What can you eat with indigestion?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 28, 2025
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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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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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What should I do about indigestion?

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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What tests should be done for indigestion?

Indigestion is relatively common in clinical practice. Patients can undergo several diagnostic tests to rule out other causes of indigestion. These tests include gastroscopy, complete blood count, liver function tests, Helicobacter pylori testing, and abdominal ultrasound. Generally, if these tests show no issues, especially if the patient's symptoms are persistent and not accompanied by any alarming signs such as fever, bloody stools, vomiting blood, decreased appetite, or weight loss, indigestion is usually considered. In terms of treatment, symptomatic treatment is emphasized. Typically, medications that protect the stomach, improve gastrointestinal motility, and aid digestion can be used and generally provide some degree of control. Of course, this is under the assumption that other causes of abdominal discomfort, such as ulcers, inflammation, or even tumors, have been ruled out. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)

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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.