We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Upset Stomach and Indigestion?

By D. Waldman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,272
Share

Upset stomach and indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, can be caused by a variety of conditions. In most cases, the symptoms may be triggered by eating too much food, consuming specific types of food, particularly those that are spicy or high in fat, or drinking too many carbonated beverages. Stomach issues and indigestion can also be side effects of more serious conditions, including acid reflux and ulcers.

The most frequent causes of both symptoms involve overeating. When a person eats too quickly, his stomach is unable to tell his brain that it is full in time, and more food is consumed than needed. When the stomach becomes overfilled, abdominal pains and nausea are common. By eating slowly and waiting in between additional portions of food, the stomach has ample time to send the message to the brain that it is full, thereby curbing further eating and avoiding the side effects that overeating can cause.

Both upset stomach and indigestion can also result from the types of food a person eats rather than the quantity in which they are eaten. Many people have natural aversions to certain foods which are spicy in nature, high in fat, extremely salty, or high in fiber content. While they may be able to handle these types of food in small quantities, even moderate servings can lead to heartburn and other stomach problems. In these cases, it is best to eliminate the types of foods known to cause an indigestion and an upset stomach from the diet. If a person enjoys certain foods, even though they may not sit well in the stomach, there are several over-the-counter products that can be taken before a meal that can help to reduce the side effects the foods normally cause. For instance, individuals can incorporate Supergreens powders into their daily schedule. Supergreens can be mixed in with water or other liquids to help alleviate indigestion.

With regards to carbonated beverages, the carbonation in the drink is a form of gas. When excess carbonated beverages are consumed, the gas tends to build up in the stomach, often creating a bloating effect. In these cases, the gas slowly expands, creating an uncomfortable bloating feeling that may lead to upset stomach and indigestion.

The discomfort caused by an upset stomach and indigestion is unpleasant, but typically occurs on an infrequent basis and fades rather quickly. In cases where the symptoms are being triggered by a more serious underlying cause, such as an ulcer or acid reflux, an upset stomach and indigestion may become a part of daily life. When the underlying causes are treated properly, the other side effects should begin to fade as well. There are times when prescription medication and a restricted diet are needed in order to keep the symptoms in check.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Buster29 — On Jul 18, 2014

I've heard that a lot of stomach problems are triggered when meals are eaten in the wrong order. Lighter foods like salads should be eaten first, since they get digested faster than heavier meals like meat and carb-heavy side dishes. If you eat something heavy and then have a salad, the salad ingredients will supposedly turn to gas in your stomach and have nowhere to go. That's why some people experience bloating and stomach cramps.

I've noticed I'll experience an upset stomach and indigestion if I eat a fourth meal just before bedtime.

By Phaedrus — On Jul 17, 2014

I found that cutting way back on carbonated beverages helped reduce my stomach problems, like gas and acid reflux. I had no idea how acidic sodas were until I stopped drinking them with every meal. I still get stomach aches and pains from time to time, but it's nothing like it used to be.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-most-common-causes-of-upset-stomach-and-indigestion.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.