Are you one of those people who love gorging on food? Believe us; we’re not here to judge because, hey, we’re guilty too. However, sometimes your stomach might not agree with your eating habits and can lead to indigestion. When that happens, things can get pretty unpleasant.

Indigestion is a stomach condition that causes discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest after consuming certain foods or drinks. It’s also known as dyspepsia (oh yes – it’s got a real fancy name!)

Indigestion can be experienced as just an occasional annoyance or could become chronic if left unaddressed for long periods of time. Thankfully though, there are several ways to deal with this annoying ailment which will make life much easier for you! So buckle up and read on!

How Does Indigestion Feel?

The sensation of indigestion differs from person to person but often includes:

• Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• A burning sensation behind the breastbone
• Feeling nauseous
• Vomiting (in severe cases)
• Stomach bloating

While these symptoms associated with dyspepsia may sound familiar enough like any other kind of stomach issue such as heartburn or acid reflux (which makes sense since they belong to the same family) There are some differences esp when comparing them with something else like gastroenteritis which usually comes along diarrhea and vomiting.

But wait! We know what you’re thinking… Is feeling all these symptoms together really possible? Oh yes indeed! And trust us when we say it is no cake walk (but seriously folks don’t eat cake during an episode).

So how do we differentiate between these various stomach conditions? The easiest way would be consulting a health professional who would help diagnose accurately whether its gastritis/acidity/GERD/hyperacidity etc.

What Foods Cause Indigestion?

As mentioned before, dyspepsia generally arises after consuming certain foods and beverages (Sorry sushi lovers you might want to look away for this one)… Some of which include:

• Fried or fatty foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy ingredients (not referring to Jeremy Clarkson’s HOT lap around Top Gear track kinda spicy)

Other culprits can be acidic food/beverages, large amounts of Refined sugars & animal protein (So cheer up vegans…you’re good!)

It should be noted that the association between these particular foods and indigestion varies from person to person; thus it is essential to keep a record of whatever stimulates your stomach so as not to repeat those choices.

We understand avoiding every delicious dish forever may sound like the end of world (Yes we are talking about cakes again) however don’t worry there are ways out!

How Can You Prevent Indigestion?

When speaking about indigestion prevention, here are some potential ideas worth exploring:

Avoid Gluttony

First things first – moderation is key when it comes down to curtailing symptoms associated with this stomach condition. Try sticking to smaller meal portions instead also try savouring each bite properly rather than wolfing it all down in seconds.

Remain Upright After Meals

Another useful tip would be sitting upright while consuming meals and waiting at least 3 hours before lying down – helping digestion along by allowing gravity assist movement through the intestinal tract. This means getting off our bums and doing something productive post-mealtime discourses (As if watching Netflix was ever constructive).

Naturally Sweetened Beverages

Instead of caffeine-loaded tea/coffee opting for herbal teas such as mint/green tea helps reduce inflammation as well hydrates your body simultaneously (double whammy). Meanwhile juices without added sugar (& by sugars we mean refined/processing indulged) also promotes better digestive health.

Non -Strenuous Exercise

While it’s not a good idea to indulge in super rigorous exercises just after meals – walking particularly at slower pace (just like our grandmas used to do!) helps keep bloating away from the picture adding on feeling fresh!

How Can You Treat Indigestion?

Like rain and shine, indigestion could arise as soon as you hit your 20’s lasting till far beyond. Considering how often we’re putting our stomachs through stress tests (yes, before some of you say it out loud let us confirm: holiday binge eating is definitely a stress test too) we need lesser ways that help tackle them…

To ease stomach ailments and dyspepsia symptoms switching towards healthier habits such as regaining balanced meal plans & managing fibre content intake (remember moderation being key?) These tweaks alone can make a significant difference.

What about mainstream medicines? Oh boy! Over-the-counter medications are easily available but in comparison to simple lifestyle changes/prompt medical consultations these are typically humdrum solutions Which would become more apparent if its infrequent along with tweaking diets undertaken earlier.

However, when self-help schemes aren’t making an optimal outcome turning towards deeper medical route by running various diagnostic investigations which analyse how digestion process works in your body comes into play. These diagnostics may include gastroscopy X-rays Blood Test etc; presided by experienced GI Experts who would offer suitable treatment options best suited for each individual patient.

Bottom Line?

A well-rounded healthy schedule coupled up with management of certain daily habits that encourage GERDs while curbing Dyspepsia simultaneously provides long term benefits leaving behind discomfort hampered due indigestion; all whilst still being able to savour life’s guilty pleasures (cough cakes cough) within reason no longer using other alternatives becomes simpler even for stubborn stomachs!

So, it’s time we all started paying attention to what our stomachs are telling us before giving into temptation!