Indigestion is the bane of many people’s lives. It causes discomfort, self-consciousness, and can ruin social functions by flaring up at the most inopportune times.
But what causes indigestion, and what can be done to combat the effects that indigestion is having on your life? While most people deal with indigestion at some point in their lives (or even chronically), few people understand what causes indigestion and what can be done to reduce its inconvenient, uncomfortable effects.
Continue reading to learn more about the main causes of indigestion as well as what you can do if you are suffering from chronic indigestion.
What Causes Indigestion: 10 Main Causes
So what causes indigestion, exactly? Being aware of what causes indigestion can help you take measures to reduce the likelihood that you’ll suffer from it.
Here are 10 of the most common causes of indigestion:
- Frequent overeating
- Eating in a hurry
- Consuming lots of spicy food
- Certain medications
- Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine
- Inflammation in the digestive tract
- Reactions to certain foods
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Chronic stress
- Ulcers
What To Do If You Suffer Chronic Indigestion
If you suffer from chronic indigestion, there are certain measures you can take to relieve symptoms of indigestion and prevent indigestion from occurring quite so frequently.
Here are seven things you can do if you are a chronic sufferer of indigestion:
- Eat smaller meals. Eating smaller meals gives your digestive system an easier job — as it has less to digest and doesn’t need to work for as long.
- Chew thoroughly and eat slowly. Eating your meals slowly and chewing your food thoroughly ensures that your digestive system has an easier time breaking down the food and getting the maximum amount of nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of spicy, greasy, and fried foods that you consume. Foods that are excessively spicy or greasy can contribute to indigestion and are best cut back on if you suffer from digestive issues.
- Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. These drinks both have a tendency to irritate and cause indigestion for people with sensitive stomachs.
- Implement stress-management practices such as meditation or yoga. Stress is one of the main contributors to indigestion and gastrointestinal distress. Eliminating or reducing the amount of stress that you deal with on a daily basis will in turn improve your digestion.
- Take a digestive aid. Some people prefer to take digestive enzymes to help boost their digestion while others take probiotics or drink teas to aid digestion.
- Get in touch with a naturopathic doctor. If your chronic indigestion persists despite your best efforts, get in touch with a qualified naturopathic doctor to get to the root of your digestion issues. Chronic indigestion can be a symptom of an underlying health issue and should be taken seriously if it is actively affecting your life.
Related Article: How to Improve Digestive Health?
Get In Touch With a Naturopathic Doctor Today
If you’re tired of suffering chronically from indigestion and want to take back control of your health, get in touch with Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics today.
At Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics, we practice naturopathic medicine and holistic care. Our staff and naturopathic doctor are passionate about health and healing and we want to see each of our patients on their way to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
To schedule a consultation with our naturopathic doctor, give Port Orchard Natural Medicine & Aesthetics a call at (360) 876-5000 today.
