What Are The Symptoms of Indigestion?

Do you ever experience an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach after eating? That could be a symptom of indigestion. Indigestion is a common problem experienced by many people on a regular basis. In this blog, we’ll talk about what indigestion is and the symptoms you should be aware of if you are concerned that you may have it. We’ll also discuss some tips on how to manage indigestion so that you can keep your gut and overall health in check.

What is indigestion?

It is estimated that around four out of ten people in the UK suffer from indigestion every year. A person’s symptoms of indigestion may vary depending on how it affects them, but indigestion usually causes pain or a burning sensation in the area under the rib cage or higher up in the chest.

Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) is a general term used to describe a range of symptoms that occur after eating. These symptoms can vary from person to person but may include bloating, belching, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and abdominal pain. Indigestion is often caused by a combination of factors, such as eating too much, eating too fast, or eating fatty or spicy foods. It can also be triggered by stress or anxiety.

Nearly everyone has experienced the occasional indigestion problem. However, for some people, it can happen daily, which can affect the quality of their life and daily activities. When indigestion becomes a problem that doesn’t go away, it’s always best to seek healthcare professionals for help and relief. 

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

As we mentioned, the symptoms of indigestion can vary from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms that you should be aware of. These include

• Discomfort or pain in your stomach.

• Bloating

• Belching

• Heartburn

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

If you experience any of these symptoms after eating, you are likely experiencing indigestion.

What causes indigestion?

There are many causes of indigestion, and sometimes it can happen after an extensive or rich meal, where your digestive system works much harder to get through a heavy meal. It can cause your stomach to stretch, and while your gallbladder and pancreas are contracting, they also produce digestive juices that could be troubling your tissues. 

There are a variety of factors that can also contribute to indigestion. These include:

• Overeating.

• Eating too fast

• Eating fatty or spicy foods

• Stress or anxiety

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Peptic ulcers

• Hiatal hernia

• Slowed stomach emptying

Indigestion and anxiety

Indigestion is often triggered by stress and anxiety. This is because stress can lead to changes in your gut, such as increased production of stomach acid. Anxiety can also cause you to eat too fast or eat unhealthy foods. If you are struggling with anxiety, there are several treatment options available. These include therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.

Each person may have different triggers for their indigestion. It’s essential to pay attention to your body and what makes your symptoms worse to avoid those triggers in the future.

Pregnancy and indigestion

For many women, indigestion is a common problem during pregnancy. This is due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone, which can relax the smooth muscle that separates the stomach and oesophagus. This can allow stomach acid to leak back up into the oesophagus, leading to heartburn and other symptoms of indigestion.

There are several ways that you can manage indigestion during pregnancy. These include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and taking over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may also recommend taking a prescription medication.

Tips to prevent indigestion and lifestyle changes

There are a number of ways that you can manage your indigestion and keep your gut health in check. These include:

• Avoiding trigger foods – a food diary is a good way to track what you eat

• Eating smaller meals

• Chewing your food slowly

• Avoiding eating late at night

• Reducing stress

• Exercising regularly

• Quitting smoking

If you’re concerned about your indigestion, then be sure to make an appointment with our clinic. We can help you identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is right for you and your lifestyle.