Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a condition that has many causes. Common to all people with dyspepsia is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly. It is also referred to as indigestion or gastritis and it is a common problem, in most cases mild and only occurs occasionally.
Symptoms
Pain or discomfort usually comes on soon after eating or drinking. The pain is usually in the upper- central portion of the abdomen. The pain seems to go straight through a person as it travels from the belly to the back.
People often use the terms burning, aching, gnawing, or sore to describe the pain. Usually, a vague sense of discomfort is present, but the pain may be sharp, stabbing, or cutting.
Other symptoms may include
- Belching: which usually either does not relieve the pain or relieves it only briefly.
- Nausea and vomiting: The vomit may be clear, green or yellow, blood-streaked, or completely bloody, depending on the severity of the stomach inflammation.
- Bloating or burning in the upper part of the belly
Causes
Dyspepsia may be associated with various medications, physical stresses, social habits, chemicals, and infections. Some of the more common causes are listed below:
- Parasites and worms
- Steroids (prednisone is one example)
- vomiting Infections
- Fungal (yeast) infections
- Alcohols of various types
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pernicious anaemia Chronic
- Aspirin
- Potassium supplements Iron tablets
- Tuberculosis Viral infections
Also known as indigestion and gastritis.
Supplements that may help
- Aloe Vera juice and capsules have a soothing action
- Papaya Enzyme may help with digestion of protein may reduce acid build up in the stomach
- Pineapple Bromelain could help with digestion of protein
- Slippery Elm food may protect against inflammation and ulceration to the lining of the stomach and contribute to healing due to the high mucilage content the suppression of acid production
- Chamomile Tea could help to ease the pain and discomfort and has a soothing effect on the stomach
- Fennel Tea may help to ease the pain and discomfort and is also soothing on the stomach
- Peppermint Oil capsules/tea could have an antispasmodic action
- Ginger capsules/Tea may help to relieve nausea
- N-Acetyl Cysteine may stimulate the healing of gastritis
- Iron could help If bleeding occurs due to the ulceration, and anaemia may become an issue
- L-Glutamine is the main energy source for cells in the stomach, supplementation may increase blood flow to this region
- Omega 3 may help decrease inflammation
- Manuka Honey has soothing and healing properties
- Magnesium is an antacid
- Linseed is rich in mucilage which may have healing properties and aid inflamed surfaces
- Marshmallow is rich in mucilage
- Fenugreek is rich in mucilage
- B vitamins are required for the digestion of protein, carbohydrates and fats and are essential for digestive support
- Acidophilus is a digestive aid which may assist in the production of B vitamins, and regulates our cholesterol, and enhances the immune system and also assists in the absorption of food
Recommended lifestyle changes
Stop using products such as
- Acidic beverages such as coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, and fruit juices with citric acid
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen try to use other natural pain relievers
And try to
- Eat a fibre-rich diet.
- Avoid high-fat foods, high-fat foods may increase inflammation in the stomach lining (source www.umm.).
