Common Causes of Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as incomplete digestion, is a condition that affects nearly 30% of the American population. The worst part about indigestion is that the causes are often difficult to identify, and people who suffer from indigestion might continue to suffer for years without the relief.

What most people fail to realize about indigestion is that it isn’t the foods that cause the burning sensation in the chest and throat, but the digestive track itself. People who suffer from indigestion usually have digestive problems that cause the pain when certain foods are consumed.

Rather than simply taking a pill every time the pain begins, it is important examine the possible causes of indigestion, and to try and find a more permanent solution that doesn’t involve swallowing a pill every day.

The following are common causes of indigestion:

#1. Helicobacter Pylori Infection.

This is a more serious condition that will eventually develop into stomach cancer if gone untreated. H. pylori is a fragile bacteria that is found in the protective mucous layer of the stomach. This will cause secondary indigestion.

#2. Inadequate Hydrochloric Acid Production

The stomach is an extremely sensitive organ, and when there is an absence of hydrochloric acid, the stomach has difficulty breaking down the food you consume. When this happens, the stomach simply sends the food up you’re your esophagus because it is the only option it has.

This can be resolved by ingesting a tablespoon of distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which will restore the balance of acid in your stomach. You should experience an immediate relief of pain, and it will help in future production of acid.
If this does solve your problem, look into purchasing a supplemental hydrochloric acid tablet for heartburn or indigestion attacks.

#3. Too Much Hydrochloric Acid

When people age, the production of essential digestive enzymes is slowed in many cases, causing an increase in the production of hydrochloric acid to compensate. For this scenario, a digestive enzyme complex with no added hydrochloric acid can help to relieve pain associated with indigestion.

#4. Poor Liver Function

There are hundreds of diseases that damage the liver (such as cancer, hepatitis and pancreatitis) and when the liver is malfunctioning or prohibited from working well, the release of digestive enzymes in the body can be altered. People who suffer from this cause of indigestion should consult with their doctor about methods to control the indigestion.

#5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Drinking large qualities of alcohol – especially hard liquor – will irritate the throat, esophagus and stomach, while slowly eating away at the liver. This can cause a disruption in the production of both hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. If you consume alcohol on a daily basis, consider abstaining for several weeks to see if it has any affect on your indigestion.