Digestion is an important body function, that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Digestion is the process by which your body system breaks down foods and pulls out the nutrient present inthe food that is needed by your body system to operate, leaving the waste products to be removed from the anus. Digestion brings out the nutrient from the foods we eat, to be dispersed to the various parts of the body where it is needed. Digestion starts from the mouth, where the food is taken into the body from and ends inthe anus, where the waste products are being disposed off. Digestion is very important in the body of any living being, as without it our body cannot get the desired nutrient for the proper functioning of the body system. You need to take safety measures in order to maintain a healthy digestive system.

     Certain conditions can disrupt digestion and leave you with some unpleasant side effects, like, heartburn, gas, constipation, and diarrhoea. Not all the foods you eat are digestible, however some foods have chemical structure incompatible with your digestive enzymes, while in other case a gastrointestinal disorder may prevent your body system from breaking down the foods you have consumed. Nonetheless, foods you cannot digest will still benefit your health. 

 Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens. This make it possible for acid to go back up from your stomach into your esophagus, heartburn is one of the main symptoms of acid reflux. 

  Cellac disease involves your immune system attacking and damaging your intestine when you eat gluten. 

  Constipation is the difficulty in passing out stool, at times stool maybe hard and firm to pass out. 

  Stress is one of the causes of indigestion, overworking, depression and anxiety can also cause your food not to digest at the proper time, it also worsen digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn. 

         How long it takes to digest foods 

   Time of digestion varies from one class of food to another, protein based foods take time to digest more than the others. It also depends on what you have eaten, time of eating and the nature of your body system and hormones. This all plays a major role in determining the rate by which our food are being digested. Protein and fat contains large complex molecules that take longer for your body to pull apart. 
   By contrast fruits and vegetables, which are high in fibre can move through your system in less than a day. In fact, this fibre foods helps your digestive tract runs more effectively. In general, foods takes 24 to 27 hours to move through your digestive tract. The exact time depends on the amount and type of foods you have eaten. The rate is also based on factors like your gender, metabolism and whether you have any digestive issues that could slow down or speed up your digestion. Before eating in the morning, mix two teaspoons of salt with warm water, sea salt is recommended. After waking up, drink water immediately on an empty stomach, and in few minutes you will probably feel the urge to go to the bathroom, this will help you to prevent your risk of having Constipation. Becareful, not all the foods you eat are digestible, however some foods have chemical structure incompatible with your digestive enzymes. The most common problem associated with digestive tract are, diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and heartburn. This can be caused by many things such as, unhealthy lifestyle, poor nutrition, food sensitivity and even an infection. 

            Symptoms of indigestion 

Food intolerance 

  Your body system may not tolerate some foods. You will notice some signs of discomforts in your body after eating some particular set of foods. Avoid foods gives your body system problem digesting. Avoid them or try taking some medicines that will aid its digestion. 

Stomach upset 

  There is a tendency that you will have a stomach upset, when the food you eat are not digesting. Some stomach disturbance like gas bloating, constipation, and other signs of abnormality in your body system. 

Pain inthe stomach 

   You will have some sharp pain in your lower abdomen as a result of the undigested food in your belly. 

Nausea and vomiting 

    You will likely vomit the undigested food out as a result of the Discomfort which it caused you. This can cause weakness and loss of nutrient on your body system. Oral drip and some energy booster drugs should be administered. 

Heartburn 

   Indigestion can cause a painful sensation in the chest caused by gastroesophageal reflux (back flow from the stomach irritating the esophagus) symptomatic of indigestion or ulcer or a diaphragmatic hernia or other disorder. 

Bloating 

A swelling of the rumen or intestinal tract of the human body caused by excessive gas, due to undigested food inthe body. 

Constipation 

Infrequent or difficulty in passing out stool, the stool maybe too hard or firm to pass out. This usually occurs when we suffer from indigestion. 
       

           Causes of indigestion

  • Overeating or eating too quickly 
  • Fatty, greasy or spicy foods 
  • Too much caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, or carbonated drinks. 
  • Smoking 
  • Anxiety 
  • Certain antibiotics, pain relief drugs 
  • Stress 
  • High fat foods 
  • Eating too late 
  • Sleeping immediately after meals 
  • Wearing tights fitting when eating, such as, belt, cap, and watch. 

       Steps to controlling indigestion 

 Stop some harmful habit 
  • Do not sleep immediately after meals 
  • No smoking, smoking immediately after meals is equivalent to ten smokes. 
  • Avoid drinking some harmful liquid such as, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages. 
  • Stop eating different fruits immediately after meal. Choose one particular fruit and stick to it, as eating different types of fruits, can cause indigestion as some fruits take time to digest while some don't. Banana are one of the best fruits that help with digestion because the carbohydrates they contain are easily broken down. 
 Change your eating habits 
  • Eat more slowly and mindfully 
  • Don't chew gum 
  • Cut back on gas producing foods 
  • Check for food intolerance with an elimination diet 
  • Avoid soda, beer, and other carbonated beverages 
  • Try enzymes supplements 
  • Try probiotics 
  • Limit red meat and processed foods 
  Change your sleeping habits 
  • Elevate your head. Elevating your head while sleeping on your left side can improve nighttime digestion. 
  • Add pillows in between the knee to prevent your midsection from sinking 
  • Do not eat large meal close to bed time. 
  • Have enough sleep 

        Tips to improve indigestion 

Eat balanced diet 

Eat foods with high nutritious values, plants foods that are source of fibre, including apples legumes, and wholegrain, may aid healthy digestion. Avoid eating close to bed time, eat your dinner three hours before bedtime. Add healthy fat to your meal, get plenty of fibre, it's common knowledge that fibre is beneficial for good digestion. 

 Take some healthy drinks

Some drinks are beneficial to your health, some aid your digestion rate, such as, kambucha, ginger tea, lemon grass tea, peppermint tea, pennel tea, water, yoghurt. 

Stay hydrated 

Drinking lots of water will aid your digestion rate. Water is also essential for the regulation of the body, this helps foods digest properly and faster. 

Exercise regularly 

Constant physical fitness training will be of great help to your digestive system, physical activities helps to burn out more fat and calorie from our body, thereby making the work easier for the digestive system. 

Get enough sleep 

Lack of sleep can also cause more severe illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia disease, it is the common cause of indigestion. It cause some digestive problems which may later results to constipation. Get enough quality sleep on a daily basis. 


Manage stress 

   Too much stress can worsen digestive conditions like irritable bowel. Avoid stressing yourself, medidate and practice yoga to calm yourself down. 

Don't eat late 

Eating late night dinner can cause indigestion. Eat your dinner three  hours before bedtime. 

 Follow this steps to promote your digestive health, so as to live a healthy life.