Indigestion (dyspepsia) describes a group of upper digestive symptoms — including pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea and feeling full quickly — that affect a large proportion of the UK population. For most people it is functional (no identifiable structural cause) and significantly influenced by diet, stress and lifestyle. A range of dietary, lifestyle and complementary approaches offer effective relief.
Indigestion or dyspepsia is an umbrella term for upper abdominal discomfort rather than a specific diagnosis. It encompasses a range of symptoms arising from the upper gastrointestinal tract — the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Around 70% of dyspepsia is "functional" — investigations reveal no structural cause such as ulcers or inflammation. Functional dyspepsia is strongly associated with the gut-brain axis: stress, anxiety and psychological distress have direct effects on gastric motility and sensitivity.
Causes of structural dyspepsia include Helicobacter pylori infection, gastric ulcer, oesophageal reflux, and gastritis. These should be assessed and treated medically.
Common symptoms of indigestion include:
Seek urgent medical attention if indigestion is associated with difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, persistent vomiting, or if you are over 55 with new symptoms.
For functional dyspepsia, a combination of dietary modification and stress management typically produces the best results:
If indigestion symptoms are new, persistent, or associated with alarm features (see above), GP assessment is the appropriate first step. For functional dyspepsia, lifestyle modification is the foundation of management, with complementary therapies and psychological approaches playing an important adjunct role.
We don't currently have any therapies mapped to this condition.
Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a broad term for upper digestive discomfort. Acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, GORD) is a specific condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and regurgitation. Heartburn can be a symptom of both indigestion and acid reflux. They overlap significantly but have different causes and management priorities.
Yes — stress has well-documented effects on gastric function, including slowing gastric emptying, increasing gastric acid secretion, and heightening visceral sensitivity. Stress-related indigestion often improves significantly with stress management techniques, even without dietary changes.
Common dietary triggers include fatty or fried foods, spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, large portions, and eating too quickly. Triggers vary between individuals. A food and symptom diary can help identify personal patterns.
Indigestion that is persistent, new, or associated with difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, repeated vomiting, or blood should always be assessed medically. Anyone over 55 with new dyspepsia symptoms should also be assessed to rule out upper gastrointestinal pathology.
Yes — eating slowly and mindfully is one of the most practical and evidence-supported interventions for functional dyspepsia. Eating quickly leads to swallowing air (causing bloating), reduces chewing efficiency, and overrides gastric fullness signals. Regular, smaller, slower meals are consistently recommended.