Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach after a meal? A feeling of bloating, nausea, or stomach pain? That’s indigestion- a common problem that affects people of all ages.

Indigestion occurs when your body has difficulty digesting food. It can be caused by several factors, including unhealthy eating habits, stress, or an underlying medical condition.

Offending foods

Some foods are more likely to cause indigestion than others. Here are 14 offending foods that you should avoid if you’re prone to indigestion:.

1. Fatty foods

Foods that are high in fat can cause indigestion. They take longer to digest and may cause acid reflux, which irritates the lining of your stomach. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, cheese, butter, and cream.

2. Spicy foods

If you love spicy foods, you may want to limit your intake if you’re prone to indigestion. Spicy foods can cause heartburn and discomfort in some people. Avoid hot peppers, chili powder, and curries if you experience indigestion regularly.

3. Coffee and tea

Caffeine is a known irritant to the digestive system. It can increase the production of stomach acid and make indigestion symptoms worse. Avoid coffee, tea, and energy drinks if you suffer from indigestion.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and other compounds that can relax the esophageal sphincter. This allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing indigestion. If you’re prone to indigestion, it’s best to avoid chocolate.

5. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are acidic and can irritate the lining of your stomach. They can also increase the production of stomach acid, which can cause heartburn and indigestion. Avoid oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits if you experience indigestion regularly.

6. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can irritate the digestive system. They can also cause acid reflux and heartburn. If you’re prone to indigestion, try limiting your intake of onions and garlic.

7. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks can cause gas and bloating, which can make indigestion symptoms worse. Avoid soda, sparkling water, and other carbonated beverages if you experience indigestion regularly.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the production of stomach acid and irritate the lining of your stomach. It can also relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. If you’re prone to indigestion, it’s best to avoid alcohol.

9. Milk and dairy products

Dairy products can be difficult to digest, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. They can also cause acid reflux and heartburn. If you experience indigestion regularly, try limiting your intake of milk and dairy products.

10. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can cause gas and bloating, which can make indigestion symptoms worse. Avoid foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners if you’re prone to indigestion.

11. High fiber foods

While fiber is essential for good digestion, some high fiber foods can cause indigestion. They can be difficult to digest and may cause gas and bloating. Avoid foods like beans, lentils, and broccoli if you experience indigestion regularly.

12. Processed foods

Processed foods are often high in fat, salt, and sugar. They can also contain preservatives and additives that can irritate the digestive system. Avoid processed foods if you suffer from indigestion.

13. Red meat

Red meat can take longer to digest than other foods. It can also be high in fat, which can cause acid reflux and indigestion. If you experience indigestion regularly, try limiting your intake of red meat.

14. Peppermint

While peppermint is often used to soothe digestive issues, it can also relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. If you suffer from indigestion regularly, it’s best to avoid peppermint.

Calming foods

While some foods can cause indigestion, others can help to soothe and calm the digestive system. Here are 17 foods that can help to relieve indigestion:.

1. Ginger

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. It can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive system. Try drinking a cup of ginger tea after meals to soothe indigestion.

2. Fennel

Fennel is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help to soothe indigestion. You can eat fennel raw or cooked, or brew fennel tea to relieve nausea and bloating.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties. It can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive system. Try drinking a cup of chamomile tea after meals to relieve indigestion.

4. Bananas

Bananas are high in fiber and can help to regulate the digestive system. They can also help to soothe and calm the digestive system. Eat a banana after meals to relieve indigestion.

5. Melons

Melons are low in acid and can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. They can also help to soothe indigestion. Eat melons like watermelon or cantaloupe after meals to relieve indigestion.

6. Papaya

Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can help to break down proteins and aid digestion. It can also help to reduce inflammation and soothe indigestion. Eat papaya after meals to relieve indigestion.

7. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in fiber and can help to regulate the digestive system. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat oatmeal for breakfast to relieve indigestion.

8. Brown rice

Brown rice is high in fiber and can help to regulate the digestive system. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat brown rice as a side dish to relieve indigestion.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics, which can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat yogurt as a snack or breakfast to relieve indigestion.

10. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented drink that contains probiotics. It can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Drink kefir as a snack or breakfast to relieve indigestion.

11. Lean protein

Lean protein like chicken, fish, and tofu is easier to digest than red meat. It can also help to regulate the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat lean protein as a main dish to relieve indigestion.

12. Steamed vegetables

Steamed vegetables are easier to digest than raw vegetables. They can also help to regulate the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat steamed vegetables as a side dish to relieve indigestion.

13. Whole grains

Whole grains like quinoa, barley, and bulgur are high in fiber and can help to regulate the digestive system. They can also help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat whole grains as a side dish to relieve indigestion.

14. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and can help to regulate the digestive system. They can also help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Eat sweet potatoes as a side dish to relieve indigestion.

15. Peppermint tea

While peppermint can aggravate indigestion in some people, peppermint tea can help to soothe the digestive system in others. Drink peppermint tea after meals to see if it helps to relieve your indigestion.

16. Apple cider vinegar

While some people find that apple cider vinegar aggravates their indigestion, others find that it helps to soothe the digestive system.

Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and drink it after meals to see if it helps to relieve your indigestion.

17. Water

Drinking plenty of water can help to flush toxins out of the body and regulate the digestive system. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to help relieve indigestion.