Feeling a bit heavy in the stomach...
Not quite feeling well in the stomach...
At times like these, one's mood can also plummet.
Somehow, work doesn't seem to progress smoothly.
In the past, due to the effects of congenital scoliosis, I often experienced discomfort in my stomach and abdomen. Although adopting a vegan and gluten-free diet improved those troubles by enhancing gut health, I wondered if there was a simpler and easier way to alleviate discomfort without going to such lengths. So, I began researching ingredients.
Eventually, I came across a certain fruit that is common in both nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine. I'll introduce this fruit in detail later, but first, let's consider what causes indigestion.
Causes of Indigestion:
Dietary deficiencies or overeating
Irregular eating habits or excessive consumption can burden the digestive organs, leading to indigestion. For example, frequent consumption of fast food or high-calorie meals can strain the stomach and intestines, making indigestion more likely.
Stress
Stress disrupts the autonomic nervous system, inhibiting the secretion of digestive fluids and the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. Accumulated stress can lead to symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Abnormalities in the digestive organs
Dysfunction of the stomach or intestines, disorders such as gallstones or pancreatic diseases, can lead to inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes or reduced peristalsis in the digestive tract, resulting in indigestion.
Side effects of medication
Some medications such as antibiotics, analgesics, and steroids may cause indigestion as a side effect.
Next, let's see how indigestion is linked to various diseases.
Diseases Caused by Indigestion:
Gastric ulcers
Long-term indigestion can lead to excessive damage to the gastric mucosa by gastric acid, potentially leading to ulcers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Reflux of food from the stomach into the esophagus can cause symptoms such as heartburn and vomiting.
Malnutrition and anemia
Insufficient digestion and absorption can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, resulting in anemia and malnutrition.
Finally, I've outlined the nutritional value of the fruit "kiwi," which helps alleviate indigestion.
Nutritional Value of Kiwi:
Rich in dietary fiber
Kiwi contains abundant soluble dietary fiber called pectin, which aids in relieving constipation and promoting digestion.
Rich in vitamin C
One kiwi provides more than 100% of an adult's daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that support gastrointestinal health.
Rich in potassium and antioxidants
Potassium aids in muscle movement, while antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress. These nutrients enhance the function of the digestive system.
Protein-digesting enzyme bromelain
Bromelain promotes the digestion of proteins, contributing to the improvement of indigestion.
Since it can be challenging to consume kiwi raw continuously, let's make it into jam. Besides spreading it on bread, you can use kiwi jam in various ways, such as in sauces or dressings. At some point, I plan to develop a recipe for chutney using kiwi.
Kiwi Jam Recipe:
Ingredients:
6 kiwi fruits
100g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Peel the kiwi and remove the seeds, then roughly chop.
Place the kiwi, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Once the kiwi begins to boil, mash it with a rubber spatula and simmer for about 10 minutes.
When it reaches your desired consistency, remove from heat, and your jam is ready.
References:
[Causes of Indigestion]
Mayo Clinic - Indigestion: Causes
[Diseases Caused by Indigestion]
NHS - Indigestion