The digestive system is one of the most important organs of the human body, which works on digesting and absorbing food to benefit from it, and many people suffer from several problems in the digestive system that hinder the absorption of food.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a common problem among many people, but it is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom that indicates a problem in the digestive system.
Symptoms of indigestion range from simple symptoms that can be treated in a quick way and do not pose a great danger, such as heartburn, bloating, nausea, and other symptoms that can be described as dangerous and that require going to the doctor as soon as possible such as shortness of breath and sweating, and the presence of dark colored blood during vomiting or defecation.
Symptoms of chronic indigestion
A constant feeling of satiety when eating small quantities.
The desire to vomit, and a feeling of discomfort in the stomach.
Feeling of discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen after eating.
Burping excessively more than usual.
Feeling of severe stomach pain.
Food reflux occurs in the esophagus.
Difficulty swallowing.
Anorexia .
Causes of indigestion (dyspepsia)
The causes of indigestion, which is also called dyspepsia, are varied, as it is a symptom of various diseases, which indicates an imbalance in the digestive system, and it can be caused by taking some medications and prescription drugs, or wrong daily habits.
Diseases that cause indigestion
Acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach.
Stomach ulcer, or duodenal ulcer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an obvious cause of indigestion.
GERD, esophagitis.
The presence of gallstones.
Thyroid diseases.
Pregnancy period causes indigestion.
Psychiatric illnesses such as depression cause indigestion.
Chronic and acute pancreatitis.
Drugs and medicines that cause indigestion
Aspirin, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause indigestion.
Cholesterol drugs, and stress.
Antibiotics .
Steroids such as estrogen-containing contraceptives.
False health habits that cause poor digestion
Eating too much spicy or fatty foods.
Excessive intake of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
Eating too much or too quickly.
Treating indigestion (dyspepsia)
Indigestion can be treated in several ways, by knowing its causes. If it is due to unhealthy daily habits, it can be changed, such as eating small, low-fat meals throughout the day, abstaining from alcohol and nicotine, and refraining from excessive drinking of tea and coffee because they are among the main causes. For indigestion, stay away from stress, take adequate rest every day, and avoid drugs that cause stomach irritation such as painkillers and antibiotics.
Treatment for indigestion with herbs
Apple cider vinegar
Indigestion can be treated by mixing a spoonful of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water, as it has an effective effect on treating indigestion.
Peppermint oil
Helps treat stomach muscle spasms, indigestion, and nausea by consuming a teaspoon of oil three times daily between meals.
Licorice
Taking it helps reduce stomach upset and works to coat the stomach lining.
Ginger
Eating it helps improve digestion and reduce the incidence of stomach upset, by consuming a cup of it three times a day before or during each meal.
Treating indigestion with medicinal drugs
There are four main types of indigestion medications: histamine receptor antagonists such as famotidine, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and procynetics.
Histamine receptor antagonists
These antihistamines help to stop the action of the histamine substance, which causes stomach cells to secrete the acid that causes indigestion and heartburn. Examples of antihistamine receptor antagonists include:
Famotidine
This medicine helps treat stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and indigestion, and also helps treat esophageal reflux, and also treats conditions that lead to excessive gastric secretion, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and relieves heartburn, and it is available in the form of tablets or an intravenous solution. Or an oral solution, and should not be taken without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Antacids
These usually contain aluminum, or magnesium, which are alkalis that weaken stomach acid.
Antacids are taken in the form of tablets, capsules, powder, or liquid, and the liquid is more effective than the tablets.
Proton pump inhibitors
It works by stopping stomach acid completely, by inhibiting it inside the human body.
It is prescribed by a doctor to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, and relieve symptoms of GERD.
Procainetics
These medications help ease the passage of food and treat indigestion survival.
Procinetics is taken by pill, injection or syrup, and one or two tablets are taken three times daily, or 10 mg of a drink three or four times a day.
Effects of indigestion medications (dyspepsia)
A specialist should be consulted and the necessary rumors should be made before taking indigestion drugs, due to the presence of several consequences resulting from them, such as: -
The presence of gases.
Constipation or diarrhea.
Headache and nausea.
Feeling sick.
Sharp stomach pain.
Treating constipation naturally
Pineapple helps to digest food and treat constipation, as it can be eaten before food or eating fatty foods.
Eating mint helps digest food and get rid of constipation by eating it warm or cold.
Figs help digest fats, as well as proteins, and prevent food fermentation in the stomach and facilitate bowel movement, which helps in a smooth passage and get rid of constipation.