Ask questions about indigestion

Popularly known as congestion, a indigestion, a term used by doctors, is a digestion disruption. There is no single cause for this problem that can be triggered by both food abuse and after-meal physical efforts. Learn more about the problem, its symptoms, and what to do when you or someone else shows signs of indigestion.

What foods can cause indigestion?

Overconsumption of any kind of food can cause indigestion, but heavy, fried or fatty foods deserve attention as they take longer to digest.

Does physical activity after a meal lead to indigestion?

According to doctors, the ideal would be for people to be quiet for at least half an hour after meals. When we finish lunch, the blood goes intensely into the digestive tract to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.


If during this period the person makes any kind of intense physical effort, such as playing a sport or walking for a long period of time, other parts of the body will request the blood that is in the digestive tract and indigestion may occur.

Contrary to common sense, it is important to note that activities such as bathing or reading after lunch do not cause indigestion because they require moderate efforts. Sea and pool bathing, according to doctors, should wait, as people usually move around a lot in these cases. Doctors advise people to wait at least an hour after a meal to get in the water.

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Heaviness associated with distension and pain in the abdomen, nausea, nausea, heartburn and hiccups may be signs of indigestion. Depending on the progression and intensity, symptoms such as feeling unwell, feeling faint, sweating, cold extremities and pale skin may also appear.


What should I do to relieve symptoms?

Drugs like effervescent and antacids can relieve symptoms within a few hours, but for lasting and effective relief it is worth betting on a change in eating habits.

Avoid eating too fast without chewing your food properly, drinking excessively during meals and abusing fatty foods and fried foods. If symptoms disappear after taking such measures, indigestion poses no risk.

However, if symptoms persist for more than a week, or are accompanied by any other abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention, as abdominal pain may be related to some gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | FAQ with Dr. Gina Adrales (April 2024)


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