Indigestion is synonymous with upset stomach or dyspepsia. Symptoms of indigestion are fullness before finishing a meal, uncomfortable bloating after a meal, pain in the upper part of the abdomen, burning pain in the stomach, heartburn, shortness of breath, weight loss or loss of appetite and vomiting. Sometimes these symptoms are random and happen for no apparent reason, and at other times they are triggered by a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastoesophageal reflux disease or Crohn's disease.
Food Pyramid Diet
The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid is an example of a food pyramid designed to help people who want to eat healthfully and lose weight. Sometimes extra weight around the abdomen can make it hard for food to pass through and get digested properly. For this reason, people who are overweight or obese may suffer from indigestion and acid reflux. Following this diet will help minimize these occurrences as the weight begins to decrease. The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid requires you to eat four servings of vegetables, three servings of fruit, six to eight servings of carbohydrates, three to seven serving of protein and dairy, three to five servings of healthy unsaturated fats and 75 calories or less of sweets per day.
BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet is prescribed for people who have indigestion or other gastrointestinal problems. BRAT stands for bran, rice, applesauce and toast, although the BRAT diet can also incorporate foods such as yogurt and tea. These foods do not contain oil and are very low in fat, which makes them stomach-friendly. And because these foods are also low in fiber, they minimize bloating, which can contribute to the symptoms of indigestion.
Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet excludes the protein gluten. This diet is normally prescribed for people who have celiac disease, which causes inflammation in the small intestine. This diet in many cases controls the symptoms of this disease and also prevents many of the complications that can arise from it. The gluten-free diet excludes any food or drink that includes barley, bulgur, durum, farina, graham flour, kamut, matzo meal, rye, semolina, spelt, triticale, wheat and any food that is not labeled "gluten-free."
