Soothe Your Stomach Burning: Find Your Relief

Who hasn't experienced that dreaded burning sensation in their chest after indulging in a spicy meal or a late-night snack? It's as if our stomachs have a mind of their own, rebelling against our dietary choices. But fear not; there are ways to soothe that fiery sensation and get back to feeling normal. In this blog, we'll share some serious advice on how to manage this common discomfort.

The stomach, a hollow organ that is a component of the gastrointestinal system, is in charge of producing chyme, producing proteins required for the absorption of vitamins, defending against microbes, and facilitating the peristaltic reflex. The burning sensation in the stomach is typically only one sign of a more serious ailment, like a food intolerance.

A study has reported that the Indian population has a 15.6% prevalence of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease. Age, body mass index (BMI), non-vegetarian diet, tea/coffee use, tobacco use, and alcohol use were the risk variables.  

Stomach burning sensations can arise from a variety of factors and can be categorised into different types according to their underlying causes. Here’s an overview,

• Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid regurgitates into the oesophagus, leading to a burning feeling in the chest.
• Gastritis: Discomfort and burning may result from inflammation of the stomach lining. Alcohol, some drugs, autoimmune diseases, or infections could be the cause of this.
• Peptic ulcers: Particularly when the stomach is empty, burning discomfort may result from sores that form on the small intestine or the stomach lining. It can cause pain after consumption of meals and can sometimes get complicated (perforation of ulcer).
• Indigestion (Dyspepsia): A burning sensation in the stomach might result from overeating, consuming foods high in fat or spice, or eating too rapidly.
• Food intolerances: Intense sensations and various digestive discomforts may arise from issues like lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can manifest through physical symptoms such as a burning sensation in the stomach and challenges with digestion.
• Infections: Bacterial infections, particularly Helicobacter pylori, can cause gastritis and ulcers, resulting in burning sensations.
• Medications: Certain medications may irritate the stomach lining and lead to burning.

A burning sensation in your stomach, often referred to as heartburn or acid reflux, can be quite uncomfortable. While it's a common issue, it's important to pay attention to your body's signals. Here are some common symptoms you might experience:

• Burning sensation: The main indication is a feeling of burning in the chest or upper abdomen, which can range from mild to intense.
• Heartburn: A more specific type of burning sensation that often rises into your throat
• Nausea: Experiencing nausea or a strong inclination to throw up
• Bloating: A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen
• Indigestion: Discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen, often after eating
• Loss of appetite: Reduced interest in food
• Belching or gas: Excess gas can lead to burping or flatulence.
• Regurgitation: A feeling of food or liquid returning to your throat or mouth
• Changes in bowel habits: You might experience diarrhoea or constipation.
• Fatigue: Persistent discomfort and digestive issues can lead to tiredness.

Here are some common home remedies to help alleviate any symptoms:

Dietary adjustments: To alleviate stomach burning, consider these simple lifestyle changes: limit your intake of trigger foods like citrus fruits, cheese, chocolates, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, excess raw onions, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages. Choose to have smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise acid production in your stomach. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

Lifestyle changes: Raise the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to reduce acid reflux, avoid tight clothing, especially around your waist, practise relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to manage stress-related acid production, and quit smoking to reduce heartburn symptoms. Taking a walk after eating helps speed up the digestion process by promoting the quicker release of the contents of the stomach into the small intestine.

It's advisable to contact a doctor if the burning sensation in your stomach is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, blood in your vomit or faeces, sudden weight loss, or chest pain that spreads out to your arms, jaw, or back. These can indicate a more serious issue. Your attending doctor may advise diagnostic tests in case of red flag symptoms.

So, there you have it! While experiencing discomfort now and then is common, ongoing or intense symptoms warrant a consultation with your physician. Understanding the underlying causes and adopting straightforward lifestyle adjustments and home remedies can help you manage stomach burning effectively, leading to a more comfortable life.

So, the next time your stomach starts to protest, you'll know just what to do. Here’s to a happy, healthy gut!

To relieve stomach burning, change your diet, make lifestyle modifications, take doctor-prescribed medications, and try at-home treatments such as herbal teas or yoghurt.

Several over-the-counter syrups may assist, but it's preferable to visit a doctor for specialised advice.

Occasional stomach burning is normally moderate, but persistent or severe symptoms could suggest an underlying health problem. Consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Yes, curd can help. Its probiotics may help in digestion and lowering acid levels. For optimal results, use plain, unsweetened yoghurt.

Coconut water may be a healthy option due to its electrolytes, but you should get personalised advice from a healthcare practitioner.