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What is indigestion?

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3 min read
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:1

  • 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

 

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.2,3

What causes indigestion?

Indigestion may be triggered by a variety of diet and lifestyle factors, these can include:2

  • 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.
  • Smoking If you smoke, the chemicals you inhale may contribute to your symptoms.
  • 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.

 

Herbal medicines for indigestion

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek), has been historically been used in traditional Western herbal medicine to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia and support healthy digestion and appetite.4 Natures OwnTM Fenugreek 1000mg capsules may be indicated where indigestion is present.

Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is also known as slippery elm tree. Its name refers to the ‘slippery’ consistency of the inner bark when it’s chewed or mixed with water. Natures OwnTM Slippery Elm 400mg capsules contains slippery elm which is used in traditional Western herbal medicine to  soothe inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

 

References

[1] Schachter H. Indigestion and Heartburn. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 83.

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003260.htm

[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003114.htm

[4] Effectiveness of Nutritional Ingredients on Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions and Symptoms: A Narrative Review – PMC (nih.gov)

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