapride and Metoclopramide)
These drugs may do a very good job in decreasing the time food stays in the intestines and stomach, but it also pose several side-effects that you may not want to endure. These are vomiting, nausea, chest pain, sore throat, back pain, fatigue, depression, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, runny nose and flatulence.
• Using Herbal Remedies
Peppermint
Plants that belong to the mint family work well in treating indigestion, so if you don’t like peppermint much, you may also use lemon balm. Mint works by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and calm a hyperactive digestive system. However, if you are also suffering from heartburn, it is best not to use peppermint. This herb may be taken in its essential oil form diluted in water or in capsule, tea and tincture preparations.
Chamomile
It is known for its soothing effect on the digestive system. It also helps drive out wind, calm the stomach and relax muscles that mobilize the food through the intestines. Chamomile is a known sedative, so it is best taken at night especially for someone who is suffering a stomach upset. It is commonly consumed as tea mixed with peppermint or as tincture, since most of its medicinal elements disperse fast.
Ginger
Ginger aids the digestive tract by stimulating digestion, dispelling wind, reducing irritation and helps in moving the food all the way through the intestines. A teaspoon of freshly ground roots of ginger can be consumed everyday or consumed in capsule form or tincture mixed in water.
Fennel
Fennel seeds help relieve wind and stimulate digestion. An effective way to use this herb is to include it in your cooked meals. It may also be eaten raw after eating or drink it as tea.
