subject: What causes indigestion and how can you treat it? [print this page] Ever suffered from stomach pain, nausea or a burning sensation after a big meal? If so, you're not alone. Indigestion is very common, with an estimated 41% of people suffering from it at some point.
Indigestion is caused when excess stomach acid escapes from the stomach and passes up the gullet, causing pain and the burning feeling known as heart burn'. There's a range of reasons why this happens, including eating too much, inflammation of the stomach lining and stomach ulcers. There are other factors that can increase the risk of indigestion as well, such as being overweight, eating spicy food, smoking, a reaction to medication, stress and caffeine.
So how do you treat it? In most cases, indigestion and heart burn can be treated by taking antacid medication available over the counter at the pharmacy, such as Gaviscon or Rennie. This neutralises the excess stomach acid and forms a protective layer over the stomach lining. You can also relieve the symptoms by making some lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet, stop smoking and losing weight.
There are different types of antacids available with different ingredients, so it's a good idea to ask your pharmacist for advice on which ones are best to take, particularly if you're pregnant or have a history of kidney problems.
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Article contributed by All About Health a resource of health advice and information that aims to spread awareness on the health services (such as weight management, stopping smoking and cholesterol screening) available in your local pharmacy.
