Eating is definitely a pleasure, however, sometimes inflammation or discomfort in the stomach is responsible for damaging the moment and make food consumption becomes almost a problem, because dyspepsia is a feeling that is more common than you think. If you want to know what it can be treated, we tell you about it in this article!
What is dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia is a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen that usually occurs after eating, with the following symptoms: burning, warmth, pain or fullness and fatigue. Sometimes nausea or bloating may occur. It is commonly called indigestion.
It is important for you to know that indigestion is not the same as heartburn, as it is usually confused.
Causes of bad indigestion
Poor digestion can be caused by a disordered diet, i.e., eating at odd hours (or not eating at all), eating too much or too little, and overeating certain types of highly processed, spicy, fatty or sugary foods. Here are the most common causes:
- Overeating: Eating too much food or eating too fast can cause indigestion.
- Eating foods rich in fats or spices: Foods rich in fats or spices can be difficult to digest and cause indigestion.
- Drinking too much alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach lining and cause indigestion.
- Smoking: It can also irritate the stomach lining and contribute to indigestion.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics and birth control pills, can cause indigestion.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can increase stomach acid production and cause indigestion.
- Digestive conditions: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis and peptic ulcers are some digestive conditions that may cause indigestion.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause indigestion.
Keep in mind that indigestion can be relieved with lifestyle changes, healthy eating and appropriate dietary supplements or medications.
What are the symptoms of indigestion?
Indigestion can present with different symptoms, these are the most frequent:
Feeling full quickly with food
If you have barely eaten but already feel full and heavy, it may be indigestion. This symptom may occur shortly after beginning a meal or after eating only a small amount of food. It can feel like the stomach is stretched or overly full, even if only a small amount of food has been consumed.
Uncomfortable satiety after a meal
Heaviness, feeling that you ate much more than you should and feeling your stomach upset, can be a symptom. Uncomfortable satiety after a meal is a sensation of feeling too full or bloated after eating. This can occur even after consuming a small amount of food and can be a symptom of indigestion, also known as dyspepsia
Upper abdominal discomfort
When you feel intense pain in the lower part of your stomach and bloated belly. Upper abdominal discomfort is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including indigestion, gas, bloating, acid reflux, or inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It is typically felt as a dull, gnawing pain or discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen, just below the ribcage.
Burning in the abdomen
When you feel uncomfortable heat or burning in the lower part of your stomach. It feels like your stomach is burning. The sensation of burning in the abdomen is often described as a discomfort or pain that feels like a burning or gnawing sensation in the upper part of the abdomen, below the chest and above the belly button.
Swelling in the upper part of the stomach
Swelling in the upper part of the stomach can feel like a sensation of fullness or tightness in the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage. It can be described as a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the upper part of the stomach, and may be accompanied by bloating or distension of the abdomen.
Occasionally heartburn
Some people suffer from heartburn which is a burning in the center of the chest after eating. Occasional heartburn is a common symptom that is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. It can feel like a discomfort or burning pain that usually starts in the chest and may radiate up to the neck or throat.
Types of dyspepsia
There are two main types of dyspepsia: functional dyspepsia and organic dyspepsia. It is important to distinguish between functional and organic dyspepsia, as the treatment approach may differ depending on the underlying cause. In cases of functional dyspepsia, lifestyle modifications and medication may be recommended to alleviate symptoms, while in cases of organic dyspepsia, treatment will depend on the specific underlying condition.
Functional dyspepsia
It is the one that occurs without apparent cause and is not caused by an organic or physiological problem.
Functional dyspepsia is a medical condition that affects the digestive system. It is a chronic disorder that causes pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, and feelings of fullness after eating. People with functional dyspepsia may also experience nausea, vomiting, and belching.
Organic dyspepsia
It is caused by an organic, physiological damage. Organic dyspepsia is a medical condition that affects the digestive system and is caused by a physical problem or disease, such as an ulcer, gastritis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unlike functional dyspepsia, which does not have a clear physical cause, organic dyspepsia is caused by a specific, identifiable issue within the digestive system.
How is indigestion diagnosed?
This diagnosis must be clinical, that is to say, it must be made by a specialist, in order to differentiate it from other diseases with similar symptoms, for example pancreatitis, an ulcer or a hiatal hernia. Although dyspepsia is not serious in itself, if it is very frequent, a specialized test such as an abdominal ultrasound, an abdominal CAT scan or a gastroscopy should be performed to rule out any disease that could be confused with the discomfort of indigestion.
Recommendations to avoid poor digestion
If you want to have a better digestion, there are some practices that can help you:
Chew well
If you chew slowly, calmly, taking the necessary time to savor each food, not only will you enjoy it more, but the sugars will be digested better, which prepares the bolus of food so that the stomach receives it better, if you chew well you facilitate the action of the gastric juices in the food, eating slowly prevents the formation of gases.
Take little salt
Ingesting little salt helps reduce fluid retention and therefore swelling. It is not a matter of not using salt at all because it is also necessary for the body’s functions, but moderate its use.
Consume fiber
Consuming fiber in moderation helps regulate bowel activity and therefore prevents constipation. Look for a supplement or include foods rich in this component.
Include fruits, vegetables and cereals in your diet
They provide nutrients that help your stomach, give you more energy and improve your body in general. Here are some tips:
- Fruits: Choose fruits that are low in acidity, such as bananas, melons, and apples. Avoid fruits that are high in acidity, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pineapples, as they may exacerbate dyspepsia symptoms.
- Vegetables: Opt for cooked or steamed vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Raw vegetables may be harder to digest, so it is important to cook them thoroughly.
- Cereals: Choose whole grain cereals, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa. These can be easier to digest than refined grains, which may aggravate dyspepsia symptoms.
Dairy products
Their components help to regenerate the intestinal flora and therefore to have better digestion. Do not abuse them, but include them in your daily diet. A portion according to age is very beneficial for good digestion.
Eat five light meals
Instead of three heavy meals a day, try to make them varied and healthy foods. Eating five light meals throughout the day can be a helpful dietary strategy for managing dyspepsia symptoms. Keep meals small, rather than three large meals, aim for five smaller meals throughout the day. This can help to prevent overloading the digestive system, which may worsen dyspepsia symptoms.
Reduce carbonated beverages
As this expands in the stomach increasing the feeling of fullness and heaviness, as well as facilitating stomach inflammation and gas.
Periodic purification
You can use infusions or some supplement with which you can cleanse your body periodically. This helps to free your body of toxins and feel more vital.
Foods you should eat
To achieve a good digestion, there are a number of foods that are worth including in your diet, these are some of them:
- Yogurt: As mentioned, it contains probiotics that are beneficial for the digestive system.
- Ginger: Provides anti-inflammatory properties that improve digestion, helps to normalize the rhythm of digestion.
- Kefir: Similar to yogurt, it helps the intestinal flora.
- Asparagus: Contains fiber which helps prevent constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Artichoke: Stimulates the production of bile, which facilitates the work of the liver. It also helps the digestive system.
- Olive oil: Prevents reflux and helps to release stomach contents gradually into the duodenum. Increases satiety.
- Mango: They favor the life of good bacteria in the intestine. In addition, they help reduce body fat.
- Cabbage: Cabbage stimulates the production of stomach acid, which contributes to the health of the digestive system.
- Apple: It is high in vegetable fiber, which helps prevent constipation and promotes good digestion.
- Onion: Very beneficial for the health of the digestive system, as it helps prevent infections that affect it.
- Papaya: This tropical fruit is an ally for the intestine, it helps to clean it and promotes its health. Dining a whole week with papaya, is a natural cleanser and a good intake of vitamins, do you dare to try it?
Foods you should avoid
There are also some foods that are worth keeping away (or at least consuming in moderation), in order to maintain the good health of your digestive system. Some of them are:
- Sausages: The excess of these can cause indigestion.
- Excess caffeine
- Excess salt
- Sugar in large quantities
- Carbonated beverages
- Highly seasoned foods
- Very spicy foods
- Avoid eating a late dinner or, if you do, avoid eating very large meals.
- Avoid eating too many sauces
- Avoid tobacco
- Avoid very greasy food
Remember that eating wisely brings great benefits for health and wellness and this is reflected from the first moment in all the activities you do.
As you can see, indigestion does not usually get complicated and become serious, but it is annoying because it affects the quality and normal rhythm of life, diminishing the enjoyment of food, increasing stress and causing normal activities (such as work, study, meetings) to be interrupted due to the discomfort.
Conclusion
It is important for you to know that in addition to the recommendations you have already read, it is ideal to take a food supplement that helps with the health of the digestive system. A good alternative is one of Neeo’s Natural Digestives, a natural supplement that facilitates digestion by combining natural ingredients and different nutrients that are reflected in a healthier and happier life. Follow these recommendations and your body will notice.
