Indigestion as a cause of bloating

Could indigestion be the cause of your bloating?



Nutritional Practitioner, BA (Hons), DN, DNT (Distinction)
@AvogelUKHealth
Ask Ali

An introduction to indigestion and bloating

The term ‘bloating’ can often be used to describe different experiences. This is because bloating can arise as a result of a number of digestive issues. In some cases it can affect the stomach, in which case indigestion is a common cause; whilst in other cases it might more readily affect the lower abdomen, in which case IBS, constipation, or dysbiosis may be to blame. 

When it comes to indigestion and bloating, as described in our webpage ‘The 5 F’s of bloating’, bloating in this case may mean that the tummy is distended as a result of excess food or flatulence (gas). 

What is indigestion?

‘Indigestion’, meaning ‘improper digestion’, commonly affects the upper part of the digestive system, including the oesophagus and the stomach.

Indigestion may arise for a number of reasons, for example low stomach acid is a common factor. As a result of this, it is often associated with the improper or delayed breakdown of the food in our stomachs which can give rise to feelings of fullness, discomfort, bloating, nausea and the need to belch. 

Over time, further irritation of the stomach can occur, and additional symptoms such as acid reflux may also become apparent.

How can indigestion cause bloating?

Indigestion generally means ‘improper digestion’ and as a result, there is the risk of improper or the incomplete breakdown of food in the stomach. This means the stomach can become distended as a result of being loaded up with excess food, but also as a result of this, the formation of excess gas is likely.

Without sufficient stomach acid (a common cause of indigestion), the food we eat isn’t properly broken down, and instead comes under attack by bacteria that naturally reside throughout our digestive tract. As bacteria feast on food, they release gas which can result in bloating.

In addition to this, without sufficient stomach acid, bad bacteria can more easily increase in numbers. The effects of bad bacteria are thought to be even more extreme, and an overgrowth in unfriendly bacteria is likely to heighten symptoms such as bloating, distension and discomfort. 

What can I try at home for indigestion?

To help keep indigestion and the resultant bloating associated with it under control, there are some simple steps you can take at home which might come in handy:

  • Manage your eating habits – How you eat can really have a surprising influence over symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Be sure to eat slowly and deliberately and chew each mouthful properly – up to 20 times is preferable! Don’t eat on the run (this is stressful and your digestive functions won’t be working optimally) and don’t overeat – if you eat slowly you should know in plenty of time when you are starting to feel full
  • Keep a food diary – Of course, what you eat is important as well as how you eat. It can be really useful to keep a food diary in order to identify any potential trigger foods. Some people, for example, are thought to lack the enzyme lactase which is important for breaking down the lactose in dairy products. As a result bloating is very likely. If you can identify trigger foods, you can limit them or find alternatives to achieve a happier tum
  • Avoid creating excess gas! If you already struggle from indigestion and excess gas, it’s important not to introduce any extra gas. Some tips, as above, include not eating too quickly (this means you can swallow air), avoiding chewing gum which can create the same problem, and avoiding products such as fizzy drinks which have extra gas in already.

How can natural remedies help?

For relief of bloating associated with indigestion, there are some herbal remedies which may be suitable:


A.Vogel Digestisan Oral Drops


£11.99 (50ml) In Stock Get it tomorrow, 20th March.

Can my doctor help?

Doctors may prescribe antacid medication depending on your symptoms. Always be sure to check up on any associated side effects, and if your symptoms don’t improve always return for a medicine review.

A.Vogel Digestisan Oral Drops

50ml

£ 11.99

find your local stockist

What's being asked

I have a really bloated stomach. What can I do to ease it?

How you treat bloating often depends on the cause of the problem, however in general, there are some ...
Read more >

What causes bloating?

There are a variety of factors that may be involved. Eating too quickly and neglecting to chew ...
Read more >

What are the best foods to eat to avoid bloating?

Chew each mouthful very thoroughly – try to give each mouthful at least 20 chews. This may feel ...
Read more >

How good is your digestion?

Check the health of your digestive system using our simple test.

Check now

I recommend:

Digestisan Oral Drops: A traditional herbal medicinal product used for indigestion, sensation of fullness and flatulence associated with over-indulgence in food or drink, or both, exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy.
Always read the leaflet.

Learn more

Did you know?

An apple a day cannot keep bloating at bay. This popular fruit can play havoc on sensitive tummies due to their fibre and fructose content!

Other common foods that cause bloating

Healthy & nutritious dinner ideas

Get new recipes in your inbox every week. Sign up now

Can’t Sleep? Take our sleep test for personalised results in under a minute!