New Health Guide
Also called dyspepsia, an upset stomach or indigestion is usually caused by stomach acid affecting the sensitive lining of the digestive system. Regular exposure can actually break down the lining and cause inflammation and irritation. You are likely to develop dyspepsia when you eat too fast or too much. Excessive drinking, smoking, stress, pregnancy, or certain medications can also cause indigestion. Most people experience certain symptoms only because of increased sensitivity of the digestive system (mucosa).
When you have indigestion, it feels like something is burning in your throat. Sometimes, it feels like you need to burp but you just cannot. It happens because you develop gas in your stomach. Cramps in your intestines may also give you the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement. Here are some other common symptoms that you have indigestion:
Some people may also experience belching and vomiting when they have indigestion. Others have to deal with heartburn too.
You produce high levels of hormones in early pregnancy. These hormones help relax your muscles, including your digestive system, which in turn can slow down your digestion. That is the reason why you are more likely to have indigestion soon after a meal, which can leave you with heartburn, bloating, acid reflux, and feeling full even when you have eaten a little.
Indigestion can make you very uncomfortable, but the good thing is that it is not harmful for your baby. The fact that your digestive system becomes slower during pregnancy actually allows your body to pass more nutrients to your baby through the placenta.
What does indigestion feel like? You already know that it certainly feels uncomfortable, so it is better to take steps to help find some relief quickly. You can try certain things here.
Take a teaspoon each of dill, fennel, caraway, and anise seeds and blend them well. Take a half-teaspoon of it and chew up slowly. You can have it after a big, spicy meal to prevent indigestion. It also helps expel excess gas and makes you feel better.
You can have a cup of chamomile or mint tea to combat indigestion. Take a teabag of either chamomile or mint and boil it in a cup of water. Steep it for 10 minutes and drink to get rid of that dyspeptic feeling.
Simply mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water and have it about half an hour before you think you are going to eat something that may not sit well with you.
Take a teaspoon of baking soda and stir it into a glass of water. Now, add a few drops of lemon juice to the glass and drink it. This juice will help neutralize stomach acids and relieve gas as well. Consider adding the lemon juice into water before you add baking soda to prevent it from tearing.
Simply nibbling on candied ginger can resolve your gas problem. You can find these candies in supermarkets. Get a few of these and have a couple of pieces to get rid of your tummy woes. Candied ginger works equally well for children.
You can have a bitter beer to help stimulate digestion. Just ensure that you do not get carried away and drink too much of it. Have more than a half glass and you will end up making your symptoms worse.
What does indigestion feel like? It feels much worse during pregnancy. Some indigestion will always hurt you throughout the pregnancy. Certain steps will help ease things a bit. For instance:
You usually do not need serious medical attention for your indigestion, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor if your symptoms persist or you have recurring indigestion. Also, go see your doctor if:
