Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is a common digestive problem that anyone can experience. It encompasses a range of ailments including: acid reflux, heartburn, and gastritis. It can be caused by an abundance of the natural acid your stomach produces to digest foods and protect you from infections. A build up of this acid can be triggered by the following:

• Eating too much or eating too quickly.
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Tobacco smoking
• Stress and anxiety
• Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines
• Irregular eating patterns
• Carbonated drinks

Symptoms of indigestion can include one or more of the following

• Discomfort fullness or pain in the upper part of your stomach or chest or chest
• Heartburn (burning pain behind your breastbone)
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sick (general feelings of “upset stomach”)
• Uncontrollable Flatulence, burping or belching
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Acid reflux or acidic taste after eating
• Regurgitation
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Slow digestion

Constant indigestion may be an indicator of a more serious problem such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, or gallbladder disease.

Home remedies for indigestion

• Ginger tea will aid with proper digestion.
• Mint tea made by adding a teaspoon of dried mint to a cup of hot water.
• Make your own antacid by dissolving 1 teaspoon of baking soda in glass of water.
• Eat a banana, papaya or have pineapple juice all of which act as natural antacids.

Other indigestion remedies include

Antacids – readily available at pharmacies

You should seek medical attention if you experience indigestion even when you’re eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep or you:

• Are over the age of 55.
• Have lost a lot of weight without meaning to
• Have increasing difficulty swallowing.
• Have persistent vomiting, especially if you see blood in your vomit
• Have unexplained weight loss
• Have no appetite for more than a day
• Experience shortness of breath
• Experience frequent or intense stomach pain
• Have black or bloody bowel movements

Tips to reduce indigestion symptoms

• Cut down on fatty foods, coffee and alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Sleep in an upright position (being propped up on a pillow allows gravity reduce reflux)
• Reduce your stress levels
• Refrain from overeating, or eating too quickly