Upset stomach or indigestion is very common nowadays! Everyone suffers from this one or another day. Also, there is nothing more uncomfortable than an upset stomach. This feeling of stomach discomfort increased now may be due to lack of physical activity. The covid-19 pandemic has given a sudden break to our life including our physical activity. The new culture of work disturbed our daily routine somehow. That is one of the causes that most of us facing stomach upset problem daily basis.
In medical terms, an upset stomach is also called dyspepsia that describes discomfort in your upper abdomen. An upset stomach is not a disorder but a bunch of digestive disorder symptoms that make you uncomfortable. It can also be a symptom of another digestive tract disease.
There are different types of treatments as per the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes may help ease indigestion and provide stomach pain relief by avoiding spicy food or eliminating the use of alcohol. If indigestion persists, the doctor may prescribe you some medications.
Always try to understand the relation of your stomach upset with food, medicines, menses (in the case of females) and defecation and see if it is correlated with any of these and if it is persistent or intermittent. Consult a physician if it persists beyond 3 days and if it is very severe and associated with vomiting.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
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It is said that water is the ultimate solution for every problem so for an upset stomach. The body needs water to absorb essential nutrients and helps to eliminate the toxic substance from your body. Being dehydrated may lead to stomach upset due to vomiting and diarrhoea. The increased amount of acid in your stomach may cause stomach burning.
Drinking plenty of water may eliminate the acid from your digestive tract that gives you a soothing effect and may also help as a stomach ache home remedy.
Lemon water is an excellent option in indigestion. We always opt for lemon water whenever we feel abdominal discomfort. The alkaline effect of lemon helps in soothing the excess acidity in the stomach. Hence it’s used as one of the reliable stomach pain home remedies.
It is an easy and the best option for indigestion. You can mix lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda that may help to relieve digestive complaints. The drink produces carbonic acid in the stomach, causing the reduction of indigestion and gas. The acid in lemon also reduces the acid secretion in your stomach.
Mint leaves contain menthol that helps to make your stomach calm and reduce indigestion problems. It also helps in reducing muscle spasms in the intestines and relieve pain. Mint is a traditional treatment for indigestion in Asian countries.
Mint leaves can be consumed raw or cooked. They can boil with cardamom and make tea or can be mix with other beverages.
Ginger used since ancient times for cold, cough, nausea, vomiting, and pain. It contains chemicals called-gingerols and shogaols. These chemicals can help speed up stomach contractions leading to reduce abdominal pain, making ginger a stomach pain home remedy.
You can peel and chop fresh ginger root to make chews if you can handle the strong ginger smell. Also, you can add them to beverages or food.
Cinnamon sticks are rich in various antioxidants such as camphor, cinnamaldehyde, linalool, and eugenol. It helps your stomach to digest the food easily. It helps to treat symptoms like bloating, nausea, and fullness of the abdomen.
People with upset stomachs can add 1 tsp of cinnamon powder or one small stick to their meal to get relief.
Cumin seeds are one of the best solutions for an upset stomach when you want instant results. It helps in reducing hyperacidity, gaseous distention of the abdomen, and pain.
Take a tsp of cumin seeds, some dry coconut, and two garlic cloves. Mix them and consume them at once. It will help to reduce the uncomfortable feeling in the stomach instantly.
Banana contains various vitamins, folate, and potassium. It may help to reduce the acids in your stomach and give you a soothing relief from hyperacidity. Bananas can also help by adding bulk to loose stools, which can alleviate diarrhoea.
Though we can manage the various symptoms of an upset stomach at home. It is also essential to check underlying causes and intensity. These factors will define whether you need home remedies or consult a doctor. For mild symptoms, adding plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and reducing alcohol intake will almost certainly get you on the road to health.
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Socioeconomic and environmental hygiene are the essential factors in transmitting H. pylori infection worldwide. These factors include family-bound hygiene, household density, and cooking habits. The pediatric origin of H. pylori infection is currently considered the primary determinant of H. pylori-associated gastritis in a community.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
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If your stomach ache is persistent and shows no signs of improvement even after trying home remedies for stomach pain and lasts for more than several days, it is time to get professional help as this may be a sign of a more serious ailment that requires immediate medical attention.
Sudden and severe stomach aches can be the root cause of serious problems that may worsen if medical help is not sought immediately. You should see your doctor immediately, especially if the pain has been concentrated in a single area. Some of the reasons for stomach ache are as follows:
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An upset stomach, also known as dyspepsia or indigestion, can be caused by various factors. Common causes include overeating, consuming fatty or spicy foods, eating too quickly, bacterial or viral infections, stress, anxiety and certain medications.
Symptoms of an upset stomach may include abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching and a feeling of fullness. Diarrhoea or constipation can also accompany an upset stomach.
To prevent an upset stomach after eating, it is essential to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid overeating. Chew food thoroughly and eat at a relaxed pace. Limit intake of spicy, greasy or acidic foods and avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine or alcohol.
Over-the-counter antacids can provide temporary relief from heartburn or indigestion associated with an upset stomach. However, prolonged or excessive use of antacids may lead to side effects or mask underlying issues. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if symptoms persist.
Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms of an upset stomach. Stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can affect digestion and lead to discomfort or indigestion. Practising relaxation techniques and managing stress can be beneficial.
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