
The term “dyspepsia”, popularly referred to as heavy digestion, is used to describe any type of digestive discomfort such as abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, unpleasant taste from the mouth, heartburn, the feeling of abdominal bloating, the production of belching, flatulence, and rumbling (bowel sounds) 5,6.
“Functional dyspepsia” is not related to organic (gastritis, reflux esophagitis), infectious (Helicobacter pylori infection), metabolic (hypothyroidism, acidosis) or drug-induced disorders. It has its origin in an abnormal perception of the patient, or in an alteration of the function of the upper digestive tract 7. One of the main causes of functional dyspepsia is age. As we have commented previously, the natural aging of some organs results in a decrease in the production of digestive enzymes, which will affect the quality of digestion. However, this digestive disorder is not exclusive to older people. The younger population also tends to present symptoms of functional dyspepsia, usually induced by behavioral and psychic factors, such as 7,8 :
- Adoption of a diet low in fiber and rich in processed foods.
- Poor chewing of food due to hasty eating habits.
- Disorder in meal times.
- High caffeine consumption.
- Anxiety and frequent stress. The mental state produces motor, blood flow and secretory alterations in the digestive system, which affect digestion.
- Lack of physical exercise and obesity. The lack of healthy abdominal muscles and excess weight, result in a weak abdominal muscular wall, contributing to the slowdown of gastrointestinal motility.
- Smoking, alcohol, and excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac).
Classical therapeutic intervention includes the use of antacids, prokinetics, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and antidepressants 8,9. In less severe cases, digestive enzyme therapy has been studied as a viable and safer alternative. In fact, some studies suggest that the consumption of multienzyme preparations such as DIGELIT, is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of flatulence, abdominal bloating, belching and postprandial heaviness 10,13.