Indigestion, also referred to as dyspepsia, is characterized by pain or burning in the upper abdomen, belching, bloating, gas, nausea and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea. Indigestion may also be accompanied by heartburn, although it is important to note that these conditions differ. A common cause of indigestion is the consumption of fatty foods.
Physiology
Unlike heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid. Indigestion is usually caused by excess air in the stomach that is either swallowed during a meal or created as a result of the types of foods you eat. Fatty foods increase the amount of gas in your stomach. If you don't pass this gas, either through belching or flatulence, it accumulates in your stomach and intestines and leads to bloating, which causes the characteristic symptoms of indigestion. Fatty foods also delay the passing of food through your stomach. When you eat fatty foods, these foods remain in your stomach for an extended period of time, causing you to feel uncomfortably full.
Other Factors
While fatty foods are a common cause of indigestion, other lifestyle habits may put you at an increased risk of indigestion as well. Some common risk factors of indigestion include eating too fast and eating too much. Indigestion is also more likely to occur if you are a smoker or you are overweight. Nervousness and excitement during eating can also increase the risk of experiencing indigestion after eating.
Prevention
Changing the way you eat can help prevent indigestion in many cases. If you experience indigestion after eating fatty foods, the best thing to do is to avoid these types of foods completely. When you do eat fatty foods, make sure to chew your food thoroughly and allow yourself enough time to eat a meal so that you do not have to rush through it. It can also help to avoid talking while eating and to chew with your mouth closed. This prevents you from swallowing excess air, which can trigger indigestion. Avoiding fatty foods can also help you lose weight, which is another way to prevent indigestion. Excess weight puts extra pressure on the abdomen, which can cause indigestion. Avoid exercising after eating, especially after eating fatty foods, can also help prevent indigestion.
Considerations
Many people experience indigestion occasionally. Regular indigestion, however, may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as peptic ulcers, inflammation of your pancreas, inflammation of your stomach lining, gallstones or stomach cancer. If you experience indigestion regularly, you should contact your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
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