What Is Indigestion?
Indigestion, also referred to as dyspepsia, is a common term used to describe discomfort or unease in the upper abdomen, often occurring during or after meals.1,2
Common symptoms of indigestion may include:1,2
- Upper abdominal discomfort or pain
- Bloating
- Excessive gas or burping
- Nausea
- Feeling full sooner than expected (early satiety)
Causes of Indigestion
Indigestion can arise from more than one underlying cause,1 and understanding what may be driving your symptoms can help you make more informed choices about managing digestive health. Below are some of the most common causes of indigestion.
Indigestion can occur when there is too much stomach acid, or when acid moves to areas where it does not belong. When this happens, acid can irritate the lining of the stomach, oesophagus, or upper intestine, leading to the familiar burning or painful sensations often associated with indigestion.3,4
Excessive stomach acid is commonly linked to conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer disease, both of which are recognised causes of chronic indigestion.3,4
Indigestion can also occur when food is not efficiently broken down during digestion. In some people, digestive enzyme activity may be reduced, which is recognised as one of the contributing factors in indigestion.5,6
Digestive enzymes help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats so the body can absorb nutrients. When enzyme activity is reduced, food may remain partially digested, contributing to bloating, discomfort after meals, and a feeling that digestion is incomplete.5-7
Everyday habits can also contribute to indigestion. Common triggers may include:8-11
- Eating heavy meals
- Eating fatty or spicy foods
- Drinking soft drinks or alcohol
- Eating too quickly
- Psychological stress (e.g. depression)
- Irregular meal patterns
Stress or depression, in particular, has been shown to influence gut activity and digestive function through the gut-brain axis, which may worsen indigestion symptoms.11
Is Your Indigestion Acid-related or Due to Impaired Digestion?
Although acid-related discomfort and impaired digestion often occur together and share similar symptoms, they are not always driven by the same underlying cause. Addressing symptoms without understanding what may be contributing to them can sometimes provide only temporary relief and may not support long-term digestive balance.
The table below highlights symptoms that may be more commonly associated with acid-related discomfort, impaired digestion, or both.12,13
| Symptoms | Acid-related | Impaired digestion |
|---|---|---|
| Early satiety | ✓ | |
| Pain or burning sensation in chest | ✓ | |
| Pain or burning sensation in upper abdomen | ✓ | |
| Acid reflux | ✓ | |
| Chest pain | ✓ | |
| Abdominal pain | ✓ | |
| Bloating | ✓ | |
| Unpleasant taste in mouth | ✓ | |
| Excessive gas or burping | ✓ | |
| Symptoms worsen when lying down or bending over | ✓ | ✓ |
Practical Tips for Indigestion
Simple lifestyle approaches may help support digestion and reduce digestive discomfort. These may include:14,15
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol
- Limiting high-fat and spicy foods
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or regular physical activity
When to See a Doctor
While digestive discomfort is common, some symptoms may point to conditions beyond indigestion. You should seek medical advice if you experience:1
- Persistent or worsening symptoms
- Unintended weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
Such symptoms may require further medical evaluation.1