For a condition that affects such a large amount of people on such a regular basis, there are still plenty of myths surrounding indigestion.
Old wives tales are regularly talked about as fact and many people still don’t even know exactly what it feels like or causes it.
Rennie takes a look at some of the more common myths surrounding indigestion to put the record straight.
INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN AREN’T THE SAME THING
While they may have very similar triggers – such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or a busy stressful lifestyle – they are in fact different conditions.
Indigestion is a feeling of discomfort and pain in the stomach and under the ribs, and can make you feel full and bloated.
Meanwhile, heartburn is a feeling of burning in the throat and can often be a symptom of indigestion – but they are most definitely not the same thing.
IF YOU HAVE INDIGESTION WHEN PREGNANT YOU WILL HAVE A HAIRY BABY
This old wives tale still gets regular airings and, somewhat surprisingly, it may not be as farfetched as it sounds.
Research suggests that oestrogen causes both the oesophageal sphincter to relax (and therefore allow stomach acid to move into the oesophagus) and hair growth in babies.
So, if you suffer from regular bouts of indigestion (of which heartburn is a symptom), you may be about to give birth to a baby with a full head of hair.
CARBOHYDRATES GIVE YOU INDIGESTION
It may appear to make a certain amount of sense that stodgy foods such as pasta, bread or rice give you indigestion.
However, it’s not quite as clear cut as it may first seem.
Many experts believe that it is in fact gluten that causes the indigestion. Gluten is what gives bread its chewy texture and is a substance that many people are sensitive or intolerant of.
If you appear to suffer from indigestion after eating carb-heavy food, it is recommended to seek advice from a doctor who may test you for coeliac disease – it may be the gluten causing your issues.
THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO COMBAT INDIGESTION
For some people, dealing with indigestion means nothing more than riding it out and waiting for the feeling to pass – but there are alternatives.
Rennie is a fast-acting remedy for indigestion. Rennie works quickly to relieve painful symptoms. Our antacid-based calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate formula works fast to turn excess stomach acid into water and other natural substances.
So, if you ever get indigestion, reach for the Rennie to help alleviate the symptoms.
TIPS & ADVICE
A busy life can be hard on the stomach and anyone can be affected by heartburn, indigestion or trapped wind at some point. But if you often find yourself in discomfort, sometimes just a few simple changes to your lifestyle can really help to ease those uncomfortable symptoms.
Home remedies to naturally relieve heartburn
Suffering from heartburn? Rennie shares some tips on natural methods and home remedies for heartburn relief that can help to ease your symptoms.
Foods to avoid if you suffer from acid reflux
Sadly, acid reflux can be caused by one of life's greatest pleasures; food. Rennie examines how changes in your diet can make all the difference and which foods are the most common causes.
Chest pain: is it heartburn or a heart condition?
Do you have an unknown pain in your chest? Find out how you can recognise different types of chest pain and identify heartburn, indigestion, & gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
