Does a sumptious holiday dinner leave you with an upset stomach or a bloated feeling? (Be careful about blaming the cook.)
Indigestion is certainly caused by digestive diseases. But according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, indigestion may happen if you:
- Eat too much or too fast
- Eat high-fat foods, such as rich gravy or high-fat desserts
- Eat when you’re tired or stressed (Ongoing stress can make indigestion worse.)
- Smoke, especially right before eating
- Drink too many alcoholic beverages
- Exercise too soon on a full stomach (Wait at least an hour.)
For the record, food itself doesn’t cause indigestion but may aggravate the problem by stimulating your stomach to make more digestive acids.
If your indigestion is persistent, or if you vomit, sweat, or feel severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or pain that travels to your arm, neck, or jaw, see your doctor.
If you’re susceptible to indigestion:
- Heed the best advice: Avoid foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keep a food diary to find out what they are.
- Use an antacid—if it helps.
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