The Main Causes of Indigestion

Identifying the causes of indigestion can help a person device ways on how to avoid the condition. Here is some valuable information on the subject.

Indigestion, also called as dyspepsia, is a gastro-intestinal condition that is closely linked to several occurrences, such as when one experiences pain due to an acid reflux, and when one experiences bloating sensations, and feelings of fullness. Nevertheless, indigestion is more inclined to being a related factor of GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

GERD refers to the condition wherein the stomach contents, including gastric acid, go up to the esophagus (reflux) because the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly. The sphincter is a tissue that serves as a “gate” that prevents the backflow of stomach contents to the esophagus.

There are several factors that are being associated as the main cause of indigestion. Relatively identifying these factors are essential for a person who suffers from the said condition. Here are the main causes of indigestion, as discussed briefly.

Medications - There are some drugs like nitrates, which can cause the cardiac sphincter, or the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, thus facilitating the reflux of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. This then gives rise to the symptoms of indigestion. NSAIDs too such as Ibuprofen are gastric irritants and these may aggravate the condition.

Obesity and Pregnancy – Being pregnant is associated to indigestion simply because the growing fetus can place pressure to the stomach, which can make the gastric contents move upward to the esophagus. The same premise also applies with obesity but instead of a fetus, it is the fats and enlarged abdominal organs that put the pressure.

Lifestyle – unhealthy lifestyle preferences such as drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks such as strong coffee and chocolates, and living a sedentary life can contribute a lot to the development of indigestion. Caffeine and alcohol are known to be strong gastric irritants. These causes of indigestion are highly modifiable though, so one can easily avoid indigestion by keeping away from these vices.

Diet – Too much fat and red meat can influence the gastric activity of the stomach. Since fat are non water-soluble, it needs a lot of effort from the body to be broken down and be used as energy. Too much fat is detrimental to one’s health. Maintaining a diet of fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods is a great way to prevent indigestion.

Presence of underlying disease conditions – Indigestion is not a disease itself but rather a symptom. Therefore, if indigestion occurs frequently in a person, it may suggest that an underlying disease process is developing. Disease causes of indigestion include not only GERD but also: Hiatal hernia, H. pylori infection, stomach ulcer, and stomach cancer./

Given these ultimate causes of indigestion, a person suffering from it is given the idea on what lifestyle to avoid, what diet to embrace, and what diseases are to be avoided as much as possible. It is essential to note that prevention is always better then cure, thereby – indigestion’s symptoms can be greatly avoided thru sticking to a well-planned, well-structured, and disease-free diet and lifestyle.