Dyspepsia - A Dietary Disorder

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 common ailments today and is a result of unhealthy eating habits.
The stomach, which is the most used organ of the body, resembles a pear shaped pouch.



Nearly about 28 feet long the stomach varies in sizes and position depending on how much food it contains. An overloaded stomach prevents the diaphragm from functioning properly.



It may also put strain on the heart.
Dyspepsia manifests itself as a pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of the stomach due to indigestion. People of any age can get dyspepsia. Both men and women get it. About 1 of every 4 persons gets dyspepsia at some time in an average life span.

Symptoms of Dyspepsia:

Disorders in the body expresses itself by providing warning signals that imply a particular part of the body is under duress. Here are some of the signs and signals that indicate it could be dyspepsia:

• A burning sensation in the stomach.
• Stomach ache .
• A bloated feeling (a feeling of fullness in your stomach).
• Heartburn (stomach contents coming back up into your throat).
• Upset stomach (nausea).
• Burping.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Trouble swallowing food.
• Severe vomiting .Black bowel movements.

Causes of Dyspepsia:

Here are some common reasons that could lead to dyspepsia:

Hyperacidity: is known to be a common cause of dyspepsia.

Overeating: also makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys and bowels harder. When this food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed back into the blood and consequently, the whole system is poisoned.

Gulping Food: Evidences indicate people who gulp their food due to stress and hurry, are prone to dyspepsia.



When food is swallowed in large chunks, the stomach has to work harder and more hydrochloric acid is secreted. Eating too fast also causes one to swallow air. These bad habits force some of the digestive fluid into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation or a sour taste.

Uncooked food: Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia.

Food Allergies: Some people react unfavorably to certain foods like beans, cabbage, onions, cucumber, radishes and seafood.

Fried foods: as well as rich and spicy foods often cause abdominal discomfort and gas or aggravate the existing condition.

Smoking and Alcohol: Excessive smoking and intake of alcohol can also cause stomach upset.

Constipation: may interfere with the normal flow through the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in gas and abdominal pain.

Faulty eating habits: The habit of eating and drinking together is another cause of indigestion as taking liquids with meals dilutes the digestive juices and diminishes their potency.

Other Reasons: include insomnia, emotions such as jealousy, fear and anger and lack of exercise, which are some other causes of this ailment.