What causes indigestion?
Indigestion is caused by multiple factors that affect the normal process of digestion. There are many possible causes of indigestion. Some are related to lifestyle and what you eat and drink. Indigestion can also be caused by other digestive conditions.
Common causes of indigestion
The most common causes of indigestion include:
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Alcohol consumption
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Carbonated beverages
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Certain medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
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Chocolate
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Eating too much at one sitting
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Eating too rapidly
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Eating while emotionally upset
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Gallstones
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Peptic ulcers
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Smoking
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Spicy, high-fat, or greasy food
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Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
What are the risk factors for indigestion?
A number of factors increase your risk of developing indigestion. Not all people with risk factors will get indigestion. Risk factors for indigestion include:
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Eating meals too quickly
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Emotional stress while eating
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Overabundance of high-fiber foods
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Overconsumption of alcohol
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Overconsumption of caffeine
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Spicy, high-fat, and greasy foods
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Tobacco use
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Too much food at meals
Reducing your risk of indigestion
You may be able to lower your risk of indigestion by:
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Allowing plenty of time for meals
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Avoiding alcohol with meals
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Avoiding emotionally upsetting situations during meals
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Avoiding spicy, high-fat, and greasy foods
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Avoiding strenuous exercise right after a meal
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Chewing food thoroughly before swallowing
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Limiting high-fiber foods
INTRODUCTION
What is indigestion?
Indigestion is a condition medically known as dyspepsia. This condition causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, resulting in belching, bloating and nausea. Indigestion most often occurs during or right after eating and is a very common digestive problem, often mistaken for heartburn. Most commonly, people suffer indiges...
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SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of indigestion?
Indigestion causes abdominal discomfort that may result in a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals....
Read more about indigestion symptoms
TREATMENTS
How is indigestion treated?
Treatment for indigestion begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine if you have indigestion, your health care provider will ask you questions and may recommend that you undergo diagnostic tests....
Read more about indigestion treatments
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