What are the main causes of indigestion?

Indigestion is a complex and painful condition. Most people at some time in their lives will suffer from this complaint.

Causes

The influential American Mayo Clinic attributes indigestion to over-eating, stress, fatty foods, and too much caffeine. If you are suffering from indigestion, it’s wise to seek advice.

Benenden Health is a mutual, not-for-profit friendly society that was set up in 1905 to offer discretionary health services to its membership of 900,000. If you are worried about your indigestion and need to see a local doctor, membership with Benenden Health may be able to help.

Problems

We all live in an increasingly stressful society and we often tend to drink too much and eat food that may upset the stomach. All of these factors can trigger indigestion.

Certain medicines, including antibiotics can also lead to indigestion and if you suffer from the condition, you should always inform your doctor so that they can prescribe a gentler remedy.

If you suffer from stress, relaxation exercises and meditation can help. Sports and any other type of physical activities are always good for the body and mind, so it may be worth joining a local class or investing in a gym membership.

Triggers

Try not to eat heavy meals late at night and always allow time for natural digestion before taking any physical exercise. Some people have also found that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can be useful in learning how to deal with stress.

Some indigestion sufferers have found that eating citrus fruits or too much garlic and onion on an empty stomach can also provoke an attack of the condition.

Chamomile tea is strongly recommended for its famous natural calming effect too.

Illness

Indigestion may sometimes act as a warning. The symptoms of indigestion can indicate pancreatic inflammations and even stomach cancer. If you find the condition is becoming excessively painful and you have cut down on alcohol and excessively rich foods, you should contact a doctor immediately.

If you are a member of Benenden Health, let them know about your concerns and they can advise how to ask for their help in obtaining an appointment quickly with a local consultant.

The important thing is to try not to worry and be as precise as possible when describing your symptoms.