Indigestion

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Go into any supermarket or drugstore and you will find it awash in antacids. Turn on the television or radio and you will find heartburn, "sour stomach," and the like to be the subject of virtually every other commercial. This is testimony to the fact that indigestion is a pervasive problem in our society.

Actually, indigestion is not a single disorder but a catch-all term that may be used to describe any of a number of minor discomforts associated with eating, including a mild burning sensation, gas, bloating, slow digestion, regurgitation, an acidic taste in the mouth, even nausea. The medical version of this term is dyspepsia.

The causes of indigestion are as variable as the symptoms. There are many common medications that can cause digestive upset. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are notorious for this. The presence of parasites, having either too much or too little stomach acid, undiagnosed infection; any of a myriad of toxins, or any combination of these factors may be involved as well. Heartburn is often caused by gastroesophageal reflux, better known as acid reflux. In this condition, the sphincter muscle that is supposed to provide a one-way valve from the esophagus down into the stomach does not function properly, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This irritates the tissues and causes pain.

Nearly everyone can name a food, or list of foods, that does not agree with him or her. Food sensitivities are real, and abstinence from these foods can mean the difference between being comfortable and uncomfortable, if not downright ill. Then, too, emotional disturbances such as nervousness, anxiety, impatience, fear, anger, resentment or depression, plus the wearing effects of fatigue, can play a large part in how food is digested, as can eating in a hurry. Digestion starts in the mouth, and fast eating or inadequate chewing can set you up for an uncomfortable after-meal episode. Looked at another way, digestion begins even before you start eating, with the "foreplay" of smelling the food and anticipating a really good meal; this causes the stomach to prepare by secreting acid and enzymes necessary for good digestion.

There are certain diseases that can manifest themselves in indigestion. These include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even various cancers. However, the majority of cases of indigestion are functional - that is, any underlying disease does not cause them.

General Recommendation

To lessen stomach acidity and ease nausea, a mixture of baking soda and water is effective. However, this old standby should be used only once. Dissolve one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda in one half cup of pure water.

Green clay helps to neutralize an acid stomach and relieve nausea. Mix one teaspoon of clay in one cup of spring water. The mixture can be taken immediately, but most people don't care for the taste. It is usually better to permit the mixture to stand overnight to allow the clay to settle out and drink it in the morning.

If you have chronic indigestion, or if the problem seems to be getting worse, consult your health-care provider. You may have an underlying condition that requires treatment.

If you have significant nausea, are vomiting, or have diarrhea after eating, chances are that you have food poisoning, not indigestion, and should treat it accordingly.

Apple-cider vinegar is a digestive aid with proven benefits. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and honey to a small amount of hot water. Sip this mixture twice daily, with meals, for one month. Some people develop a chronic cough as a result of acid reflux. If you have cough as well as acid reflux, see your doctor.

Prevention

Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Spend at least thirty leisurely minutes at the table, even if you finish a plateful of food in fifteen minutes. Train yourself to slow down. Drink peppermint tea with meal.

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