Lying down after eating can cause indigestion due to increased stomach acid. In the case of GERD, you should avoid lying down for 3 hours after eating. On the contrary, you should lie down immediately after eating for 1 hour or longer when you have postprandial hypotension. If you often feel indigestion, you should see a doctor for advice on lifestyle changes, medication for treatment and other appropriate measures.
1. Should you lie down after a full meal?
Lying down after eating can cause stomach acid to increase, creating a feeling of bloating and indigestion, especially for people with stomach diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat to the stomach), irritating the lining of the esophagus, which is only used to an alkaline environment. According to a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people with GERD are encouraged to lie down only after eating for 3 hours.
2. What is indigestion?
Indigestion is an uncomfortable feeling in the upper abdomen with common symptoms including:
• Feeling full soon after starting a meal
• Fullness, discomfort after eating
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
3. Causes of indigestion
The main causes of indigestion include:
• Eating too quickly, not chewing thoroughly
• Eating too much
• Fatty or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Anxiety
Indigestion can also occur due to other causes such as:
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis
• Gallstones
• Constipation
• Celiac disease
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal ischemia
• Stomach cancer
4. Treatment of indigestion
Indigestion can be reduced by the following ways:
• Identify and avoid foods that cause indigestion
• Cut down on drinks or foods that contain caffeine and alcohol
• Replace 3 large meals/day with 5-6 small meals
• Manage anxiety and stress
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve)
If lifestyle changes do not relieve indigestion, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) antacids medications. Accordingly, if indigestion does not respond to OTC antacids, your doctor may advise using some other medications such as:
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA)
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, you can use some other measures to relieve indigestion such as:
• Acupuncture can block pain sensations to the brain
• Herbal therapies such as caraway and mint
• Meditation
• Psychological treatments, including relaxation techniques, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy
5. When should you lie down after eating?
According to Harvard Medical School, you should lie down after eating for about an hour or longer in case of low blood pressure. During the process of digesting food, blood is continuously supplied to the stomach and small intestine. If the heart and blood vessels cannot compensate for the additional blood that the digestive system needs, it can cause low blood pressure in organs (except the digestive system). This decrease can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness along with other problems such as:
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Chest pain
Lying down after eating can cause indigestion due to increased stomach acid. Accordingly, depending on each medical case, patients have different advice on nutrition, exercise and rest after meals. Patients need to comply to improve their symptoms.
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Reference source: healthline.com
