Indigestion is caused by swallowing excess air while eating, drinking carbonated beverages, or an underlying condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux where stomach acid rises into the esophagus. Minor digestive issues are common in modern society due to sedentary lifestyles and overeating. Peptic ulcers, which are inflammations in the stomach or duodenum lining from excess acid, are also prevalent with duodenal ulcers more common in India and the US amongst younger people.

1. What is Indigestion?

3. Almost everyone experiences occasional attacks of
indigestion, which are usually quite brief.
We may feel blown out or distended after a large meal
and get some relief when we bring up wind.

5. Most of the wind that we bring up is a result of
swallowing air as we eat, but some is produced by a
chemical reaction in the stomach or from carbonated,
fizzy drinks.

7. The solution for this type of gas problem is to EAT
LESS...

9. ...EAT SLOWLY...

11. ...AND GO EASY WITH FIZZY DRINKS.

13. More persistent indigestion is usually linked with the
acid produced by the stomach.

15. If the valve at the lower end of the oesophagus becomes
weak or defective, the acid juices in the stomach may
be pushed back upwards into the oesophagus
causing a burning sensation (heartburn).

17. This is often troublesome at night, when you lie flat.
The underlying condition is called gastro-oesophageal
reflux.

19. Minor digestive disorders have become a part of our
present day living style, which is a malady of affluent
society with sedentary habits.
And, peptic ulcer is one - inflammation of the inner
lining of the stomach due to acid peptic digestion.

21. Peptic ulcer that occurs in the duodenum is more
common in India and the USA, and occurs at a
younger age group (20-40 yrs.).
Gastric ulcer (ulcer in the stomach itself) is more
common amongst Japanese showing up at a later
age (40-50 yrs.).