(also referred to as...) Dyspepsia
Description Compared to other digestive disorders, indigestion, or dyspepsia, is not a serious condition. Dyspepsia refers to symptomatic discomforts linked to a digestive disorder while organic digestive disease is not present (Crohn's disease, colitis, etc.). However uncomfortable the problem may be, people are reassured when organic disease is ruled out. Indigestion is a common aggravation though and affects most people during their lifetime.
Symptoms and Signs:Indigestion can mimic the symptoms of heartburn. In this case, the acid contents of the stomach enter the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation in the middle of your chest. Feelings of gaseousness, fullness, and bloating (greater than normal), even when you have not consumed a full meal, are all symptoms of indigestion. For this reason, many people suffering from indigestion have trouble finishing normal sized meals. Abdominal pains and cramps, usually less severe than those of people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, are common symptoms of indigestion. Although few people with indigestion experience vomiting, dull and persistent feelings of nausea are not uncommon.
Causes: Imbalance of acidity levels in the stomach is a common cause of indigestion. The optimal pH range in the stomach is 1.5 to 2.5. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is the agent that controls stomach acidity. If the acidity level in your stomach is too low (pH greater than 2.5), protein digestion becomes inhibited, thus irritating your stomach. Pepsin, the enzyme that helps break down protein, becomes less efficient if optimal pH levels are not present. To determine whether you lack adequate acidity in your stomach, drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If this soothes your indigestion, you have a lack of stomach acid. If this only aggravates the problem, you have too much acidity in your stomach. Chronic heartburn may be the sign of a hiatal hernia. The presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria is attributed to gastric problems including indigestion. H. pylori colonization increases pH in the stomach and inhibits digestive enzymes from breaking down proteins. The presence of H. pylori is also determined by age: about half of people over the age of fifty test positive for the bacteria. Low levels of Vitamins C and E, along with a lack of other antioxidant factors, promote H. pylori growth. Low acidity levels in the stomach promote growth of H. pylori as well. "Air swallowing" is another cause of indigestion. Smokers, people who eat quickly or while talking, and people who chew with their mouths open fall into this category. The consumption of carbonated beverages with a meal also slots you as a candidate. Air swallowing can make you feel full and bloated, as well as causing abdominal pain. Some foods are more likely to cause indigestion than others. These include: greasy, fried or spicy foods, dairy products, alcohol, vinegar, caffeine, and refined foods. It is important to be tested for food allergies and intolerances, which are both causes of indigestion. Simply put, people's bodies react differently to certain foods. Listen to your body. You know best what foods you can or cannot tolerate. Existing conditions such as peptic ulcers, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), and disorders of the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are likely to cause indigestion. Stress, anxiety, and other emotional concerns can disturb the function of intestinal and stomach muscles, leading to what is often called a "nervous stomach".
What to Expect: If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above, it is most likely you have indigestion. However, to rule out more serious disorders, such as IBD or an ulcer, do not hesitate to consult your naturopath or other health practitioner. In most people, indigestion occurs occasionally, sometimes after a heavy or greasy meal. In others, indigestion is a chronic disorder and should be treated with more care. The occasional bout of indigestion is usually not a concern. In chronic indigestion however, the emphasis should not be in relieving discomfort but rather in taking steps to aid the digestive process.
Remedies
Foods Eat a well-balanced, high fibre diet. Fibre promotes cleansing of your system as well as healthy digestion. Include fresh papaya and pineapple in your diet, which provide helpful digestive enzymes. Avoid fatty, fried or heavy foods, junk foods, red meats, sugars, caffeine, soft drinks, or anything that is likely to upset your stomach. Citrus juices can also irritate your stomach if you suffer from indigestion. Try drinking before or after meals, but not during. Drinking while eating dilutes stomach juices and prevents healthy digestion.
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body to promote proper digestion, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs Alfalfa supplies vitamin K and Chlorophyll, both of which aid in proper digestion. Add to your salads. Aloe Vera helps alleviate heartburn and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Barberry aids in digestion, especially for heartburn. Bring 1 teaspoon to a boil with 1 1/2 cups water, and simmered for 10 minutes. This should be taken 2 to 3 times a day in teacup doses. Due to the bitterness of the plant it is usually preferred in a tincture form. If using a tincture, add 1 teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. NOTE: Do not take barberry if you are pregnant, as it has a stimulant effect on the uterus. Ginger can help ease feelings of nausea. Add 2 teaspoons grated, fresh, ginger to one cup of hot water. Take as often as needed. You may also eat candied ginger. Tangerine peel also eases feelings of nausea and is effective at relieving gas and bloating. Do not use tangerine peel however, if you have a dry cough, red tongue, or if you are spitting up blood. Goldenseal has strong antibacterial properties. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. To prepare a tea, use ½ to 1 tsp. powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Add honey or lemon to reduce the bitter flavour. If using a tincture, take 10 to 40 drops two times daily. If using capsules, take 250 to 500mg of powdered extract. Do not take internally for more than one week at a time and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Catnip, Chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, and peppermint all promote healthy digestion.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history, considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Belladonna: Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting appear suddenly with spasmodic pains that run through the spine. Person is extremely sensitive to touch and has spasmodic hiccups. Stool is thin, green, and may be the result of lower intestinal infection (dysentery). Bryonia: "Indigestion of Bryonia" is associated with nausea and abnormal hunger. Vomiting of bile and water immediately after eating. Feeling of a stone in the stomach after eating. Symptoms are worse after warm drinks. Colocynthis: For intensive, cramp-like, pains that are made better when the person bends over. Diarrhea with jelly-like, dysentery, stool that is induced by the least water or food. Ipecac: For constant nausea and vomiting. Vomit consists of food, bile, blood, and mucus. Cutting pain around the belly-button. Stool is green as grass and slimy. Magnesia Phosphorica: Presence of abdominal colic (sharp, sudden, pain) relieved by pressure and heat applications. Excess flatulence. Person feels bloated and full with a constant desire to pass flatus with no relief. Constipation due to flatulence and indigestion. Metallum Album: Violent nausea and vomiting that comes after food poisoning, especially after consuming spoiled meat. Person is thirsty for small sips of liquid that induces immediate, violent vomiting. Person is very weak and general exhausted. Nux Vomica: Nux Vomica is the classical remedy for food poisoning. Nausea in the morning after eating and the feeling of a stone in the stomach a few hours after eating. Person is flatulent with flatus passing with difficulties. Constipation alternates with diarrhea. Symptoms worsen with alcohol consumption and after eating. Phosphorus: Useful in gastritis with nausea and vomiting. Vomiting occurs when water in the stomach gets warm. Sour eructations/belching after meals, sharp cutting pains in the abdomen, and very fetid stool and flatus. The stool is difficult to expel and is white and hard. All symptoms are made worse from warm food and drinks and made better with cold food and sleeping. Pulsatilla: "Indigestion of Pulsatilla" occurs after eating rich, fatty foods. Presence of flatulence, heartburn, and a feeling of tightness after a meal. Vomiting of food eaten a number of hours before.
Lifestyle For those who swallow air, it is important to establish better ways to eat. Avoid talking while eating and, most importantly, take your time while eating -- you will find that food tastes better when every bit is savoured! This may sound like simple advice. However, keep in mind that lifelong eating behaviours are not easy to change. Do not abuse antacids. Although they are very effective in some cases, they can significantly lower acidity levels in your stomach, promoting poor protein digestion and the presence of unwanted bacteria. Some antacids sold in North America contain aluminum compounds that can cause constipation. Others contain magnesium compounds that can cause diarrhea, while some contain sodium bicarbonate which is linked to gas and bloating. Hydrochloric acid tablets or capsules, taken during meals, help to raise acidity levels in your stomach and promote healthy digestion. In many cases of chronic heartburn (acid entering the esophagus), raising your head while sleeping has proven to be very effective in easing the discomfort. Try using another pillow or raising the bedposts at the head of the bed by about 10cm.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Exercise aids in the digestive process and promotes a healthy lifestyle in general. A half-hour walk after meals not only eases your stomach but relieves stress and provides you with more energy.
Vitamins Vitamin B complex is essential for proper digestion. Take 50mg 3 times daily. Vitamin C and E are important for healing and protecting the body against harmful bacteria. Take 2,000 to 3,000mg vitamin C in divided doses. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. Take 400 IU vitamin E.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Digestive Problems, Food Poisoning
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