Common Sense:
INDIGESTION OR MINOR HEARTBURN
Arizona
Department of Corrections
Inmate Wellness Program
Health
Service Bureau
HEP 1060- 01/06
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Indigestion includes heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, and gas. It usually
results from eating or drinking too much or too quickly, or eating foods that
disagree with you. Too much or too little stomach acid can trigger indigestion.
Avoid
indigestion by avoiding things that irritate your stomach:
-
Don’t smoke
or chew tobacco.
-
Don't drink
alcohol.
-
When you
eat, chew each bite very well before swallowing.
-
Avoid food
and drinks that seem to aggravate your stomach.
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Keep a food
diary to help you spot troublesome foods. Coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas,
alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, citrus fruits, spicy foods and acid
producing foods like beans and cabbage are all common causes of indigestion.
-
Don't lie
flat for two to three hours after eating.
-
Exercise
regularly. If possible, wait one-hour after eating before beginning
exercise.
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Placing warm
compresses on your stomach may provide quick relief.
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Maintain a
normal body weight and eat a healthy diet.
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Do not
overeat and avoid eating within 3 hours of going to bed.
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Antacids are
available in the inmate store to help you control indigestion.
Note: A special
diet is not necessary to control indigestion.
Warning: If you have crushing chest pain, cold sweats, or are vomiting blood,
contact your Shift Commander.
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