What to Eat When You Have Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can be caused by various factors, and identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. In most cases, it's due to gastrointestinal dysfunction or functional dyspepsia. For such situations, over-the-counter herbal remedies like spleen-strengthening and stomach-harmonizing formulas may help. Products such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Pian (digestive tablets) or oral solutions designed to support digestion are commonly used and can provide relief.

If the issue stems from structural problems in the stomach, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers, targeted medical treatment is necessary. Alongside managing the underlying condition, acid-suppressing medications like rabeprazole or pantoprazole may be prescribed to treat ulcers. Additionally, mucosal protective agents such as L-glutamine (commonly found in products like Meizhelin) or teprenone can aid in healing the stomach lining. As the inflammation or structural issues improve, symptoms of indigestion typically subside.

In some cases, delayed gastric emptying contributes to indigestion, and prokinetic drugs can play a crucial role in symptom management. Medications like domperidone, mosapride, cisapride, or itopride help stimulate gastric motility and can reduce bloating and discomfort associated with slow digestion.

Dietary and lifestyle adjustments are also key components in managing indigestion. Avoiding heavy meals, reducing fat intake, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can all contribute to better digestive health. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding lying down immediately after eating may further alleviate symptoms.