What Is Indigestion?
The most common stomach problem is indigestion, which is sometimes called heartburn. Millions of people are afflicted by this malady everyday. Almost 25% of all the people in the U.S. suffer from indigestion at some point during the year. Five percent of all doctor visits are due to pain caused by indigestion. Men are a little luckier than women. They are a slightly less likely to get heartburn.
When you get indigestion, you feel horrible because stomach acid is working its way up your throat rather than staying in your stomach. Instead of being used to digest food the acid is attacking the lining of your throat. When this happens you feel a painful burning sensation, which can be most unpleasant.
Some of the other symptoms of indigestion include: bloating, belching and gas. You might also experience stomach pain too. All of these symptoms will probably give you strong motivation to try to get rid of indigestion.
In most cases, indigestion can be alleviated by making a few simple lifestyle and diet changes. You should be careful to limit your intake of spicy and fatty or fried foods. These foods are among the chief causes of indigestion. Also, limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, these drinks are also problematic. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is another large causative factor.
Remember to wear loose fitting clothing, especially around your waist. A tight belt can cause a lot of pain. Also, wait at least three hours to lie down after eating. Never lie down immediately after eating. This is a very bad thing to do. Many of these tips revolve around lowering the pressure on your stomach and utilizing gravity to keep the acid where it belongs.
After doing all of this, if heartburn or indigestion are still bothering you, it is important to see a doctor. Left untreated, indigestion can lead to a lot of severe health problems. Not to mention that they are simply uncomfortable to experience. So always consult a health professional if you are in any doubt.
