Bloating/Indigestion

Causes: Indigestion, or upset of the intestinal tract, and bloating, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, often results from problems with digestion of foods, although sometimes indigestion is caused by irritation to the intestinal tract as in gastritis, an ulcer, or acid reflux.

Signs and Symptoms:

The main symptoms and signs of indigestion are bloating, belching, flatulence, and discomfort in the abdominal region.

Treatment:

If due to gastritis, ulcer, or acid reflux, those conditions must be treated.

Antacids and medications to decrease the acidity of the stomach, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid, among others, are used medically to treat indigestion.

From an alternative perspective, much of the bloating and indigestion, if not due to acid reflux, is due to LOW acidity in the stomach, and betaine hydrochloride with meals is helpful. Digestive enzymes with food will also help digest food and decrease bloating, and acidophilus supplementation is helpful. Avoid foods that aggravate the intestinal tract. Sometimes the bloating is due to lactose intolerance, and dairy products should be avoided. Caffeine and alcohol can also be irritating.