A general term for discomfort brought by eating. Symptoms include stomach pain, acid in the gullet, nausea and gas. It is often caused by eating too much or too quickly, or by eating rich or spicy food. Stress may also be a contributing factor.

Prevention - Dietary

Eat small meals regularly. Eat slowly and in a relaxed manner and chew the food thoroughly.Avoid highly spiced or rich foods. Limit fluid intake during meals, but drink plenty of water between meals. Replace refined carbohydrates with wholegrain carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, brown rice and pasta). Reduce sugar intake. Eat plenty of green vegetables. Boil or grill food rather than frying it, and avoid sauces. Avoid eating fruit with or after meals. Keep it separate.

Treatment

Aromatherapy

Lie or sit and massage the abdomen with a teaspoonful (5 ml) of carrier oil containing 1 drop of essential oil of peppermint or ginger (or 2 drops in 10 ml). Always massage in a clockwise direction.

Herbal

Meadowsweet infusion protects and soothes the mucous membranes of the stomach, reduces acidity and relieves nausea: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the dried herb, infuse for 15 minutes and drink 3 times daily.

Homeopathy

Take 1 tablet every 15 minutes for up to 4 doses and repeat if needed:

After rich foods, with gas and rancid belching: Carbo vegetabilis 6c. After spicy food, stimulants, alcohol: Nux vomica 6c. Burning pain, worse in the small hours of the morning: Arsenicum album 6c. Stomach keeps filling up with gas, explosive belching and flatulence, worse from sweets and nervousness: Argentum nitricum 6c. Intolerant of pulses, onions and garlic and large meals in general, flatulence gets obstructed and becomes painful: Lycopodium 6c.

Chinese Medicine

Hawthorn berry, wheat and rice sprouts can be taken to relieve discomfort.

Relaxation

Set aside a regular time for eating and try to clear your mind of concerns before you sit down. Do not read or watch television while eating, and try not to think about or discuss problems or worries, concentrate on thorough chewing and enjoyment of the meal. Try to find time for the following routine once a day. Lie on a firm surface, close your eyes and be aware of how your body feels. Focus your attention on each part of your body, starting with your face and eyes; consciously try to relax every part in turn. The whole routine should take at least 10 minutes.

Reflexology

Massage the area relating to the stomach, found on both soles of the feet, above the midline in the arch.

Orthodox

Antacids may be recommended for temporary relief, but should not be used long term. If indigestion lasts for more than a few days and especially if you feel generally unwell, consult your doctor.