Indigestion

There are many things today that challenge our digestive system. Mouth-watering delicacies dangling in attractive menus of top restaurants are more than enough to drag us towards them. However, food, edible colors, food chemicals, processing chemicals, additives, and preservatives served by these restaurants coupled with little or no exercise, working late, being sleepless, and facing constant stress have resulted in bad maintenance of our digestive systems.

Symptoms of indigestion

Symptoms of indigestion include belching, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, burning sensation after eating food, nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, and weakness. These symptoms could be due to a disorder in the stomach or the intestine.

Causes of indigestion

Certain food and beverages such as alcohol, colas, coffee, fried foods, maida-based foods, spicy and greasy foods, and preserved foods can cause indigestion since they irritate the digestive tract. Liver problems, gall stones, ulcers, and lack of friendly bacteria are other causes. Psychological factors also contribute to indigestion.

Stress and digestion

Stress, anxiety, and anger can disturb digestion. Indigestion can sometimes be caused by insufficient (HCL) hydrochloric acid in the stomach. HCL is required for digestion of food such as fish, chicken, and meat. HCL levels decline with age. Therefore, older people suffer frequently from indigestion.

Testing sufficiency of HCL

To test sufficiency HCL in our stomach, we need to take a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar after meals. If this helps our digestion, it means we need more stomach acids. If this makes us feel worse, it means we have sufficient levels or may be too much HCL in our stomach. In such a scenario, we must avoid vinegar and lime. If food is not digested properly, it ferments, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, causing gas and bloating. Food such as grains and pulses are difficult to digest and cause bloating.

Indigestion and Heart Burn 

Do you often experience a sharp pain in your chest? Think twice before assuming that you might be suffering from some serious cardiac issues. In fact, there are more frequent chances of it being a simple case of acid reflux.

What is Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a condition in which the acids (digestive juices) in the stomach moves up into the esophagus (food pipe) through an action known as reflux. Acid reflux is also known as esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

When does it develop

Acid reflux develops when the food in the stomach is not digested properly by the liquid content (acid) and enzymes. Different people experience different symptoms for instance. Some people get the feeling that food is stuck behind the breast bone, others experience heart burn which can be released by antacids. Some experience nausea after eating, difficulty in following, frequent sore throat. Drinking too much alcohol, obesity, pregnancy, smoking and overeating may cause worsening of the symptoms. Eating too much, too fast consuming greasy food and stress may also cause indigestion, heart burn or acid reflux

Medicines can worsen heart burns

Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux can be brought on or made worse by certain medications. If you suspect that one of your medications may be causing heartburn, talk to your doctor. Never change or stop a medication suddenly, without talking to your doctor. If you are taking antacids avoid taking them more than thrice a week.

Follow these natural remedies instead. They have worked for thousands of people, and the will also work for you.