Indigestion
Indigestion
Acupuncture.com
Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Some people also use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn.
Indigestion might be caused by a disease in the digestive tract such as ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but for many people, it results from eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, using medications that irritate the stomach lining, being tired, and having ongoing stress can also cause indigestion or make it worse.
Some people have persistent indigestion that is not related to any of these factors. This type of indigestion—called functional or nonulcer dyspepsia—may be caused by a problem in the muscular squeezing action of the stomach (motility).
To diagnose indigestion, the doctor might perform tests for problems, like ulcers. In the process of diagnosis, a person may have x rays of the stomach and small intestine or undergo endoscopy, in which the doctor uses an instrument to look at the inside of the stomach.
Avoiding the foods and situations that seem to cause indigestion in some cases is the most successful way to treat it. Heartburn caused by acid reflux is usually improved by treatment with antacids, H2-blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. Smokers can help relieve their indigestion by quitting smoking, or at least not smoking right before eating. Exercising with a full stomach may cause indigestion, so scheduling exercise before a meal or at least an hour afterward might help.
To treat indigestion caused by a functional problem in the digestive tract, the doctor may prescribe medicine that affects stomach motility.
Because indigestion can be a sign of, or mimic, a more serious disease, people should see a doctor if they have
vomiting, weight loss, or appetite loss
black tarry stools or blood in vomit
severe pain in the upper right abdomen
discomfort unrelated to eating
indigestion accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm
symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Nutritional and Herbal Therapy for Indigestion
According to the Tao of Nutrition, there are a few things you need to remember while eating in order to treat and/or prevent indigestion:
Eat slowly
Chew food thoroughly
Avoid reading the newspaper or watching television while eating since this takes energy away from the digestive process
Avoid stress and tension while eating for the same reason above
In addition, the authors also recommend that you:
Avoid rich and fatty foods
Eat papaya twice a day
Eat sweet potato with brown sugar (not too much) and water. At the last three minutes of cooking, add some rice wine. Eat this for two weeks regularly to improve digestion.
Eat 1/2 cup of overdone rice (from the bottom of the pan) and add cardamon, fennel and orange peel
Eat an apple after each meal
There are a few excellent Chinese herbal patent formulas that can help treat poor digestion and relieve symptoms: Bao He Wan, Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan, and Curing Pills.
Featured Products
Abundant Energy Digestion Formula
Promotes a Strong and Healthy Digestion System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Performance
An Energy 'Chi' Formula for Optimal Operation of the Body
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Elements Health Formula
A Whole Body Tune-Up
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tao of Nutrition
By Maoshing Ni
The Path to Good Nutrition
and Health
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Self-Healing Chi Gong
Strengthen & Balance the Mind and Body
More Featured Products
High Performance
A traditional 'Chi' formula for optimal operation of the human body. It is a combination of unique Chinese food herbs, exotic seeds and wholesome grains providing a rich source of complex carbohydrates.
Crane Style Chi Gong
Video - Chi Gong standing exercises were developed several thousands years ago by Taoists. Practiced for healing purposes and demonstrated by Dr. Dao, they integrate movement, mental imagery and breathing techniques.
Exquisite Skin
Herbal tablets to Cleanse and Beautify the Skin. Exquisite Skin is a balanced formula of herbs that nourish the skin and clear toxins.
Male Acupuncture Model
Free standing acupuncture model with points and meridians designated. 18 inches high including stand.
All Contents Copyright © 1996-2008 Cyber Legend Ltd. All rights reserved.
Votes:26
Comments: 0