It is something that most people will experience after they have eaten a large meal or something spicy. Indigestion.
While indigestion itself is rarely harmful, it can and does come with an array of symptoms that can cause it to impact your appetite and your sleep and can also lead to constipation. Yikes.
Luckily, there are many solutions, and in this article, you will be guided through the best ways to prevent heartburn and other digestive issues related to indigestion. So, enjoy.
Consider Over-the-Counter Medications
If you experience frequent or severe indigestion symptoms, you may want to consider using antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of medication used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They work by blocking the action of proton pumps, which are enzymes that produce acid in the stomach.
PPIs are commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. They can also be used to help prevent ulcers from developing in people who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) long-term.
Some common PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. These medications can be found via online pharmacies like chemistclick.co.uk and can also help to reduce the amount and the PH of the acid in your stomach and provide relief from indigestion symptoms.
If you have persistent acid reflux or other symptoms associated with indigestion, then you should see your doctor.
Eat Slowly
One of the leading causes of indigestion is eating your food too quickly or not chewing your food well enough. When you chew your food quickly or incorrectly, you may be swallowing larger pieces of the food. Thus, when it reaches the stomach, the stomach reacts by creating more acid, which is going to cause all of those unpleasant symptoms that are associated with heartburn. To prevent this, try to eat slowly and take the time to thoroughly chew your food. This will help your digestive system break down the food more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of indigestion symptoms.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Certain foods can trigger indigestion, but these can vary from person to person, so if you notice that your heartburn is worse after a certain meal, take note. Some of the most common trigger foods include spicy or fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol. You may also want to limit your intake of acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
Interestingly, one type of food that many people who suffer from indigestion swear by is ginger. So, whether it is ginger tea, ginger chews, or just eating raw ginger, this spice can help to neutralize stomach acid, even though, in theory, it would seem likely that it would do the opposite.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can put pressure on your stomach, making it more difficult for your digestive system to function correctly. To reduce your risk of indigestion, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight, which can usually be achieved through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Don’t Lie Down After Eating
After a meal, it’s important to stay upright for at least two to three hours to allow your food to digest properly. Lying down immediately after eating can increase the likelihood of indigestion symptoms, so try to avoid this if possible.
If you have been out for a meal with friends and come home to go to sleep, it is often advised to lay on your left side if you have acid reflux. This is because the opening of the stomach tilts to the right, so by laying on the right-hand side, you may be increasing the chances of acid reflux worsening.
It is also advisable for people who have acid reflux to invest in an elevated pillow. These are usually shaped like a wedge of cheese and support your body from the waist up.
Manage Stress
Stress and anxiety can also contribute to indigestion. Why? Because when you are stressed, your muscles tense and cause issues with the internal organs too. Also, stress can and does cause the stomach to create more acid, which, if it isn’t digesting food, is going to cause an issue with acid reflux. To manage stress, consider practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Regular exercise can also be an effective way to reduce stress and improve overall digestive health.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking around 8 glasses of water per can help flush out toxins and improve overall digestive health. Try to consume at least 8-10 glasses of water each day, and avoid drinking large amounts of liquid during meals, as this can dilute stomach acid and make it more difficult for your digestive system to break down food.
