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Indigestion Causes

Some foods are frequently blamed as an indigestion causes. Coffee, either caffeinated or decaffeinated, and spicy and fatty foods are often responsible. For people who are unable to absorb lactose, dairy products may cause cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Alcohol is also commonly associated with upset stomach and often cited as an indigestion causes.

Eating too quickly or not chewing food well, leads to inadequate breakdown of food and incomplete mixing of the secretive juices and enzymes with the food, which can cause an uncomfortable after-meal experience.

Prescriptions or over-the-counter medications are common indigestion causes. ASA, also known as acetylsalicylic acid; (Aspirin) can upset the stomach even in small amounts. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause an upset stomach. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter, like ibuprofen, while many others are available with a prescription. Other medications known to upset the stomach include potassium supplements, iron supplements, niacin, some antibiotics, codeine-containing (or other narcotic) pain medications, steroids like prednisone and estrogens. If you are taking an over-the-counter or prescription medication and are wondering if it could be causing your upset stomach, ask your pharmacist.

Eating when stressed or when in a hurry, emotional disturbances such as anxiety, nervousness, impatience, fear, anger, resentment, depression, wearing effects of fatigue can also play a large part in how food is digested.

Some medical conditions are known indigestion causes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the acid normally found in the stomach to digest food washes back up abnormally into the esophagus (food pipe). This condition can cause heartburn and indigestion. Peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (a part of the intestine just below the stomach), can cause dyspepsia. However, most people with indigestion do not have ulcers. Peptic ulcers are more common in people over 40 years of age, people who take NSAIDs, those who have a type of bacteria in their stomach mucus called Helicobacter pylori, people with a history of peptic ulcer disease, those who smoke, and men. Bladder disease, pancreatitis, thyroid problems, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers are also indigestion causes.

Indigestion Symptoms: References

By Mortin - Copyright 2010
Last modification 05/02/2009