Heavy and rich foods aren’t the only cause of indigestion, but they certainly play a major part in the problem. Identifying foods which intensify the condition is one step you need to take, but just how can you tell if you’re eating the wrong foods where indigestion is concerned? 

Some common foods are known for increasing the risk of developing indigestion, so eliminating them from your diet is highly recommended. Here are a few of them:

Citrus fruits

 Citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, should never be eaten on an empty stomach. These fruits are especially high in acid and can damage the mucus lining of the stomach, which will result in indigestion.

Greasy and fatty foods

All greasy and fatty foods should be eaten in moderation, or not at all. A cooked breakfast once a week is probably safe, as long as the bacon and sausages are grilled and the eggs are poached.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have also been known to cause heartburn. A safe diet doesn’t necessarily mean a boring diet though – you just have to find an alternative way to prepare your meal and poaching or steaming is always good.

Dairy

Milk, cheese and other dairy products are hard to digest and that means they can cause problems such as indigestion.

Spices

Some experts believe that chilli, garlic and other strong spices cause the problem. If this is the case, you can reintroduce curry into your diet but start with a gentle Korma or Pasanda, rather than opting for a Vindaloo. 

Alcohol

An excess of alcohol is never a good idea; it can lead to erratic and embarrassing behaviour as well as cause physical damage. Try to only drink in moderation and make sure that you don’t drink on a daily basis.

How does it feel?

While these foods are all common culprits, you may find there are certain foods which trigger your own bouts of indigestion. It is all about how you feel – so keep a track of what you eat and the times that you suffer indigestion to identify common links.

Once you’ve discovered your indigestion triggers, you should obtain relief. Eating a meal slowly is wise as this will allow more time for digestion, but if you are at all concerned about your personal health problems, you should contact a service like Benenden Health, who have a 24-hour helpline for advice and assistance.