What causes indigestion? Here are some possible reasons for indigestion

Indigestion can have many different causes, and symptoms may vary from person to person. While occasional indigestion is common, frequent or persistent symptoms may point to an underlying digestive issue and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Common causes and contributing factors of indigestion include [1]:

• Overeating or eating too quickly
• Fatty, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods
• Caffeine, alcohol, or carbonated beverages
• Stress, anxiety, or depression
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• H. pylori bacterial infections
• Certain medications, including aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Food intolerances or food sensitivities

In some cases, tracking your meals and symptoms over time may help you identify possible triggers or patterns related to indigestion. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting, or black stools, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

While indigestion can feel different for everyone, some lifestyle and dietary changes may help reduce discomfort and support digestive health:

• Limiting or avoiding foods that seem to trigger symptoms
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large meals
• Reducing alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages if they worsen symptoms
• Talking with your healthcare provider about medications that may contribute to indigestion
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety

If indigestion symptoms continue for more than two weeks or become more severe over time, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Indigestion is very common and affects about 1 in 4 people in the U.S. each year. It can be your body’s way of responding to certain foods you’ve eaten or your eating habits, and rarely indicates a serious or underlying health condition.

However, if you have indigestion and experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a more serious condition and should see a healthcare provider right away:

• Black, tar-like stools
• Bloody vomit
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• Frequent vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Pain in your chest, jaw, neck, or arm
• Severe and/or constant pain in your abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Yellowing of your eyes or skin

Diet can sometimes play a role in indigestion symptoms, especially for people who notice discomfort after eating certain foods or large meals. While trigger foods can vary from person to person, some foods may be easier on the digestive system, while others may worsen symptoms like bloating, burning, or stomach discomfort.

What To Eat if You Have Indigestion

Some foods may help support digestion and may be less likely to trigger indigestion symptoms:

• High-fiber foods such as whole grains, oats, leafy greens, and root vegetables
• Watery foods like cucumber, celery, watermelon, lettuce, and broth-based soups
• Lower-acid fruits including bananas and melons
• Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, or beans
• Herbal teas that may feel soothing to the stomach

Eating smaller meals more slowly may also help reduce feelings of fullness and discomfort after eating.

What To Avoid if You Have Indigestion

Certain foods and beverages may trigger or worsen indigestion symptoms in some people, particularly those with acid reflux or GERD:

• Fatty, greasy, fried, or heavily processed foods
• Spicy foods or foods containing chili powder and peppers
• Tomato-based sauces and other acidic foods
• Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
• Chocolate and peppermint
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Large meals or eating too quickly

If you notice indigestion symptoms after eating certain foods, keeping a food diary may help you identify patterns or potential triggers. Some people also choose to explore tools like the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test or the Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test, which measure IgG reactivity to foods and may help inform an elimination diet. However, these tests are not intended to diagnose food allergies or digestive conditions.

If indigestion symptoms become frequent, severe, or persistent, consider talking with a healthcare provider for additional evaluation and guidance.