Indigestion, a mild abdominal discomfort usually experienced immediately after eating, generally isn't a serious condition, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, if accompanied by excessive or bloody vomiting, weight or appetite loss, pain outside the epigastric region between the navel and chest, trouble swallowing, black or tarry stools, shortness of breath or sweating, indigestion can lead to serious problems. Indigestion alone typically just causes annoying pain. However, you can take several steps to end that nasty feeling.
Step 1
Consume fewer spices or acidic foods, as these lead to gas buildup and eventual feelings of fullness and pain. Cut down on chili peppers, onions, garlic and many citrus-based fruits. The National Institutes of Health reports that higher-carbohydrate foods cause the most gas. Conversely, fats and proteins generally don't cause much gas. Avoid sugary foods like pears, apples and soda, starches like corn or pasta, and fibers including beans, oat bran and peas.
Step 2
Eat slowly, and choose smaller, more frequent meals rather than a few large meals. This makes processing your diet easier on your stomach and provides a shorter break from working in between meals. Since you may have indigestion from eating too fast, or too much, this could solve your problem.
Step 3
Put the soda can and coffee down. Caffeinated foods and drinks sometimes cause indigestion. Reducing or eliminating caffeine in your diet may help you stay more comfortable during and after a meal. If you don't want to cut caffeine completely, reduce it in gradual amounts to see if your body is comfortable with a particular amount.
Step 4
Quit drinking alcoholic beverages and stop smoking cigarettes. Alcohol is a drug that, in excess, leads to disorientation, brain damage and poor choices. However, for many drinkers, alcohol irritates the stomach and eventually leads to gastritis, the painful and sometimes-bloody inflammation of the stomach. Smoking tobacco can cause the same condition. If you drink or smoke too much and experience indigestion, you may want to put the bottle or pack down to prevent serious problems from developing.
Step 5
Avoid stress and think positive. Stress can lead to indigestion and the more arguments you are around or participate in, the more likely you will become stressed. Eat with positive thoughts, at peace with those around you, and save stressful or conflicting behavior until after your food has digested fully.
Step 6
Sleep after three hours. Lying down immediately after you eat, especially if your head isn't elevated above your feet, can cause stomach juices to trickle into the esophagus rather than stay down where they belong.
Tips and Warnings
- Indigestion should not be confused with heartburn, an entirely different medical condition.
- Consult your physician if symptoms persist or are accompanied by symptoms that are more serious.
References
- National Institutes of Health; Indigestion; Dr. David C. Dugdale III, et al.
- National Institutes of Health: Indigestion
- National Institutes of Health: Gas in the Digestive Tract
- Cleveland Clinic: Indigestion
- Andrew Weil, MD: Indigestion
- Choose Help; Alcohol Abuse and Stomach Pain? It's Probably Gastritis; John Lee
