Symptoms, Causes, Diet, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
• Who Is at Risk for Indigestion?
• What Causes Indigestion?
• How Is Indigestion Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Indigestion?
• How Can I Prevent Indigestion?
• When Should I Call the Doctor About Indigestion?
• More

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.

Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

The symptoms of indigestion include:

• Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full feeling)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acidic taste
• Growling stomach

These symptoms may increase in times of stress.

People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn is a different symptom that may be a sign of another problem.

People of all ages and genders are affected by indigestion. It’s extremely common. A person’s risk increases with:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of drugs that irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
• Conditions where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer
• Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression
• Obesity
• Smoking

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases:

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

Medications:

• Aspirin and other painkillers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen 
• 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

Indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.

Swallowing excessive air when eating may increase the symptoms of belching and bloating, which are often associated with indigestion.

Sometimes people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion is called functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia.

If you have indigestion, make an appointment to see your doctor. Because indigestion is such a broad term, it is helpful to provide your doctor with a precise description of the discomfort you are feeling. In describing the symptoms, try to define where in the abdomen the discomfort usually occurs.

Your doctor will rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may perform several blood tests and you may have X-rays of the stomach or small intestine. Your doctor may also suggest you have an upper endoscopy to look closely at the inside of the stomach. During the procedure, an endoscope — a flexible tube that contains a light and a camera to produce images from inside the body — is used to look inside your stomach.

Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition causing the indigestion.

Indigestion Medicine

Antacids

Antacids help ease indigestion symptoms. They neutralize, or offset, the stomach acid that causes indigestion. Common over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are:

• Mylanta
• Rolaids
• Tums

Histamine (h3) Blockers

h3 blockers lessen the amount of acid your stomach makes, so they can both stop and prevent indigestion symptoms. They take between 1 and 3 hours to take effect but work for several hours. If you take any prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use an h3 blocker because they can interact with certain other drugs. Common h3 blockers include: 

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• Famotidine (Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC, Zantac 360)
• Nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

OTC PPIs also work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, but they only treat frequent indigestion that happens two or more times per week. They take from 1 to 4 days to become effective. You can use them for up to 14 days, and up to three times per year. They can also interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use them. The most common PPIs that you can buy over the counter are: 

• Esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR)
• Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OTC)
• Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC)

Indigestion Relief

You might not need any treatment. Indigestion often goes away on its own after a few hours. But let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse.

There a number of home or natural remedies that some people claim will ease indigestion symptoms, including: 

• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar 
• Chewing gum 
• Ginger 
• Bananas 
• Milk
• Aloe vera juice 

But unlike medications that are tested for safety and effectiveness, there are no guidelines to know if these remedies are safe and will work. Many things can affect how a remedy will work for you, including the cause of your indigestion, other medications you may be taking, and whether or not you’re pregnant. Check with your doctor before trying a natural remedy for indigestion. 

The best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keeping a food diary is helpful in identifying foods that cause indigestion. Here are some other suggestions:

• Eat small meals so the stomach does not have to work as hard or as long.
• Eat slowly.
• Try not to chew with your mouth open, talk while you chew, or eat too fast. This makes you swallow too much air, which can add to indigestion.
• Avoid foods that contain high amounts of acids, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid spicy foods.
• Reduce or avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
• If stress is a trigger for your indigestion, learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation and biofeedback techniques.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Cut back on alcohol because it can also irritate the stomach lining.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments because they tend to compress the stomach, which can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
• Don’t exercise with a full stomach. Rather, exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
• Don’t lie down right after eating.
• Avoid late-night eating. Wait at least 3 hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
• Sleep with your head elevated (at least 6 inches) above your feet and use pillows to prop yourself up. This will help allow digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach and lower esophagus. 

If you don’t feel better after these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications for you.

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting, blood in vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Discomfort unrelated to eating

Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, call 911 immediately.

Top Picks

Symptoms, Causes, Diet, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
• Who Is at Risk for Indigestion?
• What Causes Indigestion?
• How Is Indigestion Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Indigestion?
• How Can I Prevent Indigestion?
• When Should I Call the Doctor About Indigestion?
• More

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.

Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

The symptoms of indigestion include:

• Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full feeling)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acidic taste
• Growling stomach

These symptoms may increase in times of stress.

People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn is a different symptom that may be a sign of another problem.

People of all ages and genders are affected by indigestion. It’s extremely common. A person’s risk increases with:

• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of drugs that irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
• Conditions where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer
• Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression
• Obesity
• Smoking

Indigestion has many causes, including:

Diseases:

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

Medications:

• Aspirin and other painkillers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen 
• 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

Indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.

Swallowing excessive air when eating may increase the symptoms of belching and bloating, which are often associated with indigestion.

Sometimes people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion is called functional or non-ulcer dyspepsia.

If you have indigestion, make an appointment to see your doctor. Because indigestion is such a broad term, it is helpful to provide your doctor with a precise description of the discomfort you are feeling. In describing the symptoms, try to define where in the abdomen the discomfort usually occurs.

Your doctor will rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may perform several blood tests and you may have X-rays of the stomach or small intestine. Your doctor may also suggest you have an upper endoscopy to look closely at the inside of the stomach. During the procedure, an endoscope — a flexible tube that contains a light and a camera to produce images from inside the body — is used to look inside your stomach.

Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition causing the indigestion.

Indigestion Medicine

Antacids

Antacids help ease indigestion symptoms. They neutralize, or offset, the stomach acid that causes indigestion. Common over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are:

• Mylanta
• Rolaids
• Tums

Histamine (h3) Blockers

h3 blockers lessen the amount of acid your stomach makes, so they can both stop and prevent indigestion symptoms. They take between 1 and 3 hours to take effect but work for several hours. If you take any prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use an h3 blocker because they can interact with certain other drugs. Common h3 blockers include: 

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• Famotidine (Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC, Zantac 360)
• Nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR)

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

OTC PPIs also work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, but they only treat frequent indigestion that happens two or more times per week. They take from 1 to 4 days to become effective. You can use them for up to 14 days, and up to three times per year. They can also interact with other medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use them. The most common PPIs that you can buy over the counter are: 

• Esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR)
• Omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid OTC)
• Omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec OTC)

Indigestion Relief

You might not need any treatment. Indigestion often goes away on its own after a few hours. But let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse.

There a number of home or natural remedies that some people claim will ease indigestion symptoms, including: 

• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar 
• Chewing gum 
• Ginger 
• Bananas 
• Milk
• Aloe vera juice 

But unlike medications that are tested for safety and effectiveness, there are no guidelines to know if these remedies are safe and will work. Many things can affect how a remedy will work for you, including the cause of your indigestion, other medications you may be taking, and whether or not you’re pregnant. Check with your doctor before trying a natural remedy for indigestion. 

The best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keeping a food diary is helpful in identifying foods that cause indigestion. Here are some other suggestions:

• Eat small meals so the stomach does not have to work as hard or as long.
• Eat slowly.
• Try not to chew with your mouth open, talk while you chew, or eat too fast. This makes you swallow too much air, which can add to indigestion.
• Avoid foods that contain high amounts of acids, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid spicy foods.
• Reduce or avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
• If stress is a trigger for your indigestion, learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation and biofeedback techniques.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Cut back on alcohol because it can also irritate the stomach lining.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments because they tend to compress the stomach, which can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
• Don’t exercise with a full stomach. Rather, exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
• Don’t lie down right after eating.
• Avoid late-night eating. Wait at least 3 hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
• Sleep with your head elevated (at least 6 inches) above your feet and use pillows to prop yourself up. This will help allow digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your stomach and lower esophagus. 

If you don’t feel better after these changes, your doctor may prescribe medications for you.

Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Vomiting, blood in vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Discomfort unrelated to eating

Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, call 911 immediately.

Top Picks

Indigestion: symptoms, types, treatment

12-19-2022

Almost all of us have to deal with indigestion from time to time. This is noticeable by annoying symptoms such as abdominal pain, accompanied by a feeling of fullness or nausea, and greatly disrupts the daily routine. Upset stomach symptoms can have different, depending on the complexity and cause. How do these ailments occur? And more importantly, what can we do to prevent indigestion?

Dyspepsia, or indigestion as it is most often called, may be characterized by pain or burning in the upper abdomen, and a feeling of fullness. This is not a single disease, but a series of symptoms that often indicate bad eating habits.

Symptoms may also occur in the presence of existing stomach disease such as ulcers, gastritis, or functional dyspepsia.

In case of indigestion, digestion is impaired for a short time – and attracts attention with similar symptoms. In addition to feeling nauseous, a stomach problem may have the following symptoms:

• bloating;
• burning sensation in the upper part of the stomach;
• nausea and even vomiting;
• rumbling in the abdomen;
• abdominal pain;
• stomach cramps;
• acid eructation;
• heartburn.

What causes indigestion?

The causes of indigestion can be very diverse, and in some cases there may be several causes at the same time. While it is possible that a gastrointestinal disorder may be the cause, it is most often simply the result of overeating, rushing, or stress. Common causes of indigestion include:

1. Nutrition and diet: Spoiled, intolerable or indigestible foods high in fat or sugar can have the same effect: the stomach is not able to process food for digestion and would like to get rid of interfering factors as quickly as possible. Hasty eating combined with insufficient chewing or large bites will also have the same effect.
2. Stress can also affect digestion. Stress hormones can cause the body to restrict the functions of the digestive system: the mobility of the stomach decreases. As a result, any factors that cause indigestion can be exacerbated, especially if fatigue or a general unhealthy lifestyle are added to it.

If you have gastrointestinal problems, the symptoms may be mistaken for indigestion but are actually manifestations of other problems: because the stomach cannot adequately protect itself from its own digestive juices. The acids contained can directly affect the gastric mucosa and are therefore responsible for symptoms that can be mistaken for gastric disorders.

Therefore, to eliminate the factors that cause your recurring ailments, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Describe your symptoms as accurately as possible so that the specialist can recommend the appropriate treatment for the gastrointestinal tract.

What is the difference between simple indigestion and functional dyspepsia?

Because the symptoms of indigestion and functional dyspepsia are very similar, it is important to understand the difference. Functional indigestion (symptoms described below) is a chronic functional disorder that persists for more than seven days per month for at least three months. A diagnosis can only be made if any symptoms have occurred within the past six months. The most common symptoms of functional dyspepsia include early satiety, or feeling full quickly with or without food, and severe abdominal pain and burning. Symptoms of functional dyspepsia may gradually worsen, come and go, or persist for some time. It is worth remembering that functional dyspepsia occurs without the presence of a specific somatic disease. It also does not involve bodily processes (such as menstruation, bowel movements, or eating), drugs, or toxins.

As mentioned above, indigestion usually resolves within a few hours without the need for medical intervention. But if your symptoms worsen or occur more frequently, you need to see a specialist who will examine and prescribe treatment for indigestion.

How to treat the gastrointestinal tract?

How to deal with indigestion mainly depends on its cause. However, there are measures that will help relieve symptoms in any case:

1. Eat right: especially if you have a stomach ache, it is recommended not only to follow a stomach-friendly diet, but also a way of eating. It is best to eat slowly, several small meals a day, chewing your food thoroughly.
2. Relax: It will be easier for you and your stomach to calm down if the cozy warmth helps you to relax. Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad.
3. Remain calm: to recover from an upset stomach, allow yourself to rest. Arousal and stress are bad for your mind or digestion – learn to set clear limits for your daily stress.

The pharmacological treatment of indigestion is also important. Basically, these are: antidiarrheal agents, sorbents, antimicrobials, agents for the elimination of mild and moderate dehydration, and, if necessary, painkillers.

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HOW TO RESTORE THE INTESTINAL MICROFLORA?

Contents

A lot of different microorganisms live in the human intestine: useful and not so good. All of them create a special microflora, which is very important for health. The balance of “good” and pathogenic bacteria is responsible for well-being and it is very important to maintain it. Illness, poor nutrition, antibiotics, and even stress can disrupt the gut microflora and lead to unpleasant consequences. There are simple tips that are fairly easy to follow to keep your bowel healthy.

Gut microflora

Approx. 1.5 kg. That is how many microorganisms inhabit the intestines of an adult, according to scientists. The first inhabitants of the intestines appear in our body at birth, and by the age of 7-10, the entire microflora is fully formed. The microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, fungi and E. coli. They are in harmonious symbiosis and monitor pathogens that are also found in the intestines. The number of “bad” microbes can reach 15% of the total mass of bacteria. But they do not in the least harm the body, in which there is a strong, healthy microflora.

Why is the microflora so important?

Intestinal microflora consists of:

• Bifidobacteria
• Lactobacilli
• Bacteroids
• Enterococci
• Fusobacteria 90 014
• Eubacteria
• Peptostreptococci

• Clostridia
• E. coli (typical, lactose-negative, hemolytic)
• Others opportunistic enterobacteria
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Other staphylococci (saprophytic, epidermal)
• Yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida
• Non-fermenting bacteria (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, etc.)

All these protozoa coexist in close relationship with each other and affect the human body. If pathogenic microorganisms begin to prevail over beneficial ones, an imbalance of microflora occurs, which is treated by a gastroenterologist. Normal microflora affects the immune system, the production and absorption of vitamins, the formation of protection against various diseases.

Digestion

One of the global functions of the intestinal microflora is the participation of
in the digestive processes. That part of the food that has not been broken down by the enzymes of the stomach undergoes further processing already in the intestines. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are processed in the small intestine. Further, in the caecum, E. coli bacteria and anaerobes are connected, which break down previously undigested proteins and carbohydrates. The microbiota thus processes, breaks down and sorts useful elements, separating unnecessary waste. The quality of digestion directly depends on the state of the intestinal microflora, the more nutrients will be received by the body, the more stable the microflora.

Immunity

The first barrier created by intestinal microorganisms is the protection of mucous membranes. The more beneficial bacteria there are on the intestinal walls, the less space is left for the penetration of viruses and pathogenic microbes. Not in vain, immunologists call the intestines the birthplace of immunity. It is the intestinal microflora that produces a large number of immunoglobulins that create a protective barrier against infections. In addition, beneficial intestinal bacteria are involved in the creation of non-specific immunity, which fights against pathogenic microbes throughout the body.

Vitamins

The main part of vitamins a person gets only from food. The synthesis of vitamins mainly occurs in the intestines, where bacteria produce many vitamins. For example, B vitamins can only be isolated by bacteria in the small and large intestines. However, the intestinal microflora is responsible not only for the production of vitamins, but also for their absorption. Thus, with an imbalance of microflora, even synthetic vitamins and vitamin complexes will be useless. They simply will not be absorbed by the walls of the weakened intestine and will not enter the body.

Causes of microflora disorders

The balance of the intestinal microbiota is quite sensitive, the main causes of its disturbance are: 14

Signs of microflora imbalance

Only a doctor can determine the violation of the intestinal microflora. However, you should pay attention to such signs as:

• Stool problems (diarrhea, bloating, colic, constipation)
• Gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain, heaviness, heartburn, belching)
• systems (headaches, dizziness, fatigue, apathy, drowsiness)
• External changes (acne and pimples, gray complexion, dry hair and brittle nails, bad breath)

If you find one or more of these signs, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Only a doctor can establish an imbalance in the intestinal microflora based on stool dysbacteriosis and bacterial culture.

Gut microflora restoration and imbalance prevention

Gut microflora restoration can take time and patience. Proper nutrition and intake of dietary supplements will help speed up the restoration of the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

Diet

• Balanced diet (more vegetables and fruits)
• Eliminate sugar and sweeteners
• Eliminate alcohol
• Add fermented (fermented) foods to the diet
• Choose foods from whole grain flour, porridge
• Eat more fiber

Beneficial Supplements

Probiotic complexes such as Lactoflorene® Flat Stomach can speed up microflora recovery and help reduce bloating. The additional bacteria and probiotics in the Italian Lactoflorene® Flat Stomach Complex increase the number of “good” bacteria, helping them rebalance and crowd out pathogens. Take Lactoflorene® Flat Stomach. very simple. Just 1 sachet a day for 10-30 days. To enhance the effect and maintain health, it is better to do this 2 times a year.

Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® restore the balance of intestinal microflora and accelerate the treatment of symptomatic factors (diarrhea and constipation)

Digestive enzymes
α-galactosidase and β -galactosidase involved in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and dairy products

Plant extracts (chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, ginger) soothe the gastrointestinal tract and reduce overall stress levels

It is quite difficult to predict the development of an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, but it is possible to maintain the normal functioning of the microbiota by eating properly, avoiding the causes of microflora disturbance and seeking medical help in time.