Advisory by Roy Khoo, Guardian Patient Care Pharmacist
Friendly Farmacist Friday: Feel like your stomach is going to explode? You may be suffering from indigestion. Learn about how you can better manage indigestion with our quick guide below!
What is indigestion?
Indigestion is often used to describe a variety of symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Belching
- Pain at the lower part of the chest
What causes indigestion?
When we eat too fast or too much, our stomach can’t properly digest the sudden intake of food. This often leads to indigestion and it can be made even worse if the food is not properly chewed. Indigestion can also happen in people who lie down after a meal.
Our lifestyle plays an important role in digestion as well. Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, high stress levels, and eating too much fatty and/or spicy food can all contribute to indigestion.
What are some steps that can be done to reduce indigestion?
- Have small but frequent meals
- Remain upright after each meal
- Relax (if indigestion is caused by stress)
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- Avoid or quit smoking
What are the medications available for indigestion?
Some over-the-counter supplements containing probiotics and enzymes can be taken to reduce indigestion. Pharmacy medicines are also available for relieving the symptoms of indigestion.
