What should I do about indigestion?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Indigestion is considered a gastrointestinal dysfunction, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views it as spleen and stomach weakness. TCM recommends using herbal medicines to adjust the spleen and stomach, as well as consuming foods that aid digestion, such as tomatoes, hawthorn, pumpkin, and Chinese yam. These foods help to generate fluids to quench thirst, moisten the intestines for bowel movement, and assist digestion. It is advisable to have a lighter diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, engage in appropriate outdoor exercise to improve physical health, and eat meals at regular times and quantities to avoid overeating. It is important to protect the gastrointestinal system and enhance the stomach's digestive function in daily life. If symptoms do not improve after dietary adjustments, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department for a detailed examination.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to regulate indigestion caused by stomach acid?

Symptoms of excessive stomach acid and indigestion usually indicate insufficient gastric motility and hypersecretion of stomach acid. Many gastrointestinal diseases may present these symptoms, so it is advisable to first check with a gastroscopy and a test for Helicobacter pylori. Treatment should be targeted based on the results of the tests. At the same time, it is important to develop good living habits, ensure proper balance between work and rest, and have meals at regular times and in controlled amounts, or eat smaller, more frequent meals. Try to avoid extreme hunger or overeating, and excessive eating and drinking, while also quitting smoking and alcohol. The principle for diet is to consume light and easily digestible food, and to avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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One-year-old baby with indigestion

If a one-year-old baby has indigestion, first we should pay attention to the child's diet to see if it is normal. A one-year-old child should ideally have three main meals a day and then drink about 500ml of milk or formula. If the child's diet is inappropriate, or the child has little physical activity, or due to illness, etc., these can lead to indigestion. In such cases, we first need to adjust the dietary structure, offering the child light and easily digestible food, and avoid foods that are too fatty or too sweet. Additionally, some medications for treating indigestion can be administrated to the child, such as gastric protease granules, multi-enzyme tablets, pediatric fel nigrum extract, etc. For children who also have abnormal stool, probiotics can be given to help regulate their digestion.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Harm of Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is very common in life, especially among adolescents, which can lead to a further decrease in appetite. Food accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract for a long time, making it difficult to move downwards, causing stomach and intestinal bloating. Over time, it affects the appetite, and the patient's mental and nutritional status will be impacted. It is necessary to use some digestive aids and drugs that promote gastrointestinal motility in a timely manner. Attention should also be paid to dietary adjustments, eating regular meals in fixed quantities, and eating more soft, easily digestible food. Try to eat less raw, cold, or spicy food. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Yang Shuang
Cardiology
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How to regulate functional dyspepsia?

For functional dyspepsia, dietary attentions include consuming easily digestible foods such as noodles, steamed buns, dumplings, and soft-cooked rice. Try to avoid hard or difficult-to-digest foods, such as bones, and avoid acidic, spicy foods, and alcohol. Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. For medical treatment, medications that promote gastrointestinal motility and aid in digesting food can be taken, such as supplements containing gastric protease. Eating smaller, more frequent meals is advisable, avoiding excessive consumption of fish and meat. Daily protein intake should be around 50 grams to meet the body's needs.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can indigestion cause rectal bleeding?

Indigestion does not cause bloody stools. Most cases of bloody stools are due to rupture of the gastrointestinal mucosa or damage to the walls of submucosal blood vessels. The primary symptoms of indigestion include decreased appetite, bloating, stomach pain, and acid reflux. Most instances of indigestion are caused by reduced gastric motility, and there are medications available that promote gastrointestinal motility and increase appetite. Additionally, it is recommended to eat a light and reasonable diet, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Engaging in appropriate outdoor activities after meals can help increase gastrointestinal motility. Maintaining a good mood is also beneficial for improving symptoms of poor gastrointestinal function. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)