Does indigestion cause constipation?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Indigestion can cause constipation, as the gastrointestinal tract's ability to digest and absorb food decreases, preventing efficient elimination of feces. Indigestion is common among adolescents, often due to irregular and spicy eating habits, a preference for puffed food, and insufficient water intake. Prolonged periods can lead to constipation, so it is important to adjust dietary habits, eat more green vegetables, drink plenty of water, engage in outdoor activities, and develop the habit of defecating at regular times. These measures can effectively alleviate or prevent constipation.

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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 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 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.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if I have indigestion and feel like vomiting?

Symptoms of indigestion, nausea, and the urge to vomit should be treated differently based on the duration of the condition. If these symptoms appear in the short term and there is no history of stomach diseases, it might be suitable to take prokinetic drugs moderately, pay attention to a light diet, and recovery is often achievable. If the symptoms recur frequently, further examination is needed, with gastroscopy being the initial choice. Treatment should be based on the examination results, and combining prokinetic drugs, such as mosapride, often leads to significant effects. At the same time, dietary habits should focus on light and easy-to-digest foods, and it is best to avoid raw, greasy, and spicy foods that cause irritation. Additionally, quitting smoking and drinking, and maintaining a positive mindset are also helpful. (Note: The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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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.