Most of us may have experienced pain or discomfort after meals in the tummy region at some point – be it the morning after a spicy curry or following a slap-up Sunday roast.
The feeling – which can sometimes seem like a ‘fire in your belly’ – can range from mild to severe and can last for a few minutes to several unhappy hours.
But the good news is that indigestion is a common condition and there are lots of things you can do to help manage the symptoms.
According to the experts at Rennie, there are plenty of common indigestion symptoms to look out for and it’s important you can recognise them so you can take action. These include:
- A pain that typically starts in the upper abdomen and moves up behind your breastbone
- Pain behind the ribs
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- A rumbling or gurgling stomach
- A knotted stomach or cramps
- Bloated stomach
- Feeling uncomfortable after eating
- Excessive burping or flatulence
- A burning sensation in your belly
So what causes indigestion?
When you eat, your stomach produces acid.
Indigestion is often caused by excess stomach acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the stomach, the top part of the bowel, or the oesophagus, which can cause soreness and swelling. This can also be triggered by some types of food and drink or the stomach stretching after a large meal.
Persistent indigestion sometimes occurs as a result of an ulcer, taking certain medications, or another condition. If you think this might be you, make an appointment with your GP.
But if you only suffer once in a while, try looking out for patterns in what you eat and when you feel in pain.
We all experience Indigestion differently, and its triggers are different for each of us. Common causes include:
1.EATING HEAVY MEALS OR FATTY FOODS
Fatty foods such as fried chicken, processed meats or dairy can irritate the belly. Eating too fast & on the go can also lead to indigestion.
You can increase your chances of avoiding indigestion by making sure you’re eating enough fibre.
For healthy, steady digestion, you need a variety of different fibres, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread, fruit, veg and grains. But be careful not to go too far the other way – too much fibre can cause bloating and digestive issues.
Take time to chew your food properly; chunky food is harder for the stomach to break down and digest. Try to sit down when you’re eating.
2. SMOKING
The chemicals in the smoke can cause the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach to relax, allowing acid to escape in to the digestive system.
3. A BUSY STRESSFUL LIFESTYLE
Stress and anxiety can have a huge impact on our digestion, leading to an increased production of stomach acid.
4. DRINKING ALCOHOL
Alcohol can cause your stomach to produce more acid than normal, which can irritate your stomach lining.
So how can I treat indigestion?
Rennie is a fast-acting, effective remedy for indigestion. When symptoms hit, Rennie quickly gets to work to relieve painful symptoms and is available in different flavours including Peppermint and Spearmint.
Rennie antacid tablets work within minutes to powerfully neutralise excess stomach acid, turning it into water and other natural substances to help keep your stomach happy.
Rennie can be taken day or night to relieve painful symptoms and is also suitable for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding*.
Click here for more information from the experts at Rennie on the causes of indigestion and to learn more about the full range of Rennie products.
Rennie Peppermint & Spearmint. Always read the label.
*Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking medicines in pregnancy.
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