Indigestion produces a feeling of discomfort in the stomach after eating a meal or certain foods. Symptoms include an abnormally full feeling, bloating, heartburn, belching or nausea, according to Medline Plus. Antacids and acid-reducing medications relieve symptoms, but avoiding offending foods and changing your eating patterns help prevent indigestion. Underlying conditions, such as stomach inflammation or peptic ulcers, may cause frequent indigestion. Emotional stress may also increase episodes of indigestion.
Heavy Meals
Spicy foods, fatty meats and greasy foods can cause indigestion, especially if you eat too much or too fast. Too much alcohol, carbonated beverages or caffeine can worsen symptoms. High-fat foods take longer to digest and make the stomach work harder, increasing the risk of indigestion. Eating low-fat foods helps to avoid indigestion. Enjoy lean meats with visible fat trimmed off. Remove fatty skin from chicken or turkey. Choose fish, which contains less fat than meat and poultry, for a meat substitute. Try to have smaller portions and you may find you don't need to eat more afterward. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three heavy meals helps prevent indigestion.
Fatty Foods and Gas
Fatty foods delay stomach emptying to increase the sensation of fullness and bloating that often comes with indigestion. Bloating happens when gas builds up in the stomach after eating. Abdominal pain may accompany the condition. Gas producing foods cause bloating and may include baked beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce. Some fruits, such as peaches, pears and apples, may result in bloating. Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and worsen indigestion. Drink small amounts of liquid during meals to avoid overloading the stomach. Drink fluids during the rest of the day.
Heartburn Factors
Acid indigestion, or heartburn, often a symptom during indigestion, may arise because of stomach acid buildup. Excess acid may flow back up into the esophagus. If a muscle in the esophagus does not contract properly after food enters the stomach, acid reflux causes a burning or painful sensation in the upper chest and throat. Foods that contribute to acid indigestion include fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, citrus fruits, mint flavorings, spicy foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol.
Eating Habits
The way you eat your meals may reduce indigestion. Avoiding conflicts, arguments or excitement during meals allows for proper digestion. Allowing enough time to eat meals and chewing all foods carefully and completely makes the digestive process smooth and comfortable. Indigestion may occur more frequently during stressful times. Eating foods in a calm environment helps to prevent digestive problems from stress-related indigestion.
