Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or Dyspepsia (from the Greek (Dys-), meaning hard or difficult, and (Pepse), meaning digestion) is defined as a persistent or reoccurring pain or burning feeling in the upper part of the abdomen underneath the rib cage. This pain is often accompanied by abdominal bloating or gas, nausea, bloating, and vomiting at times.


Indigestion is not a disease,
but rather a collection of symptoms:

• belching
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• flatulence
• nausea
• pain & discomfort in the upper abdomen
• poor appetite

Persistent indigestion may point to other digestive conditions such as:

• heart burn (acid reflux)
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• lactose intolerance
• peptic ulcers
• stomach irritation (gastritis)

These are all factors that can cause indigestion
or make an existing condition worse:

alcohol anxiety medications (example: aspirin) smoking stress tiredness

eating too much eating high-fat foods eating too fast eating during stressful situations swallowing air when eating may increase belching and bloating which is associated with indigestion

 

It is common knowledge that stomach acid neutralizers, also called antacids, can help alleviate the symptoms of indigestion. But it is not widely understood that indigestion is rarely the source of a health problem; it is usually a symptom of another issue. Even failing to chew your food properly can lead to indigestion. So why treat the symptom of a larger problem with medicine that has many side effects? Find out what is causing your indigestion, and actively maintain a healthy acid/alkaline body to prevent future problems!

Avoiding foods and situations that can cause indigestion is, according to many, one of the most successful ways to treat the the problem.

Often, indigestion will go away within hours without medical attention. However, if your symptoms become worse, you should consult a doctor.


If you have mild indigestion from time to time, these tips might prove useful when relieving or preventing your indigestion.

	Reduce the amount of acidic food you eat. Acid foods and beverages include animal protein, diary, processed foods, sugars, saturated fats, carbonated beverages caffeine and alcohol. Instead of consuming these, introduce nutritious, alkaline foods into your diet. Those who have chosen to alkalize their body are reporting feeling more happy, energized, and able to keep a healthy weight. Which foods are alkaline? Watch a movie on this subject.
Make your eating into something special. Create a calm environment at mealtime. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Avoid late-night meals and relax after your meal. Your body needs time to process.
	This further helps the body to eliminate the acidic overload caused by acidic food, air pollution, and pesticides. And by drinking plenty of alkaline water, you may also help your body keep clean intestines which can otherwise get clogged and become the root of many diseases.