CAUSES OF INDIGESTION

The term indigestion is now used in place of dyspepsia. The latter term covered a multitude of complaints which have been individually defined and diagnosed, so that now we differentiate between specific conditions (like ulcers, cancer, colitis and symptoms of general diseases. A discussion of peptic ulcer and cancer will follow, but first let us go into the subject of gastritis, a term which denotes an inflamation of the stomach.
A stomach disorder may accompany almost any general ailment such as influenza, chicken-pox, or dehydration; but the distress is due to a simulation of the central nervous system, not to any condition in the stomach itself. This is a common observation and is mentioned only in passing.
The suffix "itis" attached to a name of a part of the body always means an inflammation of that part. Appendictis, for instance, is an inflammation of the appendix; colitis, an inflammation of the colon; encephalitis is an inflammation of the encephalon (brain) and so on. So gastritis an inflammation of the stomach.
It is important for every one to learn what brings on, gastritis.
There are five important causes:
1. Faulty Diet: strong spices are commonly known to be irritating. Mustard, for instance when put on the skin will cause marked irritation and burnning with discomfort. The skin can tolerate it only about 15mins before the blood vessels become dilated. Pepper is also very irritating. Chillies burn all the way to the stomach. Such cannot help but do to the lining of the stomach what we know they do to the outside skin. No wonder, then, what gastrocope reveals haemorrhages, destroyed cells and area of redness on the lining of the stomach. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and other mild spices used sparingly, may not be harmful: but if they are used to the extent that they cover up the original flavour of the food, then they are used in too great a quantity. One must be careful lest he begin to require more and more of the spice flavours and desire less of the original flavour of the food.
Very rough foods are irritating to the stomach and should be well chewed. Infact thorough mastication is always important.
2. Alcohol: This is also an irritant. In addition to its adverse effect on the nervous system, it causes redness and heamorrhage in the stomach.
3. Thermal Infuences: Many people like to drink hot tea or coffee. They drink it piping hot. The bad thing about this is that food or drink that is too hot for the mouth is swallowed quickly. After leaving the throat it seems not to burn any more but this relief is only apparent. It is true that the oesophagus and stomach are not sensitive to heat, but the damage to the mucous membrane is just the same as if the food had been kept in the mouth. If the food or drink is too hot to keep in your mouth do not swallow it.
4. Abnormal Distention: Some people's appetites are never satisfied until their stomach is thoroughly distended with food. This disturbs the normal peristalsis (wave action) of the stomach and is one causes of gastritis.
5. Chemical Irritants: Many people are continually taking aspirin, which has been found to be another cause of gastritis. Ammonium chloride, quinine and digitalis will have the same effect and should therefore be taken only under supervision.

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