Indigestion is a common symptom, and many people experience it at any point in their life span. The reason behind it could be due to several factors out of which irritable bowel syndrome is one of them.
If you are hurting from irritable bowel syndrome, then you are likely to possess a higher chance of experiencing indigestion along with other symptoms such as acid reflux.
Speaking of indigestion, the occurrence of it on few occasions, especially after over eating, is standard. Nonetheless, when a person senses that the occurrence is often after consuming every meal and the symptoms are turning to moderate from mild, then it is time to look for the cause behind the phenomenon. One of the reasons for indigestion is irritable bowel syndrome.
Can Indigestion Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?
As the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is not known, it is difficult to state whether indigestion causes irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Indigestion is nothing but improper digestion. The symptoms begin to appear from the starting point of the digestive tract. Although the relationship between indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, they both share common symptoms such as discomfort, stomach cramps, flatulence, and bloating. Regardless of the situation, the joint or the underlying reason for the occurrence is still unknown.
The reason could be due to reduced digestive enzymes or deficiency/malnutrition. Another reason is that misdiagnosed condition, which is decreased stomach acids, called as hypochlohydria. Due to the increase in age, there is a reduction in production of acids and enzymes that help in successful digestion. Speaking logically, the decrease in the stomach acids eventually leads to increase in acid reflux because the symptoms affect the digestive process, as they interfere with the standard functioning of the digestion where the acids and enzymes produced in stomach break down the food.
Due to improper digestion of food, an imbalance occurs and aggravates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Interestingly, stress too affects indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Depression, panic attacks, stress and anxiety also lead to the development of both irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion. Therefore, ruling out psychological factors is never an option.
How to Overcome the Situation of Indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?
If an individual is experiencing indigestion and shows the signs of irritable bowel syndrome, then it is time to implement a few steps at home that helps in managing indigestion linked with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
- Chewing the food properly is the primary factor. Indigestion occurs due to the improper breakdown of the food in the stomach. Chewing the food in the mouth as much as possible will reduce the stress on the digestive system. The enzymes produced in the mouth, the salivary amylase, helps in efficiently breaking down the carbohydrates from the consumed food.
- Consuming food while you are traveling is not a good option for digestion. If there is a movement to the peripheral muscles such as arms and legs, the blood flow movement redirects to these parts of the body and takes off the concentration in the gut resulting in indigestion.
- Do not drink water while you are consuming a meal. Drinking water will dilute the digestive enzymes produced by the stomach and the mouth. Drink water at least 20 minutes before and after consuming a meal for proper digestion and keeping irritable bowel syndrome or IBS at bay. The time provided will allow the digestive juices to carry out their job at their best.
If lifestyle changes and natural remedies for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS do not show any improvement, then it is time to seek advice from a doctor. Medication such as H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids are the common medications prescribed in such situations. Although they do show side effects, the physician will ask you to continue the same for a fixed period only.
- Mayo Clinic. Indigestion https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211
- Harvard Health Publishing. The gut-brain connection https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
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