Few things can ruin your day and mood as quick as a sour stomach.
You don’t have the time or patience to struggle with an upset stomach when you’re trying to get work done or enjoy your free time, right?
You don’t want your stomach to act up:
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A sour stomach is a collection of dreadful symptoms in your upper gut, such as nausea, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux (GERD) and indigestion.
If you’re having an unpleasant feeling in your gut right now, I understand. As a teen, eating was a battle because I would get sour stomach and IBS symptoms constantly.
We’re not alone, though. According to Health Line:
- Sixty percent of the adult population will experience some gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) within a 12 month period, and 20 to 30 percent will have weekly symptoms.
- People with GERD have a lower reported health-related qualify of life, which includes reduced enjoyment of food (80 percent), sleep problems (60 percent), andworks concentration difficulties when symptoms were present (40 percent).
That’s not good. On top of having an upset stomach, you could have sleep problems and enjoy your food less?
I think we can both agree we need to find a solution and prevent this from happening.
First, let’s take a closer look at what’s going on in your gut.
Symptoms Of A Sour Stomach
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The most common symptoms of a sour stomach happen in your upper digestive tract. This include:
- Nausea: The sensation that you’re going to vomit. This happens when your digestion slows down,and the food doesn’t travel in the right direction.
- Belching or burping: This happens when you swallow too much air, which causes your stomach to expand. The burps release the excess air from your stomach through your mouth.
- Bloating: This happens when excess food and gas make you feel uncomfortably full. It can cause your stomach to swell temporarily.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in your chest or throat that happens when excess gastric acid rises to your esophagus.
- Regurgitation: The sensation of stomach acid going up into your mouth or throat.This can leave you with a sour taste in your mouth.
- Stomach Ache: Abdominal pain can happen for many reasons, including eating too much and too fast, eating spoiled food, or due to underlying illnesses such as ulcers or colitis.
- Stomach Rumbling: Excess gas causes you to hear rumbling in your stomach. When gas mixes with the solids being digested,it’s possible to hear the contraction of the intestine walls as they try to digest your food.
- Stomach Ulcers: Stomach ulcers are sores that form when external agents reduce the mucus lining that protect the stomach walls, allowing the acid to eat away the stomach tissues.
- Constipation: Slow intestinal motility can be caused by a lack of fiber and water. Certain foods can slow down digestion as well, like fatty foods and red meat.
There are also non-food related causes, such as stress, lack of exercise, or chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
What’s Causing Your Sour Stomach?
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Acid reflux and indigestion are the two main culprits of a sour stomach.
Acid reflux (GERD) happens when small amounts of stomach acid enter the esophagus. This can happen for three reasons:
- Excess food in the stomach.
- Excess stomach acid due to slow gastric emptying.
- Reduced tonicity of the sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is associated with a broad range of digestive issues such as bloating, belching, nausea, and stomach pain.
It typically goes away on its own, but if it persists it could be caused by chronic conditions such as gastritis, gallstones, and IBS, in which case you should talk to your doctor.
These are common causes of acid reflux and indigestion:
- Overeating.
- Eating too quickly.
- Hunger.
- Excessive physical activity after eating.
- Carbonated drinks, like soda.
- Deep fried food.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Irregular eating patterns.
- Lack of exercise.
- Lying down immediately after eating, especially face down.
- Swallowing air (aerophagia).
- Spicy foods.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
How To Prevent A Sour Stomach
Since the majority of stomach problems are caused by bad habits, simple lifestyle changes can prevent acid reflux and indigestion.
Here’s what you can do:
How To Eat
- Eat until you feel satisfied, not too full. Overeating is one of the main causes of indigestion and acid reflux.You can add soluble fiber to your meals to feel satisfied with less food.Evidence shows that viscous soluble fibers like pectins, β-glucans, psyllium, and guar gum are better at reducing appetite than less viscous fibers.Good sources of these fibers include citrus fruits, apples, berries, oats, shiitake mushrooms, barley, rye, and psyllium husk.
- Eat slowly.Studies show that eating at a slower pace increases satiety and reduces energy intake from your meal. This keeps you from overeating without restraining yourself.Also, eating slowly prevents you from swallowing too much air, the main cause of belching and burping.
- Eat at regular intervals. If your body is used to eating at a certain rhythm during the day, skipping meals randomly can cause discomfort and stomach ache.
- Don’t eat citrus fruits on an empty stomach. The acid from citrus fruits could increase acid reflux if there’s no other food present in your stomach.
Foods to avoid
- Excess alcohol.
- Greasy, deep fried foods.
- Sodas.
- Spicy foods.
- Coffee.
- Artificial sweeteners.
How To Treat Your Body
- Don’t smoke. Nicotine, a main component of tobacco, can relax the sphincter at the bottom of your esophagus, making it easier for stomach acid to reach your esophagus, throat, and mouth.
- Exercise daily. Exercise increases the motility of your digestive system, which prevents constipation and bloating. Evidence shows that yoga can increase circulation around the intestines, reduce bloating, and diminish pain. As long as you do any form of exercise daily – whether it’s running or gardening- you’ll help your digestive system stay healthy.
- Avoid sleeping or lying down after eating. Lying down right after eating increases the chance of indigestion and acid reflux because it moves the contents of the stomach towards the esophagus.
- De-stress. Stress and stomach issues are closely linked. To avoid psychological factors taking a toll on your digestive health, do activities that relax your body and mind. Meditation, reading, talking a walk, listening to music, or enjoying time with your loved ones can lower your stress levels.
- Decrease your consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce the stomach lining that protects the stomach walls, the main cause of ulcers.
Effective Remedies For A Sour Stomach
Home remedies can be more effective than over-the-counter drugs at relieving a sour stomach.
They skip the side effects and nourish your body in different ways.
These areeighteffective remedies that fight sour stomach symptoms:
1.Charred Toast
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Charred toast is used to treat a sour stomach especially when you’re having nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The char will absorb the toxins from your digestive system that are making you sick.
How to eat it: Make two whole-wheat burnt toasts and eat them slowly. Don’t add anything to your toasts so the char can do its job better.
Make sure to pick whole wheat or Ezekiel bread, like white bread can be harmful to your gut microbiota. We also recommend this good toaster for best toasted bread.
2.Activated Charcoal
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Activated charcoal is an effective remedy for food poisoning.
It works by binding the toxins in your digestive tract that make you ill.
How to eat it:Mix half a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in a glass of water or add it to a soft food (like oatmeal).
Alternatively, swallow one capsule of activated charcoal. Eat this twice a day until the symptoms decrease.
3.Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar has powerful antibacterial properties that can help get rid of bacteria causing food poisoning.
It helps to balance your gut microbiota and restores the natural pH in your stomach lining.
It also increases stomach acid, which helps your body digest your food better. Best buy of an organic apple cider vinegar.
How to eat it: Mix one tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar (with the mother) in a glass of water.
Drink it three times a day if you have food poisoning.
Drink it 20 minutes before each meal if you have mild discomfort, like constipation. This will help your digestion.
4.Rice Water
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Rice water will protect your stomach lining by relieving inflammation and creating a protective barrier against it. This helps prevent and reverse stomach ulcers.
It will also keep you hydrated and nourish you if you have food poisoning.
How to eat it: Cook ½ cup of white rice in 2 cups of water over medium-low heat. Once your rice begins to soften, remove from the heat and let it sit for three minutes. Drain the water and drink it while it’s warm.
Drink it 3-4 times per day until you feel better.
5. Aloe Vera
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Aloe will soothe inflammation and irritation in your stomach and intestinal lining, reducing ulcers and colitis symptoms.
Evidence shows it’s an effective laxative, which is beneficial when you constipation or food poisoning.
Studies also show aloe vera juice promotes the growth of helpful bacteria in your gut, which supports a healthymicrobiota.
How to eat it: Blend two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 cup of water or sugar-free juice in a blender until smooth. Drink this 2 times per day until symptoms begin to improve.
6. Peppermint Tea
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Peppermint tea can help diminish symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion.
Peppermint tea can help diminish symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion.
Peppermint tea can help diminish symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and indigestion.
Studies show peppermint has beneficial effects on the digestive tract, including the inhibition of peristaltic movement, reduced gastric emptying, and diminished spasms, which prevents cramps and dyspepsia.
Menthol, a component in peppermint, has antibacterial properties that fight bacteria that cause gut disturbances.
How to drink it: Steep one bag of peppermint tea in one cup of boiling water for 3 minutes. Alternatively, place 7-10 fresh mint leaves in a mug and cover with boiling water, allowing it to steep for 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups of tea per day until you begin to feel better.
7. Fennel Tea
Fennel has antibacterial properties that prevent gastrointestinal problems and keep your gut microbiota healthy. It’s also antispasmodic. Get organic fennel tea at best price from here.
A study found that the antimicrobial activity of fennel seeds eliminated harmful bacteria in the gut that are responsible for gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting.
It has also been widely used to treat indigestion and as a diuretic.
How to drink it: You can use fennel seeds, fennel root, or fennel leaves to make tea.
- Fennel seeds: Slightly crush 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds with a spoon. In a saucepan, add two cups of water, add the seeds, and bring to low heat. Once it starts to simmer, remove from the heat and let it steep for 3 minutes. Strain the tea from the saucepan and enjoy.
- Fennel leaves: Pull a handful of fresh fennel leaves from the bulb and rinse well, then chop them into large pieces. In a saucepan, add two cups of water,add the leaves, and bring to low heat. Once it starts to simmer, remove from the heat and let it steep for 3 minutes. Strain the tea from the pot and enjoy.
- Fennel root: Chop two tablespoons of fennel root. In a saucepan, add two cups of water,add the chunks of fennel, and bring to a medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, remove from the heat and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain the tea from the pot and enjoy.
8.Ginger Tea
Ginger is one of the most beneficial foods for your digestive system.
Evidence shows that ginger has anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects that protect your digestive tract.
It’s helpful in reducing nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness because it helps to break up and expel intestinal gas.
It’s also rich in gingesulfonic acid, a component that has powerful anti-ulcer activity. Get it from here as a best tea on market.
How to drink it: Peel the ginger root and grate one tablespoon of ginger.In a saucepan, add two cups of water and bring it to a boil.
Add ginger and turn off heat. Let it steep for 10 minutes with a lid on. Strain the tea and enjoy. You can add cinnamon and honey if you’d like.
Conclusion
Sour stomach tends to be caused by specific foods and bad eating habits. By staying away from foods that trigger discomfort and taking care of your body, you can avoid sour stomach symptoms most of the time.
A sour stomach can also be caused by underlying diseases, in which case it’s appropriate to see a doctor if your symptoms persist.
Helpful foods and herbs such as herbal teas, aloe vera, activated charcoal, rice water, and burnt toast are effective at diminishing sour stomach symptoms.
Cherries, raisins, apricots and prunes (also known as the CRAP diet) is another set of helpful food to ease an upset stomach. Yogurt, carrot and mint juice and caraway seeds are some other options.
And in any case, placing a hot water bottle or bag is a good old way to alleviate a sour stomach. The heat increases blood flow to the skin surface, transferring the perception of pain from inside your stomach to the outside.
Did you find these helpful? Which of the following remedies will you use first?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Acidic BurpsThere are many overweight and obese people in the world that usually have Acidic burps. And nowadays many of them are concerned with their weight very much and acidic burps. The main obstacle in the whole dieting process is late snacking which causes acidic burps. So, how to get rid of acidic burps? This is a usual question that I hear from people who have problems with weight and acidic burps. There are various approaches on acidic burps that you can use and also change acidic burps way of thinking, all these will help you to get rid of your habit of late snacking and having acidic burps. Overeating At Night causes acidic burps1. You should rate your hunger and acidic burps. If you have used to eat at night and have acidic burps, then you are more likely to eat on autopilot and acidic burps then due to the fact that you are really hungry because you have acidic burps. If you feel a need to snack at night, it is better if you ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?” If you pay attention to acidic burps, it will be easier for you to make eating decisions and avoid acidic burps.2. You should not deprive yourself even if you have acidic burps. If you bear in mind that it is not allowed to eat at late nights because you’ll have acidic burps, you will probably have even more acidic burps. It is a human nature to want what is forbidden like acidic burps. It is recommended to wait 15 minutes and eat a small portion of anything like acidic burps. During this time your cravings can vanish and if not, allow yourself to have acidic burps.3. Make a smarter late evening choice of food to avoid acidic burps. Your body can not digest all foods in late evenings in the same way so you won’t have acidic burps. For example, if you consume carbohydrates, you will cause a surge acidic burps to be produced in your body. And this is not what you need to get acidic burps, because when there is a high level of acidic burps.4. Set a bigger goal even if you have acidic burps. If your main goal is weight loss and getting rid of acidic burps, then remind yourself acidic burps very often and especially it is important at late evenings to avoid acidic burps. This functions as a mental trick to help you see that there is something you want more than food and avoid acidic burps.5. Walk for 15 minutes to lessen acidic burps. Many researches showed that those people who acidic burps.6. Have a hot cup of tea or pop in a stick of gum to lessen acidic burps. By making an alternative to acidic burps such as gum or hot tea you can very often satisfy your acidic burps for something to do and this great substitute can assist you in acidic burps at late nights once it has become your new habit.[/tabcontent][/wptabsy]
