Indigestion
Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own. (1)
An indication of having indigestion can be pain or discomfort, which may be noticed soon after eating or drinking. The pain is generally in the upper mid part of the stomach (abdomen). The pain may feel like it goes right through from the belly to the back.
People often describe the pain as burning, aching, gnawing, or sore. Usually, a vague sense of discomfort is present, but the pain may be sharp, stabbing, or cutting.
Many people also experience:
- Belching which 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 Feeling of fullness or burning in the upper part of the belly
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion could be associated with but not limited to, various medications, physical stresses, social habits, chemicals, and infections. Some of the more common causes of gastritis are listed here.
Aspirin, Steroids (prednisone aka corticosteroid is one example), Potassium supplements, Iron tablets, Alcohols of various types, Autoimmune diseases, Pernicious anaemia, Chronic vomiting, Infections, Tuberculosis, Viral infections, Fungal (yeast) infections, Parasites and worms
Supplements that may help
- Aloe Vera juice and capsules-soothing action
- Papaya Enzyme aids digestion of protein may reduce acid build up in the stomach
- Pineapple Bromelain– aids digestion of protein
- Slippery Elm Food anecdotal evidence suggests that it may protect against inflammation ulceration to the lining of the stomach and promote healing due to the high mucilage content & the suppression of acid production
- Chamomile Tea may ease the pain and discomfort and is soothing on the stomach
- Fennel Tea may ease the pain and discomfort and is soothing on the stomach
- Peppermint Oil capsules/Tea may have an anti-spasmodic action
- Ginger capsules/Tea may relieve nausea
- N-Acetyl Cysteine anecdotal evidence suggests that it may stimulate healing of gastritis
- Iron If bleeding occurring due to the ulceration, anaemia may become an issue
- L-Glutamine Glutamine is the primary energy source for cells in the stomach supplementation according to anecdotal evidence may increase blood flow to this region
- Manuka Honey-soothing and healing properties
- Magnesium antacid
- Linseed rich in mucilage which may have healing properties and aid inflamed surfaces
- Marshmallow rich in mucilage
- Fenugreek rich in mucilage
- B vitamins required for the digestion of protein, carbohydrates and fats and is essential for digestive support
- Acidophilus a digestive aid which may assist in the production of B vitamins regulates our cholesterol enhances the immune system and facilitates the absorption of food
Some things to consider
- The treatment for indigestion that is caused by irritants is to stop using them. These include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Acidic beverages such as coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), carbonated drinks, and fruit juices with citric acid
- NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen – try using other natural pain relievers
This may also help
- Eat a fibre-rich diet.
- Avoid high-fat foods. In animal studies, “Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach” says Diana K. Wells from healthline.com (4)
Last accessed online 06/04/2020
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/indigestion-overview#1
- https://www.healthline.com/health/gastritis-diet
