Introduction
 

Symptoms
  Causes
  Remedies
  Dietary consideration

Dyspepsia is a word of Greek origin meaning indigestion or difficulty in digestion. Any gastrointestinal symptom associated with taking of food is called dyspepsia. It is one of the most common ailments today and results from dietetic errors.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, a feeling of over-fullness after eating, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting and flatulence or gas are the usual symptoms of dyspepsia. Vomiting usually produces relief. What is vomited is intensely sour to the taste. Other symptoms are a foul taste in the mouth, coated tongue and bad breath. At times, a sensation of strangling in the throat is experienced. In most cases of indigestion, the patient suffers from constipation which adds tothe acidity of the system.

Causes

The main causes for dyspepsia are overeating, eating wrong food combinations, eating too rapidly and neglecting proper mastication and salivation of food, overeating makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys, and bowels harder. When the food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed into the blood and, consequently, the whole system is poisoned.

Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia. Fried foods as well as rich and spicy foods often cause abdominal discomfort and gas or aggravate the existing condition. Other causes of dyspepsia are excessive smoking, intake of alcohol, constipation, insomnia, emotions such as jealousy, fear and anger and lack of exercise.


Remedies

Lemon (bara nimbu) : The use of fruits in general is beneficial in the treatment of Dyspepsia. They flush out the undigested food residue and accumulated faeces, and re-establish health to perfect order. The best of the fruits is lemon. Its juice reaches the stomach and attacks the bacteria, inhibiting the formation of acids. Lemon juice removes indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite.

Grapes (angoor) : This fruit is light food which removes indigestion and irritation of the stomach in a short time. It also relieves heat.

Pineapple (ananas): Pineapple acts as a tonic and relieves much of the digestive disorders. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after a meal in treating this condition.

Pomegranate (annar): The juice of a pomegranate mixed with a tablespoon of honey is valuable in indigestion accompanied by giddiness. The dose may be repeated a few times if necessary. The seeds of this f