How to Help Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion in America is becoming more of a problem each year. If you have stomach problems more than seven days out of the month you may have chronic indigestion. It is uncomfortable and can be painful, but the good news is you can make it better.

Instructions

• 1

  If you have chronic indigestion it may be your own fault. That's right; it's us who make the decision to consume foods or drinks that may upset the stomach. There are other causes as well, but the primary cause is what you eat or drink and how you eat and drink it.

  One of the reasons people get indigestion is eating too fast. Many have forgotten what we were taught in school about this and that is, digestion begins in the mouth. When you eat slowly it aids digestion and helps manage weight.

• 2

  If you have chronic indigestion you should be keeping a food diary. This way you can pin point the exact foods and drinks that are creating the problem. What bothers one person may not affect another. However, there are certain types of foods that are common indigestion triggers.

  The two primary culprits are spicy foods and fatty foods. Acidic foods and drinks can upset the stomach as well. Then there's caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks. It would be wise to cut back or cut out these foods/drinks. Also, avoid eating large amounts of food and instead eat small meals 6-8 times a day.

• 3

  Food and drink isn't the only problem it seems that stress is another factor when it comes to chronic indigestion. Only you know what stresses you out, so only you can get rid of it. Just like with food people react differently when stressed.

  Make it a point every day to relax on purpose. In other words, do something that you know will reduce stress in your life. Some examples are listening to music, reading, fishing, massage, hot tubs, prayer and anything that may bring peace and joy in your life. Don't allow stress to give you indigestion.

• 4

  Many people take over the counter products such as Tums or Pepto-Bismol for temporary relief of chronic indigestion. Then others take enzyme supplements that aid in the digestive process. However, the best thing to do is make changes in lifestyle for a permanent solution.

  Lastly, some other helpful tips that help chronic indigestion are to eat in a pleasant atmosphere, wear loose fitted clothing, don't lie down right after you eat, don't smoke, eat more fiber and drink more water.