IBS vs Indigestion: How to Tell and Treat Appropriately
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Time to read 4 min
Introduction:
If you have felt confused by cramping, bloating, or “bad digestion,” you are not alone.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion (often called dyspepsia) might seem to be the same, but they are not.
Understanding the difference between IBS and indigestion helps you choose the right treatment, track triggers, and know when to see a doctor.
This blog will help you understand what Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Indigestion (Dyspepsia) really is, their symptoms, common differences, viable treatment options for IBS and Indigestion, and Key Differences between them.
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Understanding IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome):
IBS is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine.
It triggers cycles of abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and bloating, often without visible structural damage making it harder to detect.
Common IBS Symptoms
Abdominal cramping relieved by bowel movements
Diarrhea, constipation
Excessive gas and persistent bloating
Feeling of incomplete emptying
Mucus in stool
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Understanding Indigestion:
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common digestive issue that causes discomfort in the upper belly.
Common Symptoms:
- Epigastric Pain: pain in the upper stomach
- Heartburn: A burning feeling in the upper belly or chest
- Feeling too full after eating, even if you ate a small meal
- Bloating or a swollen stomach
- Nausea or feeling like you might vomit
- Frequent burping or belching
Key Differences between IBS and indigestion:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Typical location: Lower abdomen
- Bowel habit changes: diarrhea, constipation, or both
- Symptom pattern: Cramping improves after a bowel movement
- Triggers: Stress, high-FODMAP foods, irregular meals
- Related issues: Gut-brain interaction, visceral sensitivity
- Red flags: Unexplained weight loss, bleeding, fever, severe night pain
Indigestion
- Upper abdomen (above the navel)
- Usually normal; not a defining feature
- Fullness, upper bloating, nausea
- Large/fatty/spicy meals, alcohol, caffeine, painkillers
- Acid irritation, H. pylori, medications, functional dyspepsia
- Same red flags; plus persistent vomiting or trouble swallowing
Think you might have Dyspepsia? Checkout our blog!
Common Triggers:
Triggers for IBS: Stress, poor sleep, high-FODMAP foods such as onion, garlic, and certain legumes, along with carbonated drinks, sugar alcohols, and ultra-processed foods.
Triggers for Indigestion: large meal portions, greasy or very spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, mint, and citrus fruits
When to See a Doctor?
Unexplained weight loss
Severe, unrelenting pain
Blood in stool
Nighttime symptoms disrupting sleep
Family history of gastrointestinal disease
Treatment options for Indigestion and IBS:
#IBS treatment options
Diet Tips
Eat regular, balanced meals.
Avoid large meals that can exacerbate symptoms.
Try a short, low-FODMAP diet (4 to 6 weeks), then slowly reintroduce foods to identify your triggers.
Checkout our:
Low-FODMAP Diet Guide for Bloating and Gas Reduction
Mind-Gut Therapies
Gut-directed hypnotherapy: helps calm gut sensitivity.
Cognitive behavioral strategies (CBT): manage stress and gut symptoms.
Relaxation practices: breathwork, yoga, or meditation can reduce stress and ease discomfort.
Fiber Choices
-
Go for soluble fiber like psyllium (ispaghula husk).
- Avoid too much insoluble fiber (like wheat bran), which can increase bloating.
# Indigestion Treatment Options
Trigger Management
Cut down on very spicy, fried, or high-fat foods .
Limit alcohol and caffeine .
If you have reflux, try avoiding chocolate and mint to see if symptoms improve.
For Functional Dyspepsia:
Prokinetic therapy (if prescribed by your doctor).
Ginger tea
Gentle activity after meals like short walks instead of lying down.
Key takeaways:
Different Triggers: IBS often flares with stress and high-FODMAP foods, whereas indigestion worsens with large meals, spicy or fatty foods, and sometimes reflux.
When to visit a doctor: Ongoing or severe symptoms, weight loss, blood in stool/vomit, or difficulty swallowing require medical evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Can IBS cause heartburn?
IBS rarely triggers true acid reflux. If heartburn is prominent, you may be dealing with dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How long does indigestion last?
Indigestion symptoms typically resolve within a few hours to days once the trigger is removed or treated.
Is fiber good for indigestion?
High-fiber foods can worsen indigestion if they irritate the stomach. Begin with small portions of soluble fiber
Are probiotics helpful for IBS?
Some probiotic strains show modest benefit for bloating and bowel regularity in IBS
