Low Fat, High Fiber Diet

Study after study shows that indigestion largely occurs due to an excess of fat in the diet, and generally a corresponding absence of high-fiber foods. Fiber promotes smooth and efficient digestion, and a lack of it can cause things to slow down, back up, and misfire. That leads to the painful burning sensation and discomfort caused by renegade stomach acid. Be sure that your diet is full of whole grains, high-fiber cereals like raisin bran, and fruits like grapes, prunes, and raisins. Simply maintaining a proper diet can prevent almost all incidences of indigestion.

Calm Down and Stress Less

Another common cause of indigestion is stress or anxiety, which has been repeatedly linked to the chronic occurrence of heartburn and acid reflux as well as other symptoms of indigestion. Leading a happier lifestyle will cause the body to operate more efficiently and digest more healthily, and this will lead to reduced incidences of indigestion across the board. As an added benefit, it also promotes good psychological health. So, stressed out sufferers of indigestion should simply take a deep breath and relax.

Cut Down on Cigarettes and Alcohol

It's no secret that drinking lots of alcohol leads to an upset stomach and a whole host of other health problems. One of those problems, as researchers increasingly note, is chronic indigestion in patients who drink to excess many times per week or even per month. The problem is further exacerbated by cigarette smoke either first-hand or second-hand, which can agitate the stomach and cause it to release dangerous acid into the esophagus, thus causing acid reflux. Cut down on cigarettes and alcohol consumption, and you'll prevent indigestion from ruining your post-meal enjoyment. 

Eat Less or Eat Slower

Eating a large meal leads straight to indigestion, as anyone who has experienced a holiday feast can attest to. Furthermore, eating a meal very quickly, as lots of people do during the workday, increases the likelihood that indigestion will occur. This is simply avoided by eating less food, or eating your food at a much slower rate. It gives the stomach adequate time to properly digest foods and thus reduces the likelihood that it will release acid into the system and cause heartburn and other painful indigestion side effects.

Exercise Later

It's no secret that exercise is good for you, but it might be a secret that exercise right after a meal is a terrible idea. The agitation experienced by your stomach while it's trying to digest foods can easily lead to acid reflux and wider indigestion, and can impact the success of your workouts (as you probably know already). Put your workout off for 30 to 45 minutes after eating and you'll prevent indigestion entirely.