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Lifestyle Changes For Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia is referred to as a chronic condition of sensation and movement in the upper part of the digestive tract. The movement of the digestive tract is known as peristalsis. Peristalsis is a normal movement of pumping and squeezing of the esophagus, stomach, and the small intestine, in the downward direction. This movement of peristalsis begins after swallowing. This type of dyspepsia is called functional because, there is no obvious or measurable abnormality in the structure of the digestive tract, but the symptoms are persistent. (1)

Lifestyle Changes For Functional Dyspepsia

Lifestyle Changes For Functional Dyspepsia

It may be difficult, somewhat challenging, living with functional dyspepsia. Some lifestyle changes may be needed to help reduce the symptoms and improve the prognosis of functional dyspepsia. These lifestyle changes may include-

Dietary Discretion-

  • You need to make good eating choices
  • You may need to identify the foods that trigger your problems, and then totally avoid them
  • You may want to eat small portions of food at a time, thereby avoiding overeating
  • You may also need to need more frequent, smaller meals
  • You may need to slowly and completely chew your food, before swallowing it
  • It is advisable to avoid such activities that may result in excess swallowing of air. These may include smoking, chewing gum, eating quickly without properly chewing, using a straw to drink beverages, drinking carbonated or aerated beverages, etc.
  • It is better not to lie down immediately after eating. A time gap of roughly around two hours is recommended before you lie down for your post-meal nap
  • It is also recommended to watch your weight. Being overweight or obese can worsen your symptoms and may make it even worse to treat them. (2)

Stress Management-

Lessen The Fatigue-

  • Take enough rest
  • Have a good night’s sleep
  • Try to go to bed early. Also, try going to bed and waking in the morning at the same time each day.
  • Try to restrict the intake of caffeine post noon. Caffeine tends to interfere with your sleep (2)

Right Type Of Exercise-

  • Light aerobic exercises for at least three to five times in a week can help a lot in reducing stress and giving you a restful night
  • Never exercise immediately after you are done eating (2)

Alternative Treatment For Functional Dyspepsia- To cope with functional dyspepsia, many people turn to alternative medicine, to avoid complications or to manage the symptoms more effectively. Although no alternative treatment methods are proven to cure functional dyspepsia, they can be paired with conventional methods of treatment, to reap benefits from them. However, it is advised to use these methods with the proper guidance of your doctor. These methods may include- (3)

Herbal Supplements- Some herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile, licorice, caraway, milk thistle, lemon balm, etc. may relieve some symptoms of functional dyspepsia, including fullness of the stomach and spasms of the digestive tract (3)

Relaxation Techniques- Some activities may help you relax and cope up with your signs and symptoms. These techniques may include yoga, meditation, massage therapy, etc. Discussing your condition with those close to you may also prove to be beneficial in reducing your stress (3)

Conclusion

Functional dyspepsia is a very common condition of the digestive tract seen affecting people across the world. It is the commonest type of dyspepsia affecting people. Functional dyspepsia cannot be cured or reversed. Also, it can be quite challenging to live with this condition once diagnosed. However, the symptoms of this condition can be regulated or reduced with the help of certain lifestyle changes, dietary discretion, alternative and natural remedies and medication, in single or in combination as needed. Lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing this condition to a great extent.

References:

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:December 16, 2019

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