Indigestion,Process,Causes
The process of Digestion:A clear understanding of the digestive processes(indigestion) that go on in the human body is vital to the understanding of the disorders from which digestion suffers. The major disorder is week digestion(indigestion), dyspepsia or slackness of digestive processes, which are known, in indigenous medicine as being caused by what is called mandagni. A three-fold process of digestion, absorption and assimilation accomplishes incorporation of food in human body. Digestion begins the moment food enters the mouth. |
After it passes into the intestine, the food is exposed to the action of bile, pancreatic juices, intestinal juice and the bacteria. These juices contain many elements, which break down the food into the final products like glycerin, which sustain the system. The only substance absorbed from the stomach to any extent is alcohol; all other substance must undergo the transformation that takes place in the intestines. Food materials are absorbed almost exclusively by the small intestine. The food is passed down the intestine by the contractions of its muscular coat. The indigestible residue, together with various substances, which are waste matter, excreted from the liver and the intestinal walls, is thrown out of the body in the stools. Assimilation is a much slower process(Indigestion). The blood circulates through every organ and each takes from it what is necessary for its own growth and repair. The cells in the bones extract lime salts, muscles sugar and protein and so forth. The muscles assimilate the greater bulk.
Causes of Indigestion:
The fundamental digestive disorder is indigestion or dyspepsia, which may give rise to more acute or serious diseases(indigestion). The basic cause of indigestion, besides weak digestive powers, is over eating or eating foods, which must be avoided. Stools of such persons contain large amounts of undigested matter. They suffer from flatulence arising from putrefying matter in the stomach or the intestines. Breaking wind or belching may provide temporary relief, but there is generally a feeling of fullness amounting to heaviness, loss of appetite and general discomfort. Sometimes hyperacidity –presence of more acid in the stomach that is normal-may cause a burning sensation and even eructation (sudden escape of gas from the mouth or coming up of the undersigned matter from the stomach). Overburdening of the stomach, the root cause of indigestion, has to be avoided in order to start the treatment.What can I do to reduce indigestion and aid in digestion of food?
1. Try not to drink fluids while you eat. This may seem counterintuitive, but fluids dilute the stomach excretions that are intended to help digest your food. You should drink plenty of fluids – water is really the only healthy thing to drink regularly – but not during your meals.2. Sit while you eat, chew thoroughly, and relax.
3. Don’t lie down after you eat.
4. Listen to what your body tells you about which foods to avoid. If you have to take anti-acid medications following a meal, this should tell you that meal isn’t appropriate for your constitution!
5. Learn what constitutes a well-balanced diet, not just which foods are “low fat” or “low carb”. A diet comprised of whole grains (e.g., brown rice, whole oats, or whole wheat), green vegetables, and lean proteins (meat or fish), with modest amounts of fruits and nuts, is likely to decrease your chances for serious indigestion. Studies have shown that fad diets (such as Atkins, South Beach, “low fat” crazes, etc.) all lead to imbalanced diets(indigestion), do not promote long-term health, and ultimately are difficult to maintain. The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Indigestion.
Artichoke
Digestive enzymes
Multivitamin and multiminerals
Peppermint
Probiotics
Vitamin C