What is Indigestion?

Tired of stomach pains and bloating plaguing your days and leaving you unable to work? A burning sensation that makes your gut churn? You could be suffering from indigestion. Also known as dyspepsia, this is a broad term that covers most abdominal pain and discomfort issues. Indigestion often signifies a causal problem so if you seem to have a tendency to develop these symptoms repeatedly, a more serious underlying issue could be the culprit.

Symptoms of indigestion

Identifying indigestion is not particularly difficult. Most of its symptoms often give the problem away:

•    Bloating: One of the major indicators of indigestion is the formation of gas in your stomach. Due to a gastric build-up, symptoms often include a sensation of bloating, and a feeling of fullness even when you haven’t eaten enough. Sometimes, this also results in excessive belching
•    Nausea: Another common sign is the urge to throw-up, especially after eating. These sensations may not always actually lead to vomiting but can be quite uncomfortable and frustrating
•    A burning sensation: Many times, you feel heat or a burning pain in your upper abdomen. Indigestion may also occur along with heartburn, which signifies those burning sensations in the chest

Causes of indigestion

Now that you have identified the problem, it is natural that you would want to avoid its occurrence. Because lifestyle choices and habits play a large part in the functioning of your digestive system, a few simple changes to your daily routines can effectively fix the problem.

•    Improper diet: Your daily diet should be a balance of the right nutrients and minerals to keep stomach ailments away. Eating foods rich in substances like fat and grease or overly spicy foods can often be the root of the problem. Furthermore, it is important that you eat slowly, taking your time to chew to avoid swallowing excessive air, which can further trouble an upset stomach. Do not eat more than necessary, as this will only aggravate the situation. Keep your caffeine intake to a minimum as it also worsens the problem of indigestion
•    Drinking and smoking: Not only do alcohol and cigarettes have a lasting, long-term impact on several aspects of your health, but they may often be the reason for an upset stomach. It is best to avoid consuming these completely. Even if you do drink and smoke, keep your intake to a minimum
•    Medication: Some medicines, including several pain relievers, are infamous for having adverse side effects such as stomach pain and discomfort. If you are on any new medication and your digestive system seems to be revolting, it is a good idea to consult your doctor since you may need to change to pills more suitable to your body
•    Underlying disorders or problems: Several other digestive conditions may also have a hand in the indigestion you’re facing. These can range anywhere from constipation to stomach cancer or intestinal blockage. If symptoms persist for over two weeks or you seem to be experiencing sudden weight loss, vomiting blood, or extreme fatigue, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible

If your conditions are not severe, and you don’t have the time to go to a doctor, fear not, as there are several home remedies for indigestion. Several of these come from Ayurveda, making use of natural substances and medicine. Gas-O-Fast provides the goodness of Ayurveda in ready-made sachets. Just add these to a glass of water and drink for instant relief from bloating, indigestion and acid reflux. With delicious flavours ranging from ajwain to lemon, there’s a cure suited to every taste.