The term “sour stomach” is commonly used to
describe a range of symptoms associated with upper gastrointestinal
disturbances. The most notable symptoms attributed to a sour stomachinclude regurgitation, nausea, stomach
bloating and excessive belching. These symptoms are often related to
two common gastroesophagul conditions, namely and acid reflux and indigestion.
The most common symptoms attributed to a sour
stomach includes:
- Regurgitation is reflux (retrograde flow) of the
stomach contents up into the esophagus which may reach as high up as the
throat. It is not as forceful as vomiting and may not involve reverse
peristalsis as is seen in the vomiting process. Instead the LES
(lower esophageal sphincter) is not able to prevent the backward flow of
the stomach contents up the esophagus.
- Nausea is the sensation that precedes vomiting and is often referred
to as queasiness, upset stomach, bilious and ‘sick in the stomach’.
Vomiting may not actually occur but the feeling of nausea may persist for
long periods of time, even when other symptoms allay.
- Stomach bloating refers to the sensation of feeling
full or bloated even after eating small amounts of food. It is frequently
associated with ‘gassiness’ meaning there is gas accumulation in the upper
gut causing a sensation of bloating and accompanied by excessive belching.
Sour eructations (belches) may be as a result of stomach acid reflux
during belching.
It is not uncommon for other symptoms to also
be present including:
- Heartburn (burning chest pain)
- Bad taste in the mouth (sour, metallic, acidic)
- Stomach ache
- Abdominal pain
- Stomach noises – particularly loud gurgling
- Abdominal distension
What
causes sour stomach?
A sour stomach may be
related to a number of acute conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. By
far, acid reflux and non-functional dyspepsia are the most common causes for
the range of symptoms known as a sour stomach. Many of the causes
in both these conditions overlap.
- Acid Reflux Causes and Severe Indigestion
Causes
- Overeating
- Excessive consumption of carbonated beverages (‘gassy drinks’),
alcohol, caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, cola)
- Lying flat, especially prone (face down), after eating
- Strenuous physical activity after eating
- Hanging upside down (inverted) after eating
- Eating too quickly
- Air swallowing (aerophagia)
- Spicy foods
A sour stomach, especially if it
is persistent or recurrent, may be due to more chronic conditions like :
- Gastritis
- Peptic Ulcer
Although less frequent, sometimes a sour
stomach is associated with vomiting and diarrhea. This is more likely
due to:
- Gastroenteritis – food infection and food
poisoning
- Other causes of sudden vomiting and diarrhea
Home
Remedies for Sour Stomach
1. Carrot
Juice
Carrots are
known as power food and can help the stomach get better. In a blender, mix
together a few carrots, a banana and a bit of water. Drink this juice. It
will help the tummy absorb all the acids and gas that are causing discomfort in
the stomach.
2. Milk
Warm milk
provides relief from constipation. Mix a little honey to the milk to help keep
the stomach lining smooth.
3. Carom
Seeds
An effective
and fast working remedy is to roast a teaspoon of carom seeds in a pan. Allow
the seeds to cool and crush them lightly with a rolling-pin. Mix together with
a pinch of salt. It is very effective for stomach pain and provides relief from
gas as well.
4. Lemon
In almost
all home remedies, lemons are used to cure indigestion, stomach pain,
coughs and many other problems. Juice of one lemon mixed with honey and water
is very effective.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is a
very effective remedy for people who have diarrhea and indigestion. Mix some
crushed cumin seeds and salt in a bowl of yogurt and have it, at least twice in
a day.
6. Soda
Water
A glass of
soda water mixed with juice of half a lemon and some black salt also does
wonders in curing stomach unease.
7.
Asafoetida
Add a pinch
of asafoetida to the food that you cook or mix it with a glass of warm milk.
8. Hot
Water Bag
This is a
good remedy for sour stomach, specifically, resulted due to menstrual cramps.
Lie down on your back and place a hot water bag wrapped in a cloth on your
abdomen.
9. Baking
Soda
Baking soda
(one teaspoon) mixed with a glass of warm water can help relieve stomach pain.
10.
Cinnamon and Ginger Tea
Add two
cinnamon sticks and ½ teaspoon of grated ginger to a glass of warm water. Allow
the mixture to rest for 5 minutes and then sip on the tea.
11.
Aniseed
Take
a teaspoon of aniseed in a cup, pour over some water and
let it soak overnight. Drink water the following morning on an empty
stomach.
12.
Charred Toast
Burnt toast
is an effective remedy for food poisoning, as it offsets the toxins.
13. Apple
Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Add a
teaspoon of ACV to a glass of warm water and drink it before you have your
meal.
14.
Pawpaw
Eating
pawpaw on a daily basis prevents stomach ache.
15.
Mixture of Dry Spices
Take about a
teaspoon each of coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds and add to some
boiling water. Allow the concoction to cool and drink it after your meals.
16. Green
Tea
A cup of
green tea every day in the morning will help reduce the acidity level in your
stomach.
Note- Avoid
using excessive sugar with green tea. Instead, use a teaspoon of honey.
17. Water
Water is the
best remedy to remove all the toxins in your body. One must drink an average of
8 to 10 glasses of water regardless of a sour stomach or not.
18. Rice
Water
Rice water
forms a soothing layer on the stomach wall that helps reduce the pain. Cook
your rice in twice the amount of water as you normally use. Drain the rice
water in a bowl. Add a little honey to the water and sip it.
19.
Potato Juice
King Edward
potatoes are ideal for stomach pain due to ulcers. Grind the potatoes to get
the required amount of potato juice. Dilute the juice by adding ¾ cups of
water. Add 1-2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey, and mix well. Drink the
juice on an empty stomach in the morning.
20. Apple
As the old
saying goes, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ Foods that are rich in
fiber help your digestive system and should always be included in your meals.
Always eat an apple with the peel as opposed to without the peel.
21. Bale
Bale pulp
mixed with a glass of butter milk is an effective remedy for stomach ache.
22. Cola
Syrup
Cola syrup
is ideal for acid reflux.
23.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds
are an effective remedy for diarrhea. Mix the seeds in a bowl of yogurt or just
have them on their own with a bit of salt and black pepper.
24.
Ginger
Add some
grated ginger to a glass of warm water, add a teaspoon of honey and sip it. One
can add ginger to other forms of tea as well, to cure the problem of
indigestion. Ginger beer is as effective as natural ginger.
25. Dates
Make a paste
from a few dates and mix it with a bit of honey. Have it at least three times
in a day.
26. Ice
Lie down
flat on your back and place an ice cube below your belly button. Although
temporary, it provides relief from pain.
27.
Papaya
Papaya is a
very effective fruit to keep sour stomach at bay. Consume it daily.