Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Some people also use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn.

Indigestion might be caused by a disease in the digestive tract such as ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but for many people, it results from eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse.

Some people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion—called functional or nonulcer dyspepsia—may be caused by a problem in the muscular squeezing action of the stomach (motility).

To diagnose indigestion, the doctor might perform tests for problems, like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x rays of the stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which the doctor uses an instrument to look at the inside of the stomach.

Avoiding the foods and situations that seem to cause indigestion in some cases is the most successful way to treat it. Heartburn caused by acid reflux is usually improved by treatment with antacids, H2-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. Smokers can help relieve their indigestion by quitting smoking, or at least not smoking right before eating. Exercising with a full stomach may cause indigestion, so scheduling exercise before a meal or at least an hour afterward might help.

To treat indigestion caused by a functional problem in the digestive tract, the doctor may prescribe medicine that affects stomach motility.

Because indigestion can be a sign of, or mimic, a more serious disease, people should see a doctor if they have

• vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss
• black tarry stools or blood in vomit
• severe pain in the upper right abdomen
• discomfort unrelated to eating
• indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
• symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks

References:

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Nutritional and Herbal Therapy for Indigestion

According to the Tao of Nutrition, there are a few things you need to remember while eating in order to treat and/or prevent indigestion:

• Eat slowly
• Chew food thoroughly
• Avoid reading the newspaper or watching television while eating since this takes energy away from the digestive process
• Avoid stress and tension while eating for the same reason above

In addition, the authors also recommend that you:

• Avoid rich and fatty foods
• Eat papaya twice a day
• Eat sweet potato with brown sugar (not too much) and water. At the last three minutes of cooking, add some rice wine. Eat this for two weeks regularly to improve digestion.
• Eat 1/2 cup of overdone rice (from the bottom of the pan) and add cardamom, fennel and orange peel
• Eat an apple after each meal
• There are a few excellent Chinese herbal patent formulas that can help treat poor digestion and relieve symptoms: Bao He Wan,  Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, and Curing Pills.