Indigestion is a term used to describe a variety of digestive symptoms. Each person may experience different indigestion symptoms, such as nausea, belching, pain or heartburn, making each situation unique.
There are several factors that can contribute to indigestion, as well as several treatment options. We reached out to Director and Pharmacist at City Wellness Pharmacy, Gina Koay Wan Lee, to get her perspective on this common ailment that affects many people.
1Twenty80: What causes indigestion?
Gina Koay: Indigestion may be caused by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome or cancer. Certain medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and certain antibiotics may aggravate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to indigestion.
1Twenty80: What are the symptoms of indigestion?
Gina: Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is a feeling of having an upset stomach. It is described as having a pain in the stomach or upper abdomen. Indigestion describes certain symptoms, such as feeling fullness soon after eating, nausea, vomiting or belching.
1Twenty80: Is bloating the same as indigestion?
Gina: Indigestion also refers to the feeling of discomfort or pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, often after eating or drinking. It is not a disease but a symptom. Indigestion is a common problem, affecting up to 30 percent of the population. Common symptoms include bloating, discomfort, feeling too full, nausea and gas.
1Twenty80: How can one tell the difference between heartburn and indigestion?
Gina: You may be able to tell the difference between heartburn and indigestion based on the location of your symptoms. indigestion commonly affects the abdominal area, but heartburn symptoms can be felt in the chest and oesophageal areas.
1Twenty80: Who is at a greater risk for indigestion?
Gina: If a person is eating too much or eating too fast, drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or having too much stress, they may have an upset stomach too. These are the factors leading to indigestion or dyspepsia.
1Twenty80: Which supplements can help with indigestion?
Gina: Supplements which can help with digestion include:
- PROBIOTICS
Probiotics contain living organisms, mainly bacteria and yeast. These resemble good bacteria in the gut that help with digestion. The supplements are used to treat certain gastrointestinal (GI) problems and for general digestive health.
- ARTICHOKE
Artichoke leaf extract may relieve symptoms of indigestion. When used daily, the extract seems to lessen nausea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain. It also might help treat Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce cramps and abdominal pain.
- GINGER
Asian medicine uses ginger to treat stomach discomfort. In the West, ginger is used to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Ginger is available as a powder, in capsules or tablets, or as freshly cut root.
- DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Digestive enzymes in oral tablet form such as amylase, lipase, and protease may be given in cases where deficiency of these enzymes contribute to functional dyspepsia.
1Twenty80: Can indigestion be treated at home?
Gina: You can certainly treat mild indigestion at home by practising self-care. Get some antacids on standby in your medicine cabinets. Antacids are basic compounds which neutralise hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions, and help to reduce the adverse gastrointestinal effects.
1Twenty80: Is indigestion preventable? If so, what are some of the prevention steps?
Gina: Yes, indigestion is preventable. Try to modify eating habits such as chewing your food slowly and completely, have a calm environment during mealtimes, and do not eat straight after your exercise. You are also advised to avoid food that may cause stomach issues. Some of these foods include carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, fatty or spicy food.
1Twenty80: If an individual is experiencing recurring indigestion, whom should they seek professional advice from?
Gina: You can certainly seek advice from the community pharmacist first to rule out any possible serious underlying issues. The pharmacist will then suggest the right medicines for your indigestion issues, and refer to doctors when the condition warrants a more thorough check-up.
Yes, indigestion is preventable. Try to modify eating habits such as chewing your food slowly and completely, have a calm environment during mealtimes, and do not eat straight after your exercise.
1Twenty80: What lifestyle changes can one make to lessen the likelihood of experiencing indigestion?
Gina: Maintaining a healthy weight is always good as extra weights will certainly put pressure on your abdomen, which may lead to reflux or gastric issues. You’re also suggested to eat smaller but more frequent meals. Do not eat a meal 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. Try to manage your daily stress levels effectively as stress is one of the contributing factors which may aggravate indigestion.
As 2022 comes to a close and many are seizing this opportunity to gather and celebrate. In the spirit of celebration, we come together over food. Hence, let’s make healthier choices so that indigestion and gastro-intestinal issues don’t ruin our festive mood.
FOODS THAT CAN CAUSE INDIGESTION
#1 FATTY FOODS
Foods that are high in fat such as greasy foods may cause heartburn. Popular crowd favourites such as pizza and french fries are thought to be some of the culprits behind indigestion.
#2 CITRUS JUICES
Citrus juices may potentially trigger acid reflux or heartburn. These citrus juices originate from our everyday household items such as orange juice or grape juice. People with GERD may experience difficulties when consuming citrus juices.
#3 SPICY FOODS
Spicy foods are commonly known to cause heartburns. However, the exact correlation between spice and heartburn remains a mystery. Experts believe that spicy foods can also irritate an already inflamed oesophagus. This in turn can further exacerbate heart burns.
#4 CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES
Coffee amongst other caffeinated beverages are thought to further worsen heartburn symptoms due to its ability to stimulate gastric acid secretion. However, the link between coffee intake and heartburn still is inconclusive.
Source: Healthline
