Indigestion may result from a problem in the stomach or intestines, or it may be a disorder in itself.
Symptoms can include belching, gas, abdominal pain, grumbling noises, a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation after eating. Swallowing air by chewing with
your mouth open, talking while chewing, or gulping down food can cause indigestion. Drinking liquids with meals contributes to indigestion be cause it dilutes the enzymes needed for digestion. Certain foods and drinks can cause indigestion because they irritate the digestive tract. These include: alcohol,
caffeine, vinegar, and greasy/spicy/ or refined foods. Other factors that can cause or contribute to indigestion
include intestinal obstruction, mal-absorption, peptic ulcers, and disorders of the
pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. Food allergies and intolerances (such as lactose intolerance) also can cause indigestion. If food is not digested properly, it can ferment in the intestines, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Foods high in complex
carbohydrates, such as grains and legumes, are the primary foods responsible for gas because they are difficult to digest,
and therefore more likely to yield undigested particles on which the intestinal bacteria act. Psychological factors such as
stress,
anxiety, worry, or disappointment can disturb the nervous mechanism that controls the contractions of stomach and intestinal muscles. A lack of digestive enzymes can also cause intestinal problems. Heartburn often accompanies indigestion.
A colon intestinal cleansing may also
be useful and it promotes overall good health.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
8 |
promotes good health
and well being. Aiding in digestion by relieving and preventing of stress.
Should include some Enzymes and Probiotics like Acidophilus, Bifidus, and Bromelain
that promote good digestion. A daily supplement provides
nutrients needed for good general health and well being. |
Garlic |
9 |
aids in digestion and this herb also helps kill
unwanted bad bacteria in the bowels. |
Aloe Vera |
10 |
herb which helps heartburn and other gastrointestinal health
as
well as aiding with general body stress. It will help with sleep when
problems and is often combined with the herbs Kava kava and
chamomile in an herbal blend. |
Myrrh resin |
8 |
promotes healing and it works well
with frankincense and aloe vera |
Blessed
Thistle |
8 |
herb used in Europe for almost any
problem and used for many inflammation problems as well as
indigestion and related problems.
It works well in combination with the herbs aloe vera, myrrh
resin, and frankincense resin. |
Vitamin B
complex |
8 |
all B vitamins are needed for health and good functioning of
both the digestive and nervous systems. They are known as anti-stress
vitamins and also aid with depression. |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|