Indigestion (Dyspepsia) Support Protocol

Digestive HealthModerate Evidence

supplements

Primary

Supporting

Grade A

Studies

Primary Stack

Core supplements with strongest evidence

GingerB

250-500mg standardized extract three times daily or fresh ginger tea

Promotes gastric motility; reduces nausea; anti-inflammatory effects on digestive tract

12 studies600 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 21818642 - Ginger for dyspepsia: systematic review (2011)

Artichoke Leaf ExtractB

320-640mg standardized extract three times daily

Stimulates bile flow; improves fat digestion; reduces dyspeptic symptoms

8 studies500 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 12587690 - Artichoke leaf extract for functional dyspepsia: randomized trial (2003)

Supporting Stack

Additional supplements for enhanced results

Peppermint OilB

0.2-0.4ml enteric-coated capsule three times daily

Relaxes smooth muscle; relieves bloating and discomfort (use enteric-coated)

10 studies500 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 17238796 - Peppermint oil for functional dyspepsia: meta-analysis (2007)

ProbioticsB

10-20 billion CFU daily (multi-strain)

Supports healthy gut microbiome; may improve digestive symptoms

10 studies600 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 24045160 - Probiotics for functional dyspepsia: systematic review (2013)

Digestive EnzymesC

Pancreatin or multi-enzyme with meals

Supplements pancreatic enzymes to aid digestion of fats, proteins, carbohydrates

6 studies300 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 22516842 - Digestive enzymes for dyspepsia: review (2012)

AstaxanthinC

4-12mg daily

Antioxidant; may help with H. pylori-related dyspepsia

GERD Symptoms

3 studies100 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 21970614 - Astaxanthin for gastric symptoms: clinical study (2011)

DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)C

380-760mg chewable 20 minutes before meals

Soothes gastric mucosa; promotes protective mucus production

5 studies200 participants

Supporting Studies (1)

PMID: 25850163 - DGL for dyspepsia: clinical review (2015)

How This Protocol Works

Simple Explanation

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a common condition characterized by discomfort in the upper abdomen, often occurring during or after eating.

SYMPTOMS:

•Upper abdominal discomfort or pain

•Feeling full too quickly during meals (early satiety)

•Bloating

•Nausea

•Burping or belching

•Burning sensation

TYPES:

•Functional dyspepsia: No identifiable structural cause (most common)

•Organic dyspepsia: Due to ulcer, GERD, H. pylori, medications, etc.

COMMON CAUSES:

•Eating too quickly or too much

•Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods

•Alcohol and caffeine

•Stress and anxiety

•Certain medications (NSAIDs, aspirin)

•H. pylori infection

•GERD (acid reflux)

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:

•Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks

•Unintentional weight loss

•Vomiting blood or black stools

•Difficulty swallowing

•Age >55 with new symptoms

•Severe or persistent symptoms

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

•Eat smaller, more frequent meals

•Eat slowly, chew thoroughly

•Avoid trigger foods

•Don't lie down right after eating

•Manage stress

•Limit alcohol and caffeine

•Quit smoking

* Ginger and artichoke support digestive motility.

* Peppermint helps relieve bloating and discomfort.

* Probiotics support healthy gut function.

Expected timeline: Dietary changes may improve symptoms within days. Supplements typically show benefit within 2-4 weeks of consistent use.

Clinical Perspective

Dyspepsia: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is most common - Rome IV criteria: postprandial distress syndrome (early satiety, postprandial fullness) or epigastric pain syndrome. Rule out alarm features and organic causes. H. pylori testing recommended - treat if positive.

Management: Lifestyle modification first (smaller meals, avoid triggers). PPI trial for 4-8 weeks. If no response: prokinetics, tricyclic antidepressants. Herbal remedies have evidence: STW5 (Iberogast), peppermint oil, artichoke, ginger. Psychological therapies for refractory FD. Supplements provide adjunctive symptom relief.

* Ginger (B-grade): Prokinetic. Systematic review: (PMID: 21818642). 250-500mg TID.

* Artichoke (B-grade): Choleretic/digestive. RCT: (PMID: 12587690). 320-640mg TID.

* Peppermint Oil (B-grade): Antispasmodic. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 17238796). Enteric-coated 0.2-0.4ml TID.

* Probiotics (B-grade): Microbiome support. Systematic review: (PMID: 24045160). Multi-strain 10-20B CFU daily.

* Digestive Enzymes (C-grade): Enzyme support. Review: (PMID: 22516842). With meals.

* Astaxanthin (C-grade): Antioxidant. Clinical study: (PMID: 21970614). 4-12mg daily.

* DGL (C-grade): Mucosal protection. Clinical review: (PMID: 25850163). 380-760mg before meals.

Assessment targets: Symptom frequency/severity, quality of life, H. pylori status.

Protocol notes: H. pylori: test and treat if positive; breath test or stool antigen. PPI trial: 4-8 weeks adequate; step down if responsive. FD subtypes: postprandial (prokinetics may help) vs epigastric pain (acid suppression). STW5 (Iberogast): commercial herbal combination with good evidence. Peppermint: use enteric-coated to avoid heartburn. Combination approach: often more effective than single agent. Psychological: CBT, hypnotherapy for refractory. Alarm features: weight loss, dysphagia, GI bleeding, anemia, age >55 new onset - require endoscopy. Medication review: NSAIDs, aspirin, bisphosphonates can cause dyspepsia.

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