What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Indigestion, also known as functional dyspepsia, is primarily characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, due to impaired food ejection function. Poor appetite can lead to a relative lack of body energy, resulting in symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Indigestion is common among children and the elderly or frail. In treatment, it is important to adjust the diet to focus on soft, easy-to-digest foods, eat more fresh green vegetables, and avoid raw, cold, or spicy foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to treat functional dyspepsia?

Functional dyspepsia, which is considered temporarily non-organic, should first be managed by dietary adjustments. Meals should be regular and portion-controlled to avoid overeating; softer, easily digestible foods should be favored while gas-producing foods like leeks and soy products should be limited. Medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility and accelerate food emptying can be used, as well as those that adjust microbial imbalances. Engaging in moderate outdoor activity after meals can also effectively enhance gastrointestinal motility and promote gastric emptying. (Please take medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is functional dyspepsia hereditary?

Functional dyspepsia is not a hereditary disease and does not have a genetic component. Functional dyspepsia refers to indigestion caused by the dysfunction of the stomach and intestines without any obvious organic diseases. The main symptoms include dull pain in the upper abdomen, which can manifest as burning or bloating pain. There are also symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes the passage of mucus stools. Generally, it does not lead to purulent or bloody stools, nor does it cause fever or severe urgency after defecation, among other symptoms.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should a baby eat if they have indigestion?

If the baby has indigestion, first of all, in terms of diet, provide light and easily digestible foods, such as rice porridge and noodles as complementary foods. If the baby is breastfed, the mother should eat a light diet and avoid greasy and spicy foods. If the baby is fed with cow's milk, try to dilute it a bit to aid in digestion. At the same time, they can eat more vegetables and fruits, which are relatively easy to digest. Some traditional Chinese medicines can also be given for regulation, such as Shenqu, Ji Nei Jin, hawthorn, and malt, all of which aid digestion. Additionally, intestinal probiotics can be added to regulate gastrointestinal function and an appropriate amount of zinc can be supplemented to increase appetite.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to regulate digestion and weight gain for those who are underweight

People with indigestion who are relatively thin can enhance their nutrition by eating protein-rich foods such as beef, lamb, and lean meat. However, those with indigestion should not eat spicy or stimulating foods, and should avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. It is important to rest adequately and engage in moderate physical exercise. Diet should be regular in timing and quantity, avoiding overeating or binge eating. It is advisable to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as apples, kiwifruits, and bananas. Patients with indigestion should not be tense or anxious and should maintain a pleasant mood.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What can you eat with indigestion?

Indigestion can be observed in various gastric diseases such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, chronic gastritis, and peptic ulcers, all of which can exhibit symptoms of indigestion. When experiencing symptoms of indigestion, attention must also be paid to diet. Firstly, one must quit smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid strong tea, coffee, fatty and heavy foods, spicy foods, fried foods, grilled foods, raw and cold foods, as well as sweets. One should avoid consuming milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, sweet potatoes, and other such foods. This is because some of these foods can increase gastric acid secretion leading to a worsening of gastric diseases, and some are difficult to digest, exacerbating symptoms of indigestion; therefore, they are not recommended. It is advised to increase physical activity, as exercise can promote gastrointestinal motility, which is effective in improving symptoms of indigestion.