Eat lying on your stomach là gì

An upset stomach isn’t usually cause for alarm. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is fairly common. But pay attention to persistent indigestion that affects your quality of life. It could point to a more serious gastrointestinal [stomach and intestines] disorder. Most of the time, though, dietary changes and medication are enough to treat indigestion.

  • Overview
  • Possible Causes
  • Care and Treatment
  • When to Call the Doctor
Indigestion [Dyspepsia]

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, describes an upset stomach. It may cause a painful or burning feeling in your abdomen [belly]. Also called a sour stomach, indigestion may happen once in a while or often.

Indigestion is sometimes confused with heartburn. Heartburn, is a separate condition that affects your upper chest.

How common is indigestion?

Indigestion is a very common condition. About 25% of people in the U.S. experience indigestion each year.

A healthcare provider will review your medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. Try to explain your indigestion in as much detail as possible. Note the type of discomfort and where you feel it. Also tell your healthcare provider when you experience indigestion. For example, does it occur after a meal or on an empty stomach? Is it worse in the morning or at night? Do certain foods make it worse?

Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam. They’ll check your belly for swelling or tenderness. They may use a stethoscope [medical instrument to hear sounds inside the body] to check your stomach for growling or gurgling.

Other diagnostic tests may include:

  • Blood tests, to assess your liver, kidney and thyroid function.
  • Breath test, to check for H pylori.
  • Imaging exams, to check for blockages or other problems in the intestines. Imaging exams may include X-ray, CT scan or upper endoscopy.
  • Stool test, to check poop for H. pylori or other bacterial infections.

What causes indigestion?

  • Indigestion is usually caused by:
  • Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
  • Eating too much or too fast.
  • Eating fatty, spicy or acidic foods.
  • Experiencing stress or anxiety.
  • Taking certain medications, including aspirin — especially if taken on an empty stomach.

Sometimes indigestion means there’s a problem in your digestive tract. Your digestive system contains organs that help your body break down food and absorb nutrients.

Indigestion could be a sign of:

Sometimes chronic [ongoing] indigestion isn’t related to any of these causes. In that case, it’s called functional indigestion [functional dyspepsia].

What are the symptoms of indigestion?

Symptoms of indigestion may include:

You can reduce your risk of indigestion by:

  • Avoiding alcohol.
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Managing your stress level.
  • Not eating meals before bed.
  • Not smoking.
  • Replacing aspirin with acetaminophen.

How is indigestion treated?

Most people find relief from indigestion by making diet changes or taking medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of both.

Diet changes include:

  • Avoiding foods or drinks that trigger indigestion.
  • Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
  • Removing fatty, spicy or acidic foods from your diet.

What medications help indigestion?

Indigestion caused by another health condition might improve with medication. Common medications for relief include:

  • Antacids: These over-the-counter medications provide quick relief for acid reflux. They neutralize stomach acid.
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections like H. pylori.
  • H2 blockers: These medications decrease the amount of acid your stomach produces. H2 blockers may help peptic ulcers.
  • Proton pump inhibitors [PPIs]: PPIs decrease the acid in your stomach, but are usually only for people with heartburn.

Will I need surgery for indigestion?

Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if ongoing acid reflux gives you indigestion. A procedure called laparoscopic antireflux surgery may help relieve the symptoms of GERD. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it doesn’t need a large incision [cut].

How long will indigestion last?

Indigestion might go way as soon as you change your diet and habits. If you do take medication for your upset stomach, only do so with your healthcare provider’s approval. Some medications, especially acid reducers, can have long-term side effects. These may include an increased risk of infections or low levels of important nutrients.

Contact a healthcare provider right away if you experience:

  • Black stools.
  • Chest pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Frequent or bloody vomiting.
  • Jaundice [yellowing of your eyes or skin].
  • Severe pain in your belly.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

The occasional stomach problem is normal. But frequent stomach problems can keep you from eating, sleeping or working. If indigestion is affecting your quality of life, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. There are a variety of professionals who can help with stomach problems. They include primary care providers, dietitians, gastroenterologists and talk therapists.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/10/2021.

References

  • American Academy of Family Physicians. Antacids and Acid Reducers: OTC Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflux. [//familydoctor.org/antacids-and-acid-reducers-otc-relief-for-heartburn-and-acid-reflux/] Accessed 2/2/2021.
  • American Academy of Family Physicians. Dyspepsia: What It Is and What To Do About It. [//www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1215/afp20101215p1459.pdf] Accessed 2/2/2021.
  • Ishimura N, Ishihara S, Kinoshita, Y. Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. 2018;24:182-196. Accessed 2/2/2021.
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Indigestion [Dyspepsia]. [//www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia] Accessed 2/2/2021.
  • National Kidney Foundation. Acid Reflux and Proton Pump Inhibitors. [//www.kidney.org/atoz/content/acid-reflux-and-proton-pump-inhibitors] Accessed 2/2/2021.

Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Some people have health conditions that make many foods challenging for them to digest. What healthful dietary choices can a person make if they have trouble with digestion?

Symptoms of digestive problems include acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. These can result from many causes, including irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], acid reflux, pregnancy, eating too fast, medications, and gastrointestinal surgery.

The body needs a range of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and fat. In some forms, however, these nutrients can be hard to digest.

What should people with digestive issues eat to maintain a healthy diet while avoiding digestive problems? This article looks at 11 easy-to-digest foods that may help.

Share on PinterestToasting bread breaks down some of its carbohydrates.

Toast is easier to digest than bread as the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates.

Toast can help decrease nausea and reduce heartburn, but not all toast is the same.

Whole wheat bread is more healthful than white bread but is high in fiber and can be difficult for some people to eat.

If a person has trouble digesting whole wheat toast, the first step is to try it plain without butter. For additional flavor, choose fruit jellies over creamy spreads, such as nut butter.

Enriched white bread is an option if someone cannot tolerate whole grains. Depending on the type, two slices of enriched white bread may provide:

  • 140 calories
  • 29 grams [g] of carbohydrate
  • 4 g of protein
  • 1 g of fiber
  • 60.2 milligrams [mg] of calcium
  • 1.44 mg of iron
  • 60.2 micrograms [mcg] of folate

Thin slices of plain, white toast without spreads may be the best option for some people.

Those with an intolerance to wheat or gluten can choose a wheat free or gluten free bread option.

Many grocery stores stock wheat free bread, gluten free bread, and enriched white bread. These products are also available for purchase online.

  • Gluten and wheat free bread
  • Enriched white bread

Rice is a good source of energy and protein, but not all grains are easy to digest. High fiber rice, such as brown rice, can contribute to digestive issues, including diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

When looking for grains that are easy on the digestive system, white rather than brown, black, or red rice may be a better option. Enriched white rice will have added vitamins and minerals, which enhance its nutritional value.

Half a cup of long grain, dry, brown rice provides:

  • 300 calories
  • 64 [g] of carbohydrate
  • 6 g of protein
  • 2 g of fiber
  • 2.88 [mg] of iron

Half a cup of enriched, dry, medium, white rice contains:

  • 337 calories
  • 74 g of carbohydrate
  • 6.6 g of protein
  • 1.2 g of fiber
  • 4 mg of iron

Adding oils and other fat sources to rice may also make it hard to digest. It is best to opt for plain rice and add toppings with caution until you find out which ones are most suitable.

Learn more here about the health benefits of rice and the different types available.

Look out for enriched, white rice in the grocery store, or purchase it online.

Bananas provide carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and many other vitamins and minerals. Most people can digest them well.

They also provide fluid, which is important for people with diarrhea or constipation.

A medium banana weighing 118 g contains:

  • 88.4 g of water
  • 105 calories
  • 1.29 g of protein
  • 3.07 g of fiber
  • 27 g of carbohydrate, including 14.4 g of sugar
  • 5.9 mg of calcium
  • 31.9 mg of magnesium
  • 422 mg of potassium

The riper the banana, the more carbohydrate turns to sugar. People on a diabetes meal plan may need to consider the carbohydrates and sugar that come from bananas when doing their daily calculations.

Bananas are a high FODMAP fruit. The FODMAP diet categorizes food according to how it affects people with IBS. High FODMAP fruits can be hard for a person with IBS to tolerate than low FODMAP fruits, such as strawberries and grapes. Bananas may trigger bloating, cramping, and other symptoms in people with IBS.

Learn more here about the health benefits of bananas.

Fruit is part of a healthy diet and is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. However, the fiber in fruit can lead to digestive problems.

Cooking helps break down the fiber, making it easier to digest. For this reason, applesauce can be easier to digest than an uncooked apple.

Applesauce also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that may help treat some types of diarrhea.

Depending on the type of apple, a 244-g cup of unsweetened applesauce can provide:

  • 215 g of water
  • 102 calories
  • 27.5 g of carbohydrate
  • 22.9 g of sugar
  • 2.68 g of fiber
  • 181 mg of potassium
  • 7.32 mcg of folate
  • 4.88 mg of sodium

People on a low sugar diet will need to account for the sugar in applesauce.

Apples and applesauce contain fermentable carbohydrates that feed gut bacteria, but these may aggravate symptoms of IBS.

To make applesauce

This guide tells you how to make applesauce at home:

1. Peel, core, and slice apples.

2. Put in a pan with a tablespoonful of water, just enough to stop the apples from sticking.

3. Cover and cook on a low heat for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Mash or sieve to remove unwanted lumps.

5. Serve hot or cold.

The advantage of making applesauce at home is that people can be sure it is fresh and has no additives.

Premade applesauce is available for purchase online.

Boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs are easy to prepare, eat, and digest. They are often suitable for people who are recovering from a stomach virus or nausea.

The white contains less fat and is easier to digest, but many people with digestive problems can also tolerate the yolk.

A large boiled or poached egg provides a wide range of nutrients, including:

  • 71 calories
  • 4.72 g of fat
  • 214 mg of sodium
  • 6.24 g of protein
  • 28 mg of calcium
  • 98.5 mg of phosphorus
  • 117 mg of choline

When scrambling eggs, add low fat milk rather than cream or butter, as animal fats can be hard to tolerate for some people.

It is important to cook all eggs fully, as raw egg carries a risk of salmonella poisoning.

Sweet potatoes provide soluble fiber, which can be easier to digest than insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber also increases the good bacteria in the intestines, contributing to a healthy digestive system.

Sweet potatoes also contain potassium, an electrolyte that is often lost during digestive upsets.

A 247-g cup of mashed sweet potato contains:

  • 197 g of water
  • 215 calories
  • 4.05 g of protein
  • 37.3 g of carbohydrate
  • 4.94 g of fiber
  • 13.5 g of sugar
  • 101 mg of calcium
  • 1.46 mg of iron
  • 516 mg of potassium
  • 14.8 mcg of folate

People who experience IBS will need to keep their portions small to avoid a flare-up of symptoms since sweet potatoes are a medium source of FODMAPs.

Find out more about sweet potatoes.

Chicken is a source of lean protein, which helps the body repair itself. Chicken also provides a range of minerals and B vitamins.

Chicken tends to be easy to digest. It also contains no fiber, making it a good choice for people with digestive issues, such as IBS.

Baked or grilled, skinless chicken is a healthful option, as it contains the least fat.

A 100-g serving of stewed chicken breast without the skin provides:

  • 150 calories
  • 28.16 g of protein
  • 3.52 g of fat
  • 258 g of potassium
  • 7 mcg of folate

People should make sure they fully cook chicken to reduce the risk of salmonella poisoning.

Salmon contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wide range of minerals and B vitamins. Baking salmon without adding fat or oil will help make it easy to digest.

A 100-g serving of baked salmon without added fat provides:

  • 160 calories
  • 25.82 g of protein
  • 5.54 g of fat
  • 9 mg of calcium
  • 462 mg of potassium
  • 5 mcg of folate

During pregnancy, it is essential to cook salmon fully and only to choose salmon that comes from a reputable source. Large, oily fish can contain high levels of mercury, but salmon is typically low in mercury.

Raw salmon will be harder to digest than cooked salmon. In rare cases, it can contain small parasites, which can cause anisakidosis. Symptoms of this infection include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Hospitals often serve gelatin desserts after surgery. Gelatin contains no fiber or oil and is easy to digest. It can help manage dehydration. Sweetened gelatin can also provide energy.

The nutritional value of gelatin dishes varies and depends on their other ingredients, but a 240-g cup serving of a typical gelatin dessert may provide:

  • 203 g of water
  • 149 calories
  • 2.93 g of protein
  • 32.4 g of sugar

Gelatin is an animal based ingredient and is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

Agar-agar comes from seaweed and creates a similar texture to gelatin. Jellies containing agar-agar can provide energy and fluid, but they contain less protein.

Vegan and nonvegan gelatin desserts are available for purchase online.

Some people find that plain saltine crackers help settle nausea, for example, during pregnancy. They can also be easy to digest.

Saltine crackers will provide energy and some nutrients.

A 3-g cracker offers:

  • 12.5 calories
  • 0.284 g of protein
  • 0.57 mg of calcium
  • 4.56 mg of potassium
  • 4.02 mg of folate
  • 28.2 mg of sodium

The American Heart Association recommend aiming for a maximum intake of 1,500 mg a day of sodium for most adults.

People who consume saltine crackers regularly need to consider the sodium content, especially if they are at risk of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

Those with IBS or who are following a low FODMAP diet should look for a gluten free saltine alternative.

Saltine crackers are a highly processed food. For the longer term, people may wish to try oatmeal, as it is less processed but is also a good source of energy.

Making it with water will reduce the fat content. For flavor, a person can add a little honey.

A 234-gram cup of regular, cooked oatmeal, without added fat, contains:

  • 143 calories
  • 5.0 g of protein
  • 2.5 g of fat
  • 25.6 g of carbohydrate
  • 3.74 g of fiber

Oatmeal also provides:

  • minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
  • B vitamins, including folate
  • vitamin K

Oatmeal is also gluten free, making it a better choice for those with gluten sensitivity.

People with a variety of conditions may find it hard to digest certain foods.

These conditions and health factors include:

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]
  • irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]
  • viruses and infections that affect the digestive tract
  • inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]
  • surgery for digestive problems
  • pregnancy
  • allergies and sensitivities, for example, lactose intolerance or glucose sensitivity

Get some more tips here on how to improve digestion.

Some foods and ingredients can trigger indigestion in various people.

They include:

  • spicy foods and hot chili peppers
  • fatty foods, including red meats
  • fried foods, such as french fries and onion rings
  • acidic foods, including oranges, tomatoes, and grapefruit
  • artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols

Overeating can also lead to indigestion, bloating, and abdominal pain. Get some tips here on how to avoid eating too much.

Digestive problems can arise from:

  • chronic health conditions, such as GERD or irritable bowel syndrome
  • temporary health problems, such as a gastrointestinal infection
  • pregnancy, especially as the growing baby starts to push against the stomach
  • sensitivities to certain foods, such as dairy products
  • overeating, eating too fast, not chewing enough, or eating under stress

People who frequently experience indigestion without a clear cause should see a doctor who can help them solve the problem. Sometimes, there is an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Last medically reviewed on November 19, 2019

  • GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
  • Nutrition / Diet

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Applesauce, stewed apples, unsweetened. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341510/nutrients
  • Banana, raw. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341529/nutrients
  • Brown rice. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/558094/nutrients
  • Chicken, breast, stewed, skin not eaten. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/337113/nutrients
  • Crackers, saltine. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/340213/nutrients
  • Egg, whole, boiled or poached. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/339005/nutrients
  • Enriched white bread. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/470724/nutrients
  • Gelatin dessert. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/344001/nutrients
  • How much sodium should I eat per day? [2018].
    //www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day
  • Is it safe to eat sushi during pregnancy? [2018].
    //www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-eat-sushi-during-pregnancy/
  • Nicklas, T. A., et al. [2015]. Consumption of various forms of apples is associated with a better nutrient intake and improved nutrient adequacy in diets of children: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2010. 
    //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595465/
  • Oatmeal, cooked, regular, fat not added in cooking. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/340420/nutrients
  • Rice, white, long-grain, regular, raw, enriched. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168877/nutrients
  • Salmon, baked or broiled, made without fat. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/337756/nutrients
  • Sweet potato, casserole or mashed. [2019].
    //fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/342494/nutrients
  • Xu, L., et al. [2015]. [Efficacy of pectin in the treatment of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome] [Abstract]. 
    //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25809332

Video liên quan

Chủ Đề