Indigestion
Indigestion
is a common problem experienced by many people usually after eating a meal. It
is usually used to describe an upset stomach, commonly associated with excessive
food intake. However, it is important to note that indigestion is not a disease
itself. Rather, it refers to a set of symptoms which includes bloating,
heartburn and nausea. You may also suffer from indigestion even if you haven’t
eaten much.
Fortunately,
you can get rid of indigestion just
by practicing healthy lifestyle choices.
What Causes Indigestion?
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A
lot of things can induce indigestion. Some of the most common causes of
indigestion include overeating, eating fatty and spicy foods, eating too
quickly, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake, smoking, and stress. In some
cases, certain medications that upset the stomach such as aspirin and
antibiotics can be the cause of indigestion. Indigestion can also be a symptom
of an underlying medical disease, in which case a visit to the doctor is highly
recommended.
How to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast
1. Try peppermint.
If you are looking for a home remedy for indigestion, then here’s one for you. Peppermint has been used
for years to soothe an upset stomach. It helps indigestion by calming the
muscles of the stomach, allowing food to pass through the stomach more quickly
and easily. You can mix some peppermint with an herbal tea and drink it after
each meal.
2. Use antacids.
There
are also over-the-counter medications that can help you get rid of indigestion
fast. Antacids work by neutralizing the acids in your stomach. Be cautious
though as they can have side effects such as constipation and diarrhea.
3. Avoid triggers.
As
mentioned above, a lot of things can be responsible for your indigestion.
Keeping a diary where you can write the possible triggers of your indigestion
can help you identify the root cause. Take note of the things you ate and the
activities you did before and after eating a meal. Once you are able to
determine the culprit, change the bad habit to prevent indigestion in the
future.
4. Eat smaller meals.
Many
cases of indigestion are due to overeating. You can get rid of indigestion
simply by changing your eating habits. Instead of eating the usual three large
meals, try to divide your meals into six smaller ones. This will greatly reduce
the work your stomach needs to do. Also, avoid eating too fast and talking
during meals. Such activities cause you to swallow air which can lead to
indigestion.
5. Exercise.
You
might be wondering how exercise can help treat indigestion. The answer is quite
simple: Exercising regularly promotes better digestion and helps you maintain a
healthy weight, which in turn leads to less pressure in your abdomen. It is recommended
to exercise before eating or one hour after a meal.
6. Eliminate stress.
It may not seem likely
but stress can aggravate indigestion. If you are stressed out, your body
produces excess bile, which may overload the small intestine and consequently
reflux back towards the stomach. Managing stress may be all you need to get rid
of indigestion. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques and
breathing exercises.