Ever since my younger brother got back home from school, he has been complaining a lot about indigestion, and I have had to get pills to aid digestion for him twice.
The persistency linked with the indigestion made me begin to get bothered about the problem, so I spoke with him, asking him questions about how recently he had been feeling that way.
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He explained that he only started feeling that way when he stopped eating healthy and when he stopped going to the gym. He made a choice not to eat late at night anymore and just tried to watch what he eats until he is able to comfortably afford the type of healthy eating lifestyle he dreamed of.
While I understood that this was a lifestyle problem for him, I also knew there are times when indigestion issues are more than just what the eyes can meet.
What causes indigestion?
I think this is a good place to begin our conversation on this topic. The stomach has a strong lining that is designed to protect it from its own acid.
However, there are times when the acid gets worn down, causing irritation and inflammation of the acid. Although indigestion is not the only reason behind inflammation, it happens to be the most common and obvious reason.
When indigestion is due to an organic cause, the blame should mostly be apportioned to the stomach acid; it causes the burning sensation usually described as indigestion.
There are situations when gastric juices are able to escape from the stomach to the top part of the small intestine, which is the duodenum. The duodenum does not have the same protective lining as the stomach, so acid has the capacity to cause more damage there.
It is also possible for acid to escape from the stomach, from the top to the bottom of the esophagus; this situation is called acid reflux. The esophagus too isn't designed to tolerate acid.
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Acid reflux explains other signs of indigestion like heartburn, regurgitation, and burping. It is possible to have discomfort and acid reflux even if the stomach lining remains intact.
Have it in mind that experiencing indigestion occasionally is normal, but sometimes it happens very often, lasting for weeks or months. This situation is triggered by an underlying issue and needs to be attended to.
The symptoms of indigestion is associated with; painful feeling in the upper region of the stomach, feeling uncomfortably satisfied after eating, and feeling satisfied too soon.
Gurgling or loud growling, nausea, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn are other symptoms that indicate the presence of indigestion.
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Medical Triggers to Indigestion.
When we start to get worried about indigestion is when there are other signs than what an indigestion discomfort should bring, and when it is lasting more than usual and more painful too.
**Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is when stomach contents persistently move back up into the esophagus. The content going back up could contain excessive acid, therefore causing pain and irritation.
GERD is more shown with persistent heartburn, creating a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth, a burning feeling in your stomach, and the regurgitation of liquid or food from the stomach back into the mouth.
Chronic cough, bad breath, hoarse voice, and a feeling of lump at the back of your throat are accompanied signs of GERD.
The presence of gastric cancer can also lead to indigestion. This happens when cancerous cells grow within the lining of the stomach.
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This type of cancer is not easily detected, as most people do not show symptoms during their early stage. The diagnosis does not happen early until it finally spreads to other body parts.
Gastroparesis happens when the stomach takes too long to empty food. It can also create other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and feeling satisfied.
Peptic ulcers are a common type of health situation that indicates the presence of sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and lower esophagus.
It is caused by the inflammation of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Intolerances also cause indigestion, especially to lactose and gluten. Lactose intolerance means your body does not have the ability to break down a natural type of sugar called lactose, which can be gotten from dairy products.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.Wheat as a grain is used as an ingredient in the production of pasta, cereals, and bread.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome also causes indigestion; it includes a group of intestinal symptoms that indicate abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
There are other people who experience indigestion without a clear reason; the condition is medically known as dyspepsia.
Indigestion would naturally not lead to complications, especially when it is not caused by an underlying reason.
Severe and persistent indigestion issues may, however, lead to a nutritional imbalance due to your inability to eat well.
There are certain home remedies that can help out with indigestion issues before visiting the hospital.
Eat slowly, avoid foods that can trigger indigestion, stop smoking if you currently do, maintain a moderate weight, reduce the amount of coffee consumed, and limit stress.
But, as I have mentioned before, you should report a case of indigestion to a certified doctor when it persists more than usual or has other disturbing symptoms attached to it.
Indigestion shouldn't be treated casually until you are sure there are no underlying conditions attached to it, and even at that, do not still take it with levity.
For Further Studies
https://www.healthline.com/health/indigestion#treatment
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/indigestion-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352215
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22248-functional-dyspepsia
Hi, I am Tobi, a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people.
If you want to hear me speak about relationships and general life issues, you can find my YouTube channel, where you can watch any episode for free. Please do not forget to subscribe, friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from here. Kindly do well to keep them coming.
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