Foods to Avoid for Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

1. Fatty and Fried Foods

This slow down digestion and can make your stomach feel heavy or bloated. Examples:

• Fries

• Fried chicken

• Sausages

• Creamy sauces

• Full-fat cheese

2. Spicy Foods

Spices can irritate your stomach lining. Examples:

• Hot peppers

• Chili powder

• Spicy curries

• Hot sauce

3. Acidic Foods and Drinks

These can cause heartburn and discomfort. Examples:

• Citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

• Tomatoes and tomato sauces

• Vinegar-heavy dressings

• Pineapple

• Soda or sparkling water

4. Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeine can trigger acid production and irritate your stomach. Examples:

• Coffee

• Energy drinks

• Strong black tea

5. Alcohol

It relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, leading to acid reflux and discomfort.

6. Chocolate

It has both caffeine and fat, which can slow digestion and trigger symptoms.

7. Processed and Packaged Foods

These often have lots of fat, salt, or artificial ingredients that may upset the stomach. Examples:

• Chips

• Instant noodles

• Frozen meals

• Packaged pastries

What to do?

1- Avoid these foods. If you are very used to eating them, start by decreasing your intake gradually.

2- Monitor your symptoms: Write down what you're eating, and trace back your symptoms to a new food that you might have eaten.

3- Eat small regular meals (4-6 per day) instead of 2 or 3 main meals.

4- Avoid having too many kinds of foods on one meal. Try to reduce your food variety so you can know which foods are bothering you and avoid any discomfort from the interaction of different foods together.

5- Opt for cooked vegetables instead of raw ones, and avoid drinking any liquid with your meal.

6- Chew gum after you have your main meals. It helps in enhancing digestion.

7- Avoid hard exercises or fast walking after eating a meal. That will draw blood away from your digestive system which worsens your digestion.