Indigestion is described as pain, distress and discomfort, a condition that is often felt in the abdomen (belly) of the person affected. During and after meal the stomach malfunctions, which causes the condition to worsen. It is also known as dyspepsia and it is one of the most commonest form of all the ailments.
It is known as a symptom and not a disease, each case is required to be carefully investigated to determine the cause of it, and the nature of the disorder. One type of indigestion is described as functional disturbance of the stomach, a break-down of the mechanism without any structural defects. There is too much or too little acid being secreted by the stomach glands.
The other type of indigestion is an actual disease of the stomach or duodenum, dilatation or inflammation, (gasritis) ulceration and cancer. Disorder of the bowels or stomach, and dyspeptic symptoms may arise during the course of many other diseases, like liver, gall-bladder, heart, kidney, appendix and lung disease.
Frequent consumption of large and elaborate meals, if habitually eaten, will exhaust the glands of the stomach and weaken its muscular walls, which can cause dilatation of that organ. If the organs of the digestive system becomes over-worked, sources of indigestion occurs.
Constipation is sometimes associated with indigestion, which causes the whole digestive system to become handicapped, and induces mechanical changes in the abdomen. Affected individuals often complained of pains in the pits of their stomachs which arises from dyspepsia of constipation.
When the food is eaten too hastily and is imperfectly chewed and mixed with saliva, additional work is thus placed upon the stomach. The natural rythm of the stomach is upset by taking meals at irregular times. Eating between meals can spoil the appetite and also harm the natural mechanism of the organs, making them weak and unable to process the food for digestion.
Like other vital organs the stomach requires pauses and rest. Tea and coffee can have an adverse effect upon the system when it is made too strong, and then consumed into the stomach. When strong tea and coffee is taken to excess, it can have an astringent and irritating char on the lining of the stomach walls, diminishing the flow of juice which eventually causes digestive trouble. When alcohol is abused, it acts in the same way on the stomach walls as strong tea or coffee.
If the teeth, gums, tonsils, or nose is not in a healthy condition, the saliva is poisonous,owing to the constant swallowing of poisonous matter, from any of these passed down into the stomach may cause indigestion.
Prevention:
(1)Do not drink undiluted alcohol on an empty stomach.
(2) See that your tea is properly infused not stewed.
(3)Eat foods that will prevent constipation.
(4)Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food
(5)Be sparing with all condiments.
(6)Be careful with the hygiene of your mouth and throat.
