There are certain foods that can trigger indigestion. These trigger foods differ from person to person, but the most common are:

• Spicy food that can alter the acidic environment of the stomach.
• Greasy food that contains high levels of fat. Fatty foods take longer for our bodies to digest and can therefore contribute towards indigestion.
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt tend to be high in fat.
• Alcohol, as you can imagine, is one to avoid. It relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can lead to excess acid production in the stomach.
• Coffee also increases acid production that can lead to irritation in the oesophagus and stomach.

It is important to take note of the foods that cause your indigestion so that you can adapt your diet to avoid them. It will also help if you eat smaller meals, making sure to eat slowly and chew food properly before swallowing.

A diet that is well-balanced in nutrients, sufficient in calories, and tailored to exclude the foods that trigger your indigestion should help to reduce the likelihood of persistent symptoms.

The idea that all good health begins in the gut has been around since the time of Hippocrates (around 500BC). It could also be said that all good health comes from the brain, and that good mental health is vital not only to your digestive system, but many processes thoughout the body.

Anxiety, stress and depression can all trigger chemical imbalances that lead to changes in how your body works, including your digestive system.

Firstly, you need to know if your indigestion is linked to stress or anxiety. Try altering your diet to avoid the foods that trigger your indigestion. If your symptoms ease, stress or anxiety may not be to blame for your indigestion.

Mental illness of any kind is, however, a serious issue and not just in relation to your digestive system. If you are suffering from depression, stress, or anxiety it is important that you talk to someone and seek help.

Regular exercise is not only considered an essential part of a healthy diet, and important to your overall mental well-being, but it can also help manage symptoms of indigestion.

The movements your body makes during exercise helps food move through the digestive system. Not only can this relieve the symptoms of indigestion, but can help prevent it if you exercise after eating.

Although rigorous exercise just after eating is not recommended, a simple 20 minute walk after a meal can help relieve or avoid indigestion.