I have digestive problems, severe fatigue, sleep disruptions, chronic headaches and I can't figure out what is wrong. I've been to countless doctors who don't have any idea or think they know but they don't. I think these symptoms are all related because they started around the same time when i was about 15 now I'm 21 and it's getting worst. If you have any suggestions of what might be causing this I'd like to know. thank you

Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is distress or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, often followed by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting.

Indigestion is a pain or discomfort in your stomach after eating. different people will have different reasons for this indigestion. for example, some people will only get the indigestion after eating a large meal. for others it may come on after eating rich or fatty foods. for others it may only occur with certain foods, such as bread or cheese.

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Symptoms of Indigestion

Following are the major indigestion symptoms:

1.    Pain in belly

2.    Uncontrolled burping

3.    Nausea, Bloating of stomach

4.    Acid regurgitation

Causes of heartburn and acid indigestion often include bad eating habits, irregular eating, eating too quickly or when under stress, along with bad food choices. the following can make digestive problems worse and also produce flatulence: eating a heavy meal, drinking excess alcohol, smoking and irregular meals. Long gaps between meals also give the acid more time to act (each meal neutralises the acid for a while). other contributing factors to digestive problems may include stress and anxiety, drugs including aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat arthritis, pregnancy and peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers).

Home Remedies for Indigestion

A balanced diet, centred round whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables is essential for controlling acid indigestion. whole grains should make up 20 – 30 percent of the diet along with protein, either of animal origin or plant-based foods, such as tofu, tempeh and beans. as they are high in carbohydrates, beans should be eaten in smaller quantities. Fresh seasonal vegetables should make up around 30 to 40 percent of the diet. other foods, including dairy, eggs and fruit should be consumed in moderation, along with ‘good’ fats and oils. fat is essential in the diet and assists the absorption of vitamins a, D, E, and K. fat should be consumed in moderation and consist of quality sources such as olive oil, sesame oil, or clarified butter.

Dr.Steve Buchar – About the Author:

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The Health hazards of metabolic syndrome aka Syndrome “X” aredevastating. Central obesity, hypertension, Type II insulinresistant diabetes and elevated cholesterol are the manifestationswhere only two of these symptoms are diagnostic of this condition.but as I have mentioned in previous articles, many other healthrisks are associated with obesity and hyperinsulinemia such asstroke, cancer, heart disease, digestive problems, breathingproblems including sleep apnea, arthritis, sex hormone problems,kidney disease and thyroid disorder.

Maintaining the condition that can set you up for these diseasesis a little like playing Russian Roulette. The subconscious thoughtthat “It won’t happen to me,” results in some folks wishing thatthey could now do almost anything to rid themselves of the fatethat has befallen them. in the end it is choices we make, acting onwhat we know or suffering the consequences. over and over I havewatched as some of my patients have come in with a recent diagnosisof these diseases or have recently gone through surgery orchemotherapy or are now on medications to treat a condition (oftennot the cause of the condition).

We know that obvious central obesity is one of the bestindicators of risk (an abdominal measurement of 35 inches or morefor females and 40 inches for men, but some men will be at risk at37-39 inches according to the National Heart, Lung and BloodInstitute). but there are those who are of normal weight but areconsidered obese based on their percentage of body fat. This iscalled “normal weight obesity.”

One of the saddest things for me is the patient who now wants tolose weight and reset their overactive pancreas that is causinghyperinsulinemia (too much insulin in the blood which is theunderlying cause of the metabolic syndrome) but they have alreadybeen diagnosed with cancer or have had a recent heart attack andtheir condition now has their complete and undivided attention.unfortunately for people with cancer they sometimes cannot do theIdeal Protein Diet/Treatment for three years after they are inremission unless they have approval from their oncologist. Forthose who have had a heart attack they must wait three months fromthe event.

So why don’t we take action? Is it that we aren’t willing tobelieve it will happen to us or do we need to see the computergenerated body composition results with the hard number telling usthat our percent body fat shows we are at risk? if the latter isthe case we are offering a free bioimpedence body composition toshow what risk factor you may be at. just call our office duringthe month of December to schedule a free bioimpedence bodycomposition. come on Coeur d’ Alene, lets shape up and get healthytogether.

Please call (208) 772-6015 for directions or to attend a freeintroductory class on the Ideal Protein Diet/treatment andphysiology of weight gain and loss.

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Chronic stress can take its toll on physical and mental health. the quality of life, of course, is the first to suffer. one stops enjoying oneself, and lethargy and tiredness become the rule. Energy and enthusiasm ebb. Overeating or anorexia may result.

Chronically stressed individuals have a higher chance of suffering from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders (insomnia or excessive sleep), and aches and pains. Medical diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, digestive problems (irritable bowel syndrome), and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are all stress-related conditions.

Weight gain is a common side effect, from inactivity and overeating.

What are the most common causes of stress?Stress can seep into our lives from various sources. Social or major life events like a birth, death, marriage and divorce; relationship conflicts and break ups; poverty and unemployment; and overwork.

In the case of children and teenagers, job and exam stressors, parental expectations, peer pressure, sexual anxieties are some of the reasons for stress.

Psychiatric and medical illness can also be a cause.

How do you identify the sources of stress?A stress diary is an important tool to monitor your stress levels and give you objective information on the causes of your stress. once you know what the stressors are you can then try to deal with the stress.

When maintaining a stres diary, make sure you include these points:

• What caused you stress
• What did you feel (physically and emotionally)
• How did you act/react
• What made you feel better

Photographs: Rediff Archives