Indigestion

What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?

To better understand what the condition is, the question we should be asking is “what does indigestion feel like?” because it refers to a group of symptoms instead of a specific disease.

Also known as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, indigestion is primarily characterized by pain or discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen, typically following a meal. Other symptoms include¹:

• Feeling full earlier than usual during a meal
• An uncomfortable feeling of fullness that lingers long after finishing a meal
• Heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest area
• Bloating
• Nausea

What causes indigestion?

Indigestion occurs when excess stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive lining of your stomach or esophagus. This contact can cause irritation, soreness, and swelling, resulting in an uncomfortable, burning pain.

Because everyone's digestive system is unique, indigestion triggers can vary from person to person

What Are My Relief Options for Indigestion?

Your first line of defense against the symptoms of your condition is an over-the-counter medicine. Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) is particularly suited for managing indigestion discomfort. Rather than simply masking symptoms, it addresses the underlying causes of your digestive distress:

• Forms a protective “raft”: Sodium alginate forms a protective gel layer that sits atop stomach contents, blocking acid from traveling upward and causing that uncomfortable burning or bloating sensation after eating.
• Neutralizes stomach acid: Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate actively neutralize excess stomach acid, decreasing the chemical irritation that makes digestion feel difficult or painful.
• Long-lasting relief: The combination of the protective barrier and acid neutralization creates a cooling, soothing effect that brings relief to your throat, esophagus, and stomach.

Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) Liquid is specially formulated to work in as fast as three minutes for heartburn and lasts up to 4 hours to provide indigestion relief.⁵ 

 Lifestyle modifications

Aside from taking Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon), your treatment plan should also include some lifestyle changes, like:²

• Dietary adjustments: Cut back or remove trigger foods (e.g., spicy, acidic, and high fat) and drinks like caffeinated beverages and alcohol from your diet.
• Eating habits: Eat smaller portions (and more mealtimes) throughout the day. Avoid eating close to bedtime.
• Smoking cessation: Smoking promotes the production of stomach acid. If possible, avoid smoking and tobacco use in general.³
• Mental healthcare: Stress can increase your risk of experiencing indigestion.⁴ Limit your exposure to stressful situations or learning stress management techniques.

Indigestion doesn't have to control your day-to-day life. The best strategy for lasting relief is always a consistent, three-part approach that empowers you to take control: smart dietary changes, mindful lifestyle adjustments, and the right medication when you need it most.

For those sudden moments of discomfort, over-the-counter options like Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon) can help offer a protective barrier to soothe the burn and prevent reflux.

Before taking this medication, always read the label carefully. This medicine contains sodium and calcium. If you're on a sodium or calcium-restricted diet, consult your doctor before taking this product.

Do not use after the expiry date listed on the package (month/year).

When to seek medical attention: If symptoms persist for more than 7 days    , consult your doctor.⁶

REFERENCES

1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, July 3). Indigestion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211
2. Do I have indigestion?. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, September 30). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia
3. Lifestyle changes for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Patient Care at NYU Langone Health. (n.d.). https://nyulangone.org/conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease/treatments/lifestyle-changes-for-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
4. Cherpak, C. E. (2019). Mindful Eating: A Review of How the Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate and Improve Gastrointestinal and Digestive Function. Integrative Med (Encinitas), 18(4):48-53. PMID: 32549835; PMCID: PMC7219460
5. Strugala, V., Dettmar, P., Sarratt, K., Sykes, J., Berry, P., & Thomas, E. (2010). A randomized, controlled, crossover trial to investigate times to onset of the perception of soothing and cooling by over-the-counter heartburn treatments. Journal of International Medical Research, 38(2), 449–457. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323001003800208
6. Sodium Alginate + Sodium Bicarbonate + Calcium Carbonate (Gaviscon Double Action) Patient Information Leaflet (Dec 2023)

ASC Reference No. R0043N091426G