Acid Indigestion Symptoms

Acid indigestion is a common digestive disorder like heartburn and constipation. It is caused by overeating, irregular intake of food, consumption of spicy meals, smoking and alcohol addiction, anxiety, sleeplessness, or even sleeping immediately after a heavy meal. These habits can create an excess amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can lead to sore pain in the pit of the stomach. Acid indigestion can cause loss in appetite, heartburn, chest pain, fullness of abdomen, and flatulence. A study into the symptoms of acid indigestion may help one to understand the disorder better and to take necessary precautions.

Signs and Symptoms of Acid Indigestion

Heartburn: Heartburn occurs due to reaction of stomach acid to spicy and oily foods during the digestion process. Even though the name suggests so, the term 'heartburn' is not related to heart attack; it is a symptom of acid indigestion. Here one may experience a kind of burning sensation in the upper abdomen. Gradually, this burning sensation rises towards the chest and throat.

Poor appetite: Another symptom of acid indigestion is poor appetite or loss of appetite. In such cases, one has the constant feeling that the stomach is full and the urge for food is less.

Flatulence: Acid indigestion is also characterized by flatulence or production of gases in the abdomen. Here, one passes excess gas with bad odor through the rectum.

Belching: This is another symptom of acid indigestion, where gas from the digestive tract (stomach or esophagus) is released through the mouth. Belching, also known as burping or eructation, has a typical sound and bad odor.

Nausea: This sign is caused due to excess acid reflux to the esophagus and reaction to conditions such as worry, fear, and anxiety. The feeling of nausea provokes one to vomit.

Early Satiety: Satiety is the satisfactory feeling after consuming food. However, early satiety refers to a feeling of full stomach even after having less food, and can occur due to acid indigestion.

Abdominal Distention: Abdominal distention or swelling in the abdomen is a symptom of acid indigestion, caused by excess production of gases. This may occur due to physical and mental inability to cope with tension and work pressure. Abdominal distention also develops due to acid reaction to oily and spicy junk food.

Vomiting: Chronic acid indigestion problem leads to vomiting. Some factors like irregular eating habits, skipping breakfast, addiction to alcoholic drinks, excess smoking, and stress may create too much gas in our stomach, which leads to vomiting.

If you are suffering from these symptoms, it is highly likely for you to be victimized by acid indigestion. In chronic cases, it can lead to stomach ulcers, unintended weight loss, severe stomach pain, constipation, and other health problems. Proper guidance by a physician is mandatory to treat the symptoms of acid indigestion. However, there are some natural cures that can help in fighting against stress-related factors which cause this ailment. These include:

• Relaxation techniques like pranayama, meditation, listening to music
• Stress management techniques such as forming positive attitude, expressing and sharing one's feelings, and reducing anxieties with friends or loved ones
• Avoiding fast foods
• Avoiding alcoholic drinks and smoking cessation
• Consumption of healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• At least eight hours sleep
• Drinking sufficient water

Besides, natural remedies such as ground cardamom seed blended with ginger or a tablespoon of cinnamon water taken after meal considerably helps in coping with acid indigestion.