Page 62 - Biology Form Two

Biology for Secondary Schools

Indigestion Prevention and control of indigestion
This is a problem of the digestive (i) Set and adhere to a meals timetable.
system where digestion takes place very (ii) Avoid too spicy and too fatty
slowly. The affected individual lacks foods.
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appetite and feels full most of the time, (iii) Avoid stress and maintain sensible
even after taking very little food. People life.
who work under very high pressure (iv) Ensure good work management.

may become ‘stressed’ and this can (v) Eat a balanced diet.
cause indigestion. Sick people also may (vi) Time for taking meals should be
be affected by indigestion, for example planned properly so that there is
those with ulcers in the stomach or enough time for each meal to be
duodenum. eaten in a relaxed way.
(vii) Seek medical advice for a
Poor eating habits, especially eating prolonged indigestion problem.
too much food, taking meals very (viii) Exercise to help food digestion.
late in the night, or eating much food
shortly before going to bed can cause Peptic ulcers
indigestion. Eating too much spicy or These are sores that affect the lining of

fatty foods can also lead to indigestion, the stomach or the upper portion of the
and it could be worse if food is small intestine (duodenum). The ulcers
accompanied by cold drinks or alcohol. in the stomach are called gastric ulcers
Indigestion is usually associated with while the ulcers in the duodenum are
pain and discomfort in the stomach. called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers result
Depending on the type of food eaten, from the erosion of the mucus coating
swallowing too quickly without proper of these organs, thus exposing them to

chewing can also lead to indigestion. the action of digestive enzymes and

Symptoms of indigestion acid. The mucus coating can be broken
(i) Tendency of feeling full for a long by the bacteria called Helicobacter
time, even 2-3 days. pylori. Certain types of medicines can
(ii) Lack of appetite. also cause peptic ulcers. Smoking,
consuming excessive alcohol and
(iii) Stomach discomfort and
restlessness. caffeine as well as emotional stress are
additional causes of peptic ulcers.
(iv) Nausea and vomiting.

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