Indigestion is just another name for an upset stomach. (It's also called dyspepsia (say: dis-pep-see-ah.) Indigestion usually happens when people eat too much, too fast, or foods that don't "agree" with them.

Symptoms

· Heartburn - a burning feeling that travels from a person's chest up to the neck and throat. It's caused by stomach acid, which isn't a problem unless it gets out of your stomach.
· Pain or burning in your upper belly - usually in the middle
· Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
· Bloating (that too-full feeling where your stomach sticks out)
· Burping that you have a hard time controlling

Treatment

The treatment of indigestion is based on assessment of symptoms and suspected causative factors. A range of indigestion treatments can be bought from the pharmacy.

Home remedy: Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a glass. Drink as soon as you feel indigestion coming.

Here are some other tips to prevent indigestion:

· As much as possible, avoid fatty, greasy foods, like fries and burgers.
· Avoid too much chocolate or too many citrus fruits (the acid in citrus fruits can upset the digestive tract).
· Eat slowly.
· Don't smoke - or don't start smoking!
· Find ways to relax and decrease stress.
· Give your body a chance to digest food. Don't eat a huge meal and immediately go to sports practice. Try to eat at least an hour beforehand, or eat afterward.

When to Go to the Doctor

Usually, indigestion only happens once in a while, like after eating too many hotdogs.

You may see the doctor if you get indigestion even when you're eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

You may need to be examined, have stomach X-rays or other tests to make sure your indigestion is not the sign of another problem in your digestive tract.

Source: About.com