Foods that may help with indigestion

Indigestion can cause upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, bloating, belching, nausea or a burning feeling after eating. Fatty meals, chilli, alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks and eating quickly may aggravate it, though triggers differ. Reflux, gastritis, a hiatus hernia, gallstones, Helicobacter pylori infection or a peptic ulcer can sometimes sit behind recurring symptoms. Food choices may reduce irritation, but they do not establish or remove an underlying cause.

Choose modest portions and chew thoroughly. Simple meals built around rice, potatoes, oats, vegetables, soup, yoghurt or lean protein may be easier to tolerate than fried or heavily seasoned dishes. Drink fluids steadily and keep a note of timing, ingredients and symptoms so patterns are clearer. Avoid lying down soon after eating and review alcohol or anti-inflammatory painkillers if symptoms began after using them; do not stop prescribed medicine without advice. A pharmacist can discuss short-term relief, including acid reflux medication, when appropriate.

See a clinician if indigestion keeps returning, lasts despite changes, affects eating, or comes with weight loss, repeated vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Seek urgent help for severe or sudden abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, faintness, or chest discomfort with breathlessness. These signs need assessment rather than dietary experimentation.

Ask whether testing is needed, whether your medicines could contribute, which foods to trial removing, and how long self-care should continue before review.