Indigestion is a common condition that makes you reach for the antacids. Anyone of any age or gender can experience indigestion, and it can have a variety of causes, from eating a hot, spicy curry to emotional stress. You can decrease your risk of indigestion by identifying foods, eating habits and triggers that cause it or make it worse.
About Indigestion
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a broad term used to describe one or more symptoms associated with discomfort in the upper abdomen. Indigestion is characterized by burning or pain in the upper abdomen between your sternum and navel. Alternately, you may feel full early into your meal or remain uncomfortably full long after you've eaten. According to Medline Plus, bloating and nausea are less common symptoms associated with indigestion. Indigestion is extremely common, but certain factors put you more at risk.
Risk Factors
What you eat and how you eat it, as well as certain lifestyle factors, may increase your risk for indigestion. Mayo Clinic states that indigestion can be the result of spicy, fatty or greasy foods or imbibing too much caffeine, alcohol or carbonated drinks. Even eating too much chocolate can cause indigestion. Overeating or eating too quickly can put you at risk for indigestion, as can eating when you're tired and stressed. Smoking can cause indigestion or make indigestion worse.
Underlying Conditions
Certain underlying conditions are associated with an increased risk of indigestion, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a peptic ulcer, certain types of cancer, gallstones and problems with your pancreas or bile ducts. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, sometimes there's no apparent cause of indigestion. This condition, functional dyspepsia, may be due to a stomach muscle that functions abnormally. Typically, the only risks associated with indigestion itself are discomfort and eating less food than you normally would. However, indigestion caused by more serious medical conditions, such as stomach cancer, can pose a threat to your health.
Reduce Your Risk
Decrease your risk of indigestion by avoiding foods and beverages that cause it and follow healthy eating habits. Eat smaller meals, and eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly. Cut down on spicy and fatty foods, as well as foods with a lot of acid, such as citrus and tomatoes. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Avoid smoking. Don't exercise right after you eat; work out before meals or wait at least an hour before you get moving. Don't go to bed right after you eat, either. The Cleveland Clinic advises waiting at least three hours before you turn in. Try sleeping with your head propped up on pillows so your digestive juices will flow downward.
