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What is Indigestion?

Also called dyspepsia, indigestion is a term used to describe a feeling of fullness or discomfort during or after a meal. When food is not digested properly, due to low jathragni, and most of the food is not converted into nutritious juice required for the sustenance of the body, it forms the mucus-like substance which is ‘apakv ahar’. Very little of this substance gets converted in nutritious juice while a large part of it is converted into waste products. This excess of waste causes aggravation of vata, which disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive canal thus producing (ama) in the body. Ama is the toxin caused by undigested food. When dhatus (tissues) are produced from this defective nutritious juice, there is an aggravation of kapha and pitta in them. This results in the bad quality of tissues/organs and low immunity.

You can relieve some stomach problems with over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding fatty foods or eating more slowly. But Other problems like Loose Stools, peptic ulcers or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease ) require medical attention.

 

Causes of Indigestion:

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases such as:

Ulcers, GERD, Stomach cancer (rare), Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in diabetics), Stomach infections, Irritable bowel syndrome, Chronic pancreatitis, Thyroid disease

Medications:

Aspirin and many other painkillers, Estrogen and oral contraceptives, Steroid medications, Certain antibiotics, Thyroid medicines

Lifestyle:

Eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations Drinking too much alcohol, cigarette smoking, stress and fatigue

 

Symptoms For Indigestion:

1. Vertigo

2. Excess yawning

3. Fever

4. A headache

5. Stiffness in back and lumbar region

6. Pain in body

7. Thirst

8. Anorexia

9. Vomiting

10. Bloated or distended abdomen

11. Nausea

 

Diet & Lifestyle Advice:

Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition causing indigestion. Often, episodes of indigestion go away within hours without medical attention. However, if your indigestion symptoms become worse, you should consult a doctor. Here are some helpful tips to alleviate indigestion:

1 Try not to chew with your mouth open, talk while chewing, or eat too fast. This causes you to swallow too much air, which can aggravate indigestion.

2. Drink fluids after rather than during meals.

3. Avoid late-night eating.

4. Try to relax after meals.

5. Avoid spicy foods.

6. Stop smoking.

7. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

If indigestion is not relieved after making these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms.