by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: August 24, 2008

Please, help me to get rid of this indigestion. I feel fat and bloated, my gas attacks are driving my family out of the house, I have heartburn most of the time, and on top of everything else, it feels like there's always a burp waiting to get out.

Sometimes, especially when I have the heartburn, I think I'm having a heart attack. My doctor tells me no, but she says I did the right thing in coming to see her this time. Heartburn is one symptom of heart attack, and if not checked out, she says, you might just "check out".

We talked a long time about my lifestyle and eating habits, and then she gave me a written list of what could be causing the indigestion. The only sure fire method to getting rid of indigestion, she declares, is to make changes in your lifestyle and habits according to this list.

At home I reviewed the list and find I'm guilty of just about everything on it. Omigosh, can I do this? Can I really turn my life around and totally get rid of the indigestion?

Whether you're dealing with indigestion or heartburn, the paper she handed me begins, treatment, be it prevention or cure, is going to be similar in many ways. These guidelines become more important as you age, because your body produces less digestive enzymes, meaning you don't always have enough to properly digest your food.
Your first line of attack, the instructions continue, is to eliminate every possible cause of this digestive disorder.

1. Eating too much, too fast, and too often: Pay attention to the size portions you are dishing up. At least for the time being, eat six small meals each day, instead of three large. Sit down and slow down. Chew each bite carefully and thoroughly. Some say that each bites deserves to be chewed twenty times before swallowing. Your teeth are designed to break food down into very small pieces; then your stomach will take over and its acids will finish the job.

2. Gas-producing foods: Certain foods, whether eaten in large quantities or not, tend to cause indigestion. Limit cruciferous foods such as broccoli and cabbage, baked beans, carbonated drinks. Pay attention to what you are eating and when you suffer most from indigestion. Does your stomach feel uncomfortable after consuming foods containing garlic, tomatoes, or onions? Note whether the food that might have caused the problem was cooked or raw.

3. Add fiber to your diet: Look for high fiber cereals and switch from white to whole wheat flour and bread.

4. Drink water throughout the day. Water acts as a lubricant

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