INDIGESTION, a sphere in which everyone holds an experience. No matter how healthy you are, what yogasanas you include in your yoga sessions, what dietary pattern you follow you must have came across this certain condition.
Yes, it is true that eating habits or a chronic dietary problem can trigger indigestion and indeed worsen it, if it exists.
In this article, we'll ponder upon this mood spoiler. And discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Defining INDIGESTION
INDIGESTION, often referred to as dyspepsia(frequently addressed by medical professionals) is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Or it can be defined as an abnormality in digesting food or lack of proper digestion.
It is often a sign of an underlying problem such as gastroeosophageal reflux disease(GERD), ulcers or gall bladder disease rather than being a condition of it's own.
Causes of INDIGESTION
INDIGESTION, is something which can occur frequently or rarely, based on our food habits and lifestyle choices.
It can result from overeating or eating way too fast. It can be due to season or not following the seasonal regimens.
Let us have a look at other causes:
•vishamashana(irregular food habits)
•asatmya bhojana sevana(having unhabitual food)
•vegavidharana(suppression of natural urges)
•guru bhojana sevana(eating heavy or spicy food)
•drinking excess water
•improper sleeping pattern
•chronic disease
•emotional distress
•stress, anxiety, jealousy, anger and other mental conditions
•drinking too much alcohol
•cigarette smoking
There are some diseases that can also cause INDIGESTION :
•peptic ulcers
•acid reflux disease(GERD)
•stomach infection
•irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)
•chronic pancreatitis
•thyroid disease(especially Hypothyroidism)
•pregnancy
•stomach cancer(rare)
Some medications can also cause INDIGESTION:
•NSAIDs(commonly known as painkillers) like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin.
•estrogen and oral contraceptives
•steroid medications
•certain antibiotics
SYMPTOMS
INDIGESTION is presented with following symptoms:
•trishna(polydypsia)
•aruchi(anorexia)
•bhrahma(vertigo)
•shirhashool and murchha(headache and fainting)
•angasada(looseness of body)
•pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen
•feeling of undue satiety after eating
•nausea, heartburn, bloating and belching
•regurgitation, vomiting
•heaviness in body
•growling stomach
•acidic taste of mouth
•heartburn
Don't ignore severe symptoms of indigestion. See a doctor right away without wasting any time, if you experience any of the following:
•severe vomiting
•if blood comes with vomiting or if the vomit looks like coffee grounds
•unexplained weight loss
•black stools
•trouble swallowing
•loss of appetite
•severe pain in abdomen
Who are at RISK of indigestion?
People of all age group, irrespective of the sex are affected by indigestion. But, yes old age people are more vulnerable due to reduced digestive enzymes, loss of teeth, less physical activity.
An individual's risk increases with:
•increased alcohol consumption
•use of certain medication like painkillers
•condition where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as ulcers
•emotional disturbances like anxiety or depression
How can you prevent Indigestion?
First and foremost, the best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and lifestyle that seem to cause it.
Some other suggestions:
•consumption of godhuma(wheat), mudga(green gram), purana chawal(old rice), rasona(garlic), seasonal fruits, high fiber diet, green leafy vegetables and luke watm water.
•consumption of light and easily digestible food.
•eat slowly and chew properly.
•avoid irregular food habits, heavy, oily and spicy food.
•bakery and processed food items needs to be avoided.
•avoidance of over-eating, suppression of natural urges.
•avoidance of irregular sleep, worries, anxiety and depression.
•reduce or avoid intake of food and beverages that contain caffeine.
•if you smoke, STOP!! smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
•cut down the alcohol consumption.
•don't lie down right after eating.
KITCHEN oriented medicines
1.Take 1gm of shunthi(dry ginger) powder twice daily before the principle meal with warm water.
2.Take 2-3gm of pippali(Piper longum Linn.) powder twice daily after food and luke warm water.
3.Take 3-5gm of powder of ajmoda(Apium graveolens Linn.) twuce or thrice daily with lukewarm water or butter milk.
4.You can make a kadha(decoction) of ajmoda(Apium graveolens Linn.) and hinga(Asafoetida) and after it's ready, add a pinch of black salt to it. Drink it while it's warm.
5.You can also take dhainyaka hima before going to bed daily.
DHAINYAKA HIMA
1.Crush the Coriander/ Dhanyaka seeds in a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle
2. Add 6x the amount of water (150ml).
3. Keep it overnight in a pot (earthen pot is best). Ideal is moonlight to add more cooling energy to it.
4. The next morning mix the seeds and water with your hands then strain through a muslin cloth.
Other suggestions
•Take 3gm of triphala churna with lukewarm water at the bedtime.
•Practise vajrasana after each meal for atleast 10min. regularly.
•Your yoga session can include:
-Suryanamaskara
-Bhujangasana
-Pavanamuktasana
•Practise the following pranamyama:
-Surya anuloma viloma
-Bhastrika
*These yoga practices are beneficial in ajirna(indigestion).But they should only be practised and performed under the guidance of a yoga instructor.
Outlook
Poor digestion is a common problem. Every other person experiences it, in day-to-day life. However, you shouldn’t ignore indigestion that’s:
•chronic
•severe
•unresponsive to over-the-counter medication
If left untreated, the symptoms of indigestion may interfere with the quality of your life.
If you’re can’t manage indigestion at home, speak with your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your digestive issues.
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