Indigestion Causes and SymptomsIt's very important to identify the many indigestion causes, as indigestion can be a symptom of a disorder in the stomach or the intestines or it may be a disorder in itself. Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, can involve a range of unpleasant symptoms that occur after eating, from bloating, stomach rumbling and abdominal cramps to wind, nausea and vomiting. Here is a complete list of symptoms of indigestion:
Some of the Common Indigestion Causes
One of the Main Indigestion Causes: Lack of Digestive EnzymesIf food is not digested properly, it ferments in the stomach and upper intestine, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and organic acids.These acids don't help digestion but can cause gas and bloating. Foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as grain and legumes, are the primary foods responsible for gas because they are difficult to digest and therefore are more likely to yield undigested particles on which the intestinal bacteria act. Undigested food and bacteria present in the gut can produce toxins that can damage the mucosal lining, causing leaky gut syndrome. This condition occurs when particles of undigested food normally eliminated in the feces pass through tiny rips in the intestinal lining and get absorbed into the system, causing severe digestive distress. Contributing factors include abnormal intestinal flora (candida), food allergies, regular alcohol consumption, parasites, chemicals or drugs that irritate the small intestine. Psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, worry or disappointment can disturb the nervous mechanism that controls the contractions of stomach and intestinal muscles. Too Much Stomach Acid?Many consider over-production of stomach acid as one of the many indigestion causes. But is that always the case?Hydrochloric acid (or HCl), which is produced by glands in the stomach, is absolutely essential for digestion. It's necessary for the breakdown of proteins in foods, for the absorption of certain minerals, as well as for destroying many dangerous micro-organisms ingested with food. Without this acid barrier we would be much more susceptible to food-borne diseases. Insufficient amounts of HCl can lead to indigestion, particularly with high-protein meals and the risk of developing food allergies because undigested large protein molecules are more likely to stimulate allergic reactions in the small intestine. Levels of HCl decline with age, which is one reason why more older people suffer with indigestion. Estimates suggest that as much as half the population over the age of 60 suffers from hydrochloric acid deficiency. If you have no heartburn but suffer from regular stomach aches, bloating, belching and wind after meals, especially associated with protein-rich foods, you may have this problem. Another indicator is feeling full shortly after eating or sensation that food is slow to pass from the stomach. One of the most common reasons for a lack of stomach acid is zinc deficiency (because the production of HCl is dependent on a sufficient intake of zinc). Stress also suppresses stomach acid production. This is because when we're stressed the body channels energy towards the 'fight or flight' response and away from digestion. So eating on the move or when you're stressed out is definitely a bad idea and one of the main indigestion causes. How do you know whether you need more HCl?Try this simple test:Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If it makes your indigestion go away, then you need more stomach acid. If it makes the symptoms worse, then you have too much acid and you should take care not to take any supplements that contain HCl. Or you could try a supplement providing 500 mg of betain hydrochloride and 100 mg of pepsin with each meal for a month (make sure that you don't have an ulcer - betaine can make it worse!).
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