Do you sometimes experience discomfort, pain, or bloating after meals? Perhaps it is accompanied by a burning sensation in your chest or an upset stomach. These could be symptoms of indigestion.
Indigestion occurs when you experience difficulty in digesting food and have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a meal.
When people talk about indigestion, they may be suffering from:
If you have indigestion, you may also encounter symptoms of heartburn, a painful, burning discomfort in the middle of your chest. Heartburn is caused when stomach acid flows up the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.
When stomach acid regularly flows back up into your esophagus, it is a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Your doctor must treat your GERD to prevent complications such as ulcerations, scarring, or a precancerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
Occasional indigestion is common and typically not a cause for concern. Some home remedies that can be used to soothe occasional bouts include:
Remember that when trying these remedies, it is essential to pay attention to how you feel. If your indigestion does not improve or worsens, contact your doctor to discuss other options.
Depending on the cause of your indigestion, your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter medication for occasional or temporary relief. Some options might include antacids or acid blockers such as:
Many times, simple lifestyle changes can help you prevent indigestion in the first place. These include:
There are several home remedies for indigestion you may have heard that often do not work or can make the problem worse.
For example, if acid reflux is causing indigestion and heartburn, peppermint tea can worsen it. Peppermint is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing even more acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Drinking milk is another recommendation that doesn’t work. Milk can cause the stomach to produce more acid, worsening symptoms. Lactose intolerance is common and can lead to indigestion as well.
While some home remedies can offer temporary relief, it’s essential to consult your doctor if you experience recurrent indigestion. They can help you get the correct diagnosis, recommend effective treatments, and monitor potential complications.
Managing indigestion exclusively with home remedies can lead to:
Additionally, it’s important to promptly address symptoms like trouble swallowing, feeling breathless, and tightness in the chest because they can occasionally be due to more serious conditions related to the heart.
Are you suffering from indigestion regularly? Don’t live with the discomfort any longer – Schedule your appointment today.
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