What are the three surprising habits that cause indigestion?

Indigestion is known to occur due to a combination of various factors, including gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastritis, as well as drug side effects, overeating, excessive drinking, spicy foods, and stress. Therefore, it is often difficult to identify the exact cause of poor digestion, which is referred to as 'functional dyspepsia.' Sometimes, unconscious repetitive lifestyle habits in daily life can also affect functional dyspepsia. This article explores surprising habits that make digestion difficult.

 

Incorrect lifestyle habits can lead to indigestion.

3 Habits That Surprisingly Cause Indigestion

 

1. Habit of sitting with legs crossed

It is already well known that lying down or reclining immediately after a meal can cause indigestion. However, unconsciously sitting with legs crossed can also negatively affect digestion, so caution is advised. Sitting with legs crossed puts pressure on the abdomen, which hampers the smooth digestive activity of the stomach and intestines. This can interfere with the process of food being digested in the stomach and moving into the intestines, leading to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating.

 

Additionally, sitting with legs crossed tends to hinder blood circulation in the lower body. For the digestive organs to function normally, smooth blood circulation is essential, but if blood flow to the lower body is inadequate, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the digestive organs may be reduced. As a result, digestive ability decreases, causing food to remain in the stomach longer, increasing the likelihood of experiencing indigestion. Instead of crossing your legs while sitting, it is most beneficial for digestion to sit with your back against the backrest, keeping your waist straight, both feet on the ground, and knees facing forward.

 

2. Excessive dieting

Overeating is considered the main cause of indigestion, but excessive dieting can also cause indigestion. In particular, fasting by drastically reducing food intake becomes problematic. When not enough food is consumed, the peristaltic movement of the stomach slows down, and the secretion of stomach acid becomes irregular, leading to a slowdown in the digestion process. Additionally, when stomach acid secreted in a state of food deficiency excessively irritates the stomach lining, it can cause temporary heartburn and indigestion, and if it persists, it may lead to gastritis or reflux esophagitis, so caution is advised.

 

Even when sticking to a specific diet, digestion may not proceed well. For example, a high-fiber diet that excessively consumes raw vegetables can produce more gas, leading to bloating and indigestion. Conversely, a high-protein diet that only includes meat can slow down digestion, placing a greater burden on the stomach. Even when drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, an imbalance in gut microbiota can occur, leading to constipation. Therefore, rather than strictly adhering to a particular diet, it is more advisable to regulate intake by considering nutrient balance and consuming various nutrients in small amounts.

 

3. Smoking

Harmful substances that enter the body through smoking can cause indigestion. In particular, many people feel that smoking a cigarette after a meal tastes better than usual, which is due to a sweetener called Perillartine contained in cigarettes. Perillartine acts as a sweetener, and when mixed with saliva secreted after a meal, the cigarette may taste sweeter than usual. Additionally, smoking when there is still oiliness from food in the mouth can reduce the perception of bitterness, thereby further increasing the desire to smoke.

 

At this time, nicotine that enters the body weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and further stimulates the secretion of stomach acid. As a result, the likelihood of acid reflux into the esophagus after meals increases, and symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion can occur more easily than usual. Moreover, nicotine itself irritates the stomach lining, contributing to gastritis or stomach ulcers. Additionally, smoking interferes with blood circulation necessary for digestion, as it constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the digestive organs, making digestion difficult. To reduce the urge to smoke after meals, chewing gum or brushing teeth can be helpful.

 

An Se-jin, HiDoc Health and Medical Reporter, hidoceditor@mcircle.biz

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Most people tend to avoid food when dieting.

It is said to be the cause of indigestion.

They say you can't do it because you insist on only certain foods.

Especially, the fact that smoking causes indigestion

I was surprised.

Smoking is completely harmful.