News and updates Specialist-expert of the Ministry of Health, doctor-therapist Nahid Maharramov: Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet lead to indigestion

- Teacher Nahid, first of all, we would like to know what are the symptoms of indigestion?

- The organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas and gall bladder. Indigestion or indigestion is called dyspepsia in medicine. A more sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet lead to indigestion. These include: eating frequently, chewing less or eating too much, lying down immediately after eating, eating fatty foods, alcohol and carbonated drinks, caffeine or sugar-containing drinks, as well as regular use of tobacco products, stress, anxiety and other psychological problems, obesity, uncontrolled intake of drugs, sedentary lifestyle, irregular sleep patterns, etc.
Symptoms of indigestion can cause abdominal pain or some discomfort. This can be observed as pain in the right or left subcostal, back and epigastric region, belching, burning behind the sternum, belching, constipation, diarrhea. Symptoms of indigestion usually start after eating when the stomach is doing its digestion.
The most common symptom is early satiety during meals. This may be accompanied by bloating, belching, nausea or heartburn. To treat indigestion, you need to eat properly, stay away from stress, restore sleep, and be active.

- Doctor, what diseases can indigestion cause?

- Some of the diseases that cause indigestion are: reflux esophagitis, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, abnormalities of the pancreas or bile ducts, lactose or gluten intolerance, gastritis, celiac disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, constipation, intestinal obstruction, blockage of intestinal vessels, diabetes, thyroid gland diseases, stomach cancer, etc.
Disorders of the digestive system caused by improper nutrition can lead to many diseases and organ damage. At this time, there are conditions for the formation of diabetes, arterial pressure, heart attack, stroke, kidney stones, and gallstones. Digestive disorders also lead to metabolic changes and obesity.

- Which foods usually cause difficulties in the functioning of the gastrointestinal system in the spring-summer season?

- Excessive use of canned products can cause problems in the gastrointestinal system in all seasons of the year. In spring and summer, these products should be used as little as possible. Salted and smoked fish products, pastries and high-fat foods are also recommended to be used sparingly.

- What is the right way to drink water before and after meals?

- Water is irreplaceable for the normal functioning of our organs and therefore for good digestion. Of course, it is necessary to drink water on time and in sufficient quantity. A person should drink about 1.5-2 liters of water during the day. It is very useful to drink a glass of water every day immediately after waking up, that is, on an empty stomach. It is necessary to stop drinking water at least 3 hours before going to bed. The benefits of drinking water half an hour before and 40 minutes after a meal are greater. Liquid intake during meals is not recommended.

- What should people with indigestion pay attention to in their nutrition?

- It is not recommended to eat sweet, sour, salty, bitter and fatty foods in the diet of people with digestive system diseases. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks are also among those that are undesirable in digestive system diseases. Regular use of "fast food" causes serious problems in the digestive system and leads to obesity. At this time, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases. People suffering from digestive system diseases should consume more fiber foods, fruits and vegetables. As a result, intestinal activity improves, vitamins and minerals are transferred to the body as needed.