Indigestion: What it is, symptoms and how to treat
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Do you know that feeling of an upset stomach? It is often accompanied by nausea, nausea, burping, and a discomfort in the chest and stomach. These symptoms reveal that one of the steps in the digestive process has not worked as it should, thus causing indigestion.
You may have felt this way after a heavy, greasy meal or even after eating some food of dubious origin. So here's what can cause poor digestion:
- Fatty foods;
- Food that is contaminated, poorly prepared, or has too many chemicals;
- Eat too fast;
- Drink plenty of liquids during meals.
On the other hand, in addition to these reasons, Prof. Dr. Carlos Machado, nephrologist and specialist in general and preventive medicine, explains that the "fault" of poor digestion may not be the food itself, but the functioning of the individual's system.check what is happening," he points out.
Main symptoms
- Sickness;
- Burps;
- Nausea;
- Discomfort in the chest and in the mouth of the stomach;
- Feeling of a full stomach;
- Sleepiness after meals.
How to treat indigestion?
First of all, it is important to observe the symptoms and investigate the possible cause of this discomfort. Thus, if it is an isolated event, try to remember your last meals: Was the food well prepared? Was it too heavy in fats and spices? Are you used to eating it? This way you can get an idea of what triggered the indigestion and not repeat it.
"If you have an isolated symptom once, you can take a symptomatic and solve it in a simple way. But, most of the time, we need to have a medical follow-up", Machado reinforces.
Read also: Foods that are good for intestinal health
Risks
Indigestion can mean only a momentary discomfort, however, in some cases it calls attention to something more serious, such as:
- Gastritis;
- Ulcer;
- Reflux;
- Inflammation in the pancreas;
- Inflammation in the gallbladder;
- Cirrhosis;
- Cancer of the esophagus or stomach.
Whenever possible, seek the advice of a professional - especially if your digestive symptoms are frequent. It is important to have a recurring doctor, because he/she performs periodic evaluations and, thus, can more easily identify any irregularities in your body.
How to avoid indigestion?
Above all, prevention is better than cure, isn't it? So, learn what you can do to avoid unwanted discomfort:
- Remember: You are what you eat. Prioritize healthy food;
- Reduce junk food and too much industrialized or fatty food;
- Chew your food well;
- Follow up with your doctor.
Source: Prof. Dr. Carlos Machado nephrologist and specialist in preventive medicine .

