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Indigestion

Indigestion is a general term used to cover a wide range of digestive problems, including dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, regurgitation and globus sensation (the feeling of having a lump in the throat). 

Dyspepsia is a discomfort in the upper abdomen accompanied by having gas, belching, loud intestinal sounds and a feeling of fullness.  Other symptoms include a poor appetite, nausea, constipation and diarrhea.  Both overproduction and a shortage of stomach acid can cause dyspepsia.  Anxiety can also cause dyspepsia probably because an anxious person tends to gasp and swallow air, resulting in distention of the stomach and intestine.  Sometimes, dyspepsia is caused by more serious medical conditions such as stomach and duodenal ulcers, stomach inflammation, stomach cancer. 

Nausea is an unpleasant feeling in the abdomen.  Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.  Nausea and vomiting can be caused by eating irritating substance, traveling in a boat or car, taking some drugs and other medical conditions involving the stomach, intestine and gallbladder.

Regurgitation is the spitting up of food from the esophagus without nausea or forceful abdominal muscle contractions.  Regurgitation is often caused by acid reflux or blockage of the esophagus.

Globus sensation is the sensation of having a lump in the throat when there is no lump.  It is caused by abnormal muscle activity and sensitivity of the esophagus and  aggravated by frequent swallowing and drying of the throat or rapid breathing.

Chronic indigestion needs medical diagnosis and treatment.  Simple and occasional indigestion can be helped with eating small and frequent meals, taking time to eat, chewing food thoroughly and taking some food supplements that can aid digestion.

Food supplements for indigestion:

Digestive enzymes (bromelain, papain, amylase, proteases, lipases)

Probiotics (Acidophilus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium)

Garlic

Chamomile

Ginger

Fennel

Peppermint