Indigestion, which is the inability to digest food, may cause pain and bloating if not properly treated. The most common causes of indigestion are reflux, ulcers, food allergies or overeating, and stress. Medication and diet modification are often prescribe to reduce or prevent the symptoms of indigestion. Individuals who are experiencing indigestion can also rely on Supergreens to help with their ailment. Supergreens contain ingredients that help aid digestion, such as burdock root and dandelion powder.
Reflux, which is also known as dyspepsia, is a condition that causes bloating, heartburn, belching, gas, and acid regurgitation and can adversely affect a person's ability to digest food appropriately. Severe indigestion may also be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is caused when the stomach acids back up into the esophagus and cause burning in the chest. A doctor may prescribe an indigestion remedy such as prescription antacids. If the situation is serious enough, surgery to strengthen the flap leading from the stomach to the esophagus may be required.
Another one of the major causes of indigestion is stomach ulcers. When there is excess acid produced by the stomach, a buildup occurs and the lining may become damaged. Sores form which cause pain in both the abdomen and other parts of the digestive track. Ulcers are often found in patients who also suffer from reflux, and the combination causes pain and heartburn.
Food allergies and overeating are the most common causes of indigestion. When too much food is consumed in a short period, the digestive tract has a hard time breaking down the food. A feeling of uncomfortable fullness may result and excessive belching or gas are also common symptoms. For food allergies, the digestive system does not contain the enzymes required to break the food into small enough particles to use for fuel. When this occurs, the body is unable to absorb the proper nutrients from the food and the upset to the digestive tract that occurs may cause diarrhea.
If food allergies or overeating are causes of a patient's indigestion, the doctor may request a diet modification. Foods that aggravate the indigestion symptoms are eliminated and replaced with foods that are easier to digest. Smaller more frequent meals are suggested instead of three large meals per day. By eating smaller meals more often, the digestive tract does not get overwhelmed.
Stress is one of the causes of indigestion that may be the hardest to control. When a patient suffers from a high amount of stress over extended periods of time, it may manifest itself in indigestion and other physical symptoms. Once diagnosed, doctors often suggest the patient find ways to eliminate their stress through coping techniques and medication.