Six Simple Tips to Help You Avoid Indigestion and Bloating

Indigestion and bloating aren’t the easiest things to talk about, nor are they the easiest things to figure out. After all, you might be sticking rigidly to your three meals a day and sit-up routine without knowing that it’s not so much about how much you are eating but more about what and how you are eating. That’s why we asked Dr Pixie McKenna for her simple tips on how to avoid indigestion and bloating. Here’s what she told us… 1. Avoid rich and spicy foods “Pick tomato based dishes and those with lots of vegetables. Also, it’s better to avoid meals cooked in wine or cream.” 2. Don’t eat late “Avoid late night meals or snacks. Lying down too soon after eating will make it harder for your stomach to digest food properly and can cause acid reflux.” 3. There’s no rush “Take your time to eat and relax during your meal! Stress can cause indigestion, plus if you’re talking with your mouth open you’ll swallow too much air and you will be at risk of trapped wind.” 4. Everything in proportion “Limit alcoholic drinks when you can!” 5. Greens are good “Go veggie where possible – your stomach will produce more acid when digesting meat and this can amplify the symptoms of heartburn.” 6. Be prepared “Keep an antacid in the bathroom cupboard, so that indigestion doesn’t get in the way of you enjoying yourself.” If you are still having problems, check out Maalox® Plus, a lemon flavoured indigestion relief remedy which aims to relieve the symptoms of excess acid, heartburn and bloating. It is available in liquid format and chewable tablets, from pharmacies only. Before use, read the label and instructions carefully. For further advice, ask your pharmacist or doctor.