Indigestion encompasses symptoms that may occur after eating, like bloating, heartburn and nausea, as noted by MayoClinic.com. This condition is generally not serious and can be managed by some diet and lifestyle changes. Eating too quickly and stress can worsen indigestion symptoms. You should mention your symptoms to your physician; if the symptoms of indigestion are associated with chest pain or shortness of breath, you should contact your physician and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Mild-Seasoning Diet
Changing your diet can decrease indigestion; you have to determine the foods that trigger your symptoms. A common trigger for abdominal discomfort is spicy foods. Foods that contain certain spices like red or hot pepper or chili powder increase the amount of irritation in the stomach, as reported by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Instead of using these spices, you can substitute other mild seasonings in your cooking like basil or dill, notes the Herb Guide website. You can also add sauces or gravies to your meals to add flavor, as noted by the Nutrition and Food Web Archive. If you want to eat spicier foods, you should monitor your responses to see whether you should eliminate a particular spice.
Diets Without Fried Foods
Fried and greasy foods can often cause indigestion; these foods can also trigger discomfort, as noted by the MayoClinic.com. The extra grease and fat in these foods lead to the abdominal pain and bloating. Better choices include skinless poultry, fish, baked or steamed shellfish and lean meats, according to the Nutrition and Food Web Archive. Potatoes that are not fried, rice, noodles and spaghetti are good replacements for French fries.
Alcohol- and Caffeine-Free Diets
Other common triggers for indigestion are alcoholic beverages and drinks that contain caffeine. To control indigestion, you should limit your consumption of beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks, according to the National Institutes of Health. Tea, cola drinks and cocoa all contain caffeine, which is irritating to the stomach and should be avoided if you suffer regular indigestion, noted Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Coffee--both caffeinated and decaffeinated--can also lead to stomach pain and should be limited if you have indigestion issues. Instead, you should drink caffeine-free sodas, fruit juices except for orange juice, and vegetable juices except for tomato juice, according to the Nutrition and Food Web Archive.
Base-Foods Diet
Foods that contain significant amounts of acid should be avoided as much as possible if you are trying to reduce your risk of indigestion. Foods that contain tomatoes or tomato products, like pizza, salsa, spaghetti and soup, can be triggers for acid indigestion, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Other highly acidic foods include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits and the juices of these fruits. Base foods such as cooked fruits, bananas, apples, and cooked vegetables are better tolerated if you frequently have indigestion, reports the Nutrition and Food Web Archive. Working with your health care providers, you can determine which foods are triggers for you and find healthy alternatives that let you obtain needed nutrients.
