Unconscious habits in daily life can cause indigestion. Especially, people with weak stomachs or esophagus should be more careful. Learn about habits that cause indigestion and ways to improve them.

 

If your stomach is weak, eat rice and ginger instead of cabbage.

 

People with weak stomachs often experience bloating and heartburn. Cabbage is known to be a food rich in dietary fiber that can improve constipation and is good for the body. However, for those with a sensitive stomach, consuming foods high in dietary fiber can cause indigestion. Dietary fiber is not broken down in the stomach; instead, bacteria in the intestines ferment it to aid digestion, but this process produces a lot of methane gas and other gases, leading to bloating symptoms.

On the other hand, rice and ginger help alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Rice is fully digested and absorbed in the small intestine, producing less gas such as methane. Ginger helps reduce bloating after meals. A study in Taiwan examined the changes in the stomach after 24 adults took capsules made from ginger, and found that ginger had the effect of quickly expelling food remaining in the stomach.

 

Lie on your left side instead of your right side.

 

Sleeping on the right side can cause food mixed with stomach acid to shift toward the esophagus, potentially leading to or worsening acid reflux esophagitis. A study from Stanford University also found that sleeping on the right side worsens heartburn. Another study showed that participants lying on their right side experienced more reflux episodes and increased esophageal acid secretion compared to those lying on their left side.

Therefore, lying on the left side helps prevent acid reflux and promotes digestion. Acid reflux esophagitis refers to inflammation of the esophagus caused by stomach contents or stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. The stomach is convex on the left side. Keeping the left side down allows food remaining in the stomach to settle securely in the larger stomach pouch. As a result, the risk of food reflux into the esophagus during sleep is reduced.

 

◇Open your chest to avoid slouching

 

Incorrect posture affects the entire body. When the spine, which can be considered the center of our body, and the muscles and joints around the spine become misaligned, the overall balance of the body is disrupted. In particular, slouched shoulders, leaning forward with a rounded back, and turtle neck posture can cause indigestion. They press on the upper stomach and digestive organs, leading to gas buildup in the abdomen. As a result, one may experience a burning sensation or frequent burping.

 

Therefore, maintaining proper posture on a regular basis is good for digestion. When sitting in a chair, push your hips all the way to the edge of the seat and keep your back straight. Straightening the chest naturally aligns the curve of the lower back. When standing, the head, chest, and hips should be in a straight line. This way, the weight of the head is efficiently distributed, preventing strain on ligaments or muscles. Slightly lifting the chin is also beneficial. When walking, keep the elbows at a right angle and walk as if pushing off the ground from the heels. It is also important to check that the ears, shoulders, and pelvis are at the same height.

 

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Cabbage would be good for the stomach, but

People with weak stomachs should eat rice and ginger.

For some reason, ginger seemed more stimulating to me...

 

Sleeping on the left side

They say it's also good for acid reflux.