What is indigestion?

• What is indigestion?

  Indigestion — also known as dyspepsia — is mild discomfort felt in the upper belly or abdomen. It often occurs during or right after eating. Symptoms can include:

  • Upper abdominal bloating, fullness or discomfort
  • Belching and flatulence
  • Unpleasant fullness that starts soon after a meal begins or when the meal is over
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Coated tongue
  • Bloating, nausea or are less common symptoms.

  Is indigestion the same as heartburn?

  Indigestion is different from heartburn. Heartburn is a painful burning sensation just below or behind the breastbone. Most of the time, heartburn is caused by food coming back up into your oesophagus from your stomach due to the band at the bottom of the oesophagus not closing tightly enough.

  What causes indigestion?

  Indigestion may be triggered by a variety of diet and lifestyle factors, these can include:

  • Overindulgence — Overeating can put a strain on the digestive tract and cause symptoms of indigestion, which is why it’s a common complaint around the festive season or after a visit to an all‐you‐can‐eat restaurant.
  • Eating too fast — When you rush a meal, you increase your risk of indigestion.
  • Eating spicy, fatty or greasy foods — Certain foods can trigger indigestion symptoms in some people. Fatty or spicy foods are the usual culprits.
  • Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine — Excess alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages can cause indigestion in susceptible people.
  • Stress or nervousness — Your emotional state can influence digestive function. Eating when you’re stressed or nervous can cause indigestion or make symptoms worse.
  • Being overweight — If you’re carrying excess weight, you’re more likely to experience indigestion, particularly after a large meal because of increased pressure on the stomach.
  • Smoking — If you smoke, the chemicals you inhale may contribute to your symptoms.
  • Use of some medicines — Some medicines may affect general digestive function causing indigestion.
  • Pregnancy — During the middle and latter part of pregnancy, many women experience indigestion. Due to pressure of the expanding uterus on the stomach and pregnancy‐related hormones relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract.

  Persistent indigestion or indigestion that occurs with other concerning symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition, speak to your healthcare practitioner if you have persistent indigestion.

  How can I try to avoid indigestion?

  Some of the ways to reduce the risk of indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Here are some suggestions:

  • Eat smaller meals to reduce the burden on your digestive tract.
  • Eat slowly and chew your food mindfully.
  • Avoid heavy, fatty or spicy foods if they seem to cause your symptoms.
  • Try stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation if stress is a trigger for you.
  • Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.
  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid wearing tight‐fitting clothing when eating as it can put extra pressure on the stomach.
  • Try not to exercise on a full stomach
  • Consult your healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your medicines.

  Herbal medicines for indigestion

  Fenugreek

  Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek), is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in history dating back to Hippocrates and ancient Egyptian times. Fenugreek is used in traditional Western herbal medicine to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia and support healthy digestion and appetite. Natures Own^TM Fenugreek 1000mg capsules may be indicated where indigestion is present.

  Slippery Elm

  Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is the inner bark derived from the slippery elm tree. Its name refers to the ‘slippery’ consistency of the inner bark when it’s chewed or mixed with water. Slippery Elm was a popular remedy used by Native American tribes and subsequently taken up by European settlers. It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to soothe mucous membranes, like the lining of the digestive tract. This  effect is due to its high mucilage content which may help to soothe irritated or inflamed mucosal surfaces.  Natures Own^TM Slippery Elm 400mg capsules contains slippery elm which is used in traditional Western herbal medicine to  soothe inflammation of the stomach.

  Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

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