Our stomach acts mainly as a reservoir of food. The gastric glands secrete gastric juice which contains enzymes and plays an important role in the digestion of food. By the peristaltic movements, the stomach acts as a mixer of food with gastric juice. The gastric glands also produce hydrochloric acid which keeps us protected from bacteria and other germs that come with food.
The lining cells of the stomach secrete mucus which gives us protection from the corrosive action of hydrochloric acid. Backflow of this acid or any imbalance leads to heartburn. Burning sensation in the stomach or feeling hot inside is a very common condition in people who always eat spicy foods, lead a very unhealthy lifestyle and always stay worried about incidents.
1. Causes of Stomach Burning :
There can be several causes of stomach burning. Some of the most prominent causes are mentioned below.
1.1 GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:
At the end of your oesophagus, there is a valve that’s called the lower oesophagal sphincter. When it doesn’t close properly even after the arrival of food in your stomach acid reflux happens. Acid flows up into your mouth through the food pipe or oesophagus. Having acid reflux is a common condition. But when acid reflux causes you chest pain, heartburn, abdominal pain, regurgitation, and chronic cough for several weeks, you may have developed GERD.
1.2ย Stress
Mental stress can also affect the stomach badly. A long term stress decreases blood circulation in the stomach which to some extent leads to a decrease in the amount of secreting gastric acid. Gastric acid destroys many organisms present in food. So the absence of hcl leads to nausea, the feeling of hotness in the stomach. If we ignore it for a long time then a serious condition may appear like a peptic ulcer.
1.3ย Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer is a very common condition. 1 among 5 has it. A long time of indigestion ( caused by consuming spicy or fatty foods) or irritating effects of HCl (our stomach lining contains mucus cells that can not prevent us from the corrosive action of hydrochloric acid that develops irritation) creates this chronic disease. It can persist for years. A person may often feel burning pain in the stomach or fullness even after eating a small amount of food.
1.4ย Food Intolerance
Some food items trigger your gastrointestinal system and may affect your stomach by creating acid reflux, bloating, burning sensation, nausea and abdominal pain. Suppose you have lactose or gluten intolerance which means your stomach is sensitive to these items. Ignorance of food intolerance can lead to serious conditions.
1.5ย Indigestion
Certain foods like greasy or spicy foods, fried foods, and fast foods trigger our gastrointestinal tract that’s why gastric glands secrete stomach acid(in excessive amounts) that breaks down the stomach lining (mucosal) causing stomach burning, irritation, inflammation and nausea. It’s mainly a disease of the upper abdomen. It may be a sign of an underlying cause like Gastroesophageal acid reflux.
1.6ย Irritable Bowel Syndrome
If symptoms like stomach burning, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation occur over a long time, for some weeks or months or sometimes even for long years, then you may have developed IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It’s a very common gastrointestinal disorder or it is also called a disorder of gut-brain interaction. The exact cause of this disease is not clear yet. Some experts say that it’s mainly related to how your body works (brain and gut). Mental disorders like depression, anxiety or stressful life events such as any type of physical or sexual abuse or any bacterial (H. pylori) infection in the stomach or small intestine or sometimes food intolerances may be the causes of this disease.ย ย
1.7ย Gastroparesis
It’s a very common condition in aged people. It’s a disease related to the upper abdomen and small intestine. Symptoms of Hiatal Hernia include heartburn, chest pain, shortness of breath, and Gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the majority of cases, Hiatal Hernia is a temporary disease and it does not even require Immediate treatment. But sometimes if it’s left untreated it may lead to stomach ulcers which can increase people’s risk of stomach cancer.
1.8ย Pylori Infection
When H. Pylori bacteria infects your stomach or duodenum (part of the small intestine) this disease occurs. Many symptoms are seen in the affected person like nausea, vomiting (with blood), indigestion called functional dyspepsia, loss of appetite, pain in the stomach and a sour taste in the mouth. It is mainly the reason for peptic ulcers. If it has been left untreated for a long time this can lead to stomach cancer.
1.9 Pregnancy
For a pregnant woman, indigestion is very common due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Food can’t digest properly and the partially digested food particles backflow to the oesophagus and produce acid reflux in the first trimester of pregnancy. It doesn’t stay long.
1.10 Smoking
Smokers are more likely to suffer from the burning sensation of feeling hot inside the stomach than non-smokers. Smoking has severe bad effects on our health including acid reflux. Nicotine present in tobacco or cigarettes increases the chance of backflow of acid through the food pipe.
1.11 Medications
Apart from those above-mentioned causes medications also cause stomach burning or a feeling of hotness inside the stomach. Some medicines like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Antibiotics can also have bad effects on the stomach.
2. Treatment of this Hot Feeling Inside the Stomach:
All mentioned diseases can be cured by proper medication. A health professional can manage the damaged condition by prescribing some medicine for different causes that ultimately give you relief from the burning sensation in the stomach. Some common medicines are mentioned below. You can check it.
- Doctors mainly prescribe three types of drugs named Antacids, H2 blockers and PPIS for GERD treatment.
- Proton pump inhibitors or PPIS is a very effective drug for those people who are constantly suffering from stomach burning or heartburn (Gastritis) for the long term.
- H2 blockers or Histamine type 2 receptor antagonists are also very commonly used drugs for those who are fighting against food intolerances or indigestion (dyspepsia). If we compare H2 blockers and PPIS then we can see there is a slight difference between them which is based on their potential. Generally, both can be prescribed for long-term burning sensation, heartburn, acid reflux or gastric ulcer. However, experts say to avoid these drugs if you are pregnant.
- Omeprazole is a very common drug that is used mainly for frequent heartburn.
- Antibiotics with proton pump inhibitors can be taken as OTC (Over-the-counter medications) to prevent burning stomach pain or bacterial infection.
- If you are suffering from a long-term burning sensation in the stomach, bloating, vomiting or heartburn you should immediately contact your physicians for further steps. Because sometimes there may be cysts or other serious conditions that can be diagnosed by endoscopy or other pathological tests.
There is no treatment available for IBS. But some medicines like probiotics can manage the symptoms. Rectifying the lifestyle is the only option for curing.
3. Foods That Should Be Avoided :
Natural ways to get relief from the hot feeling inside the stomach are best. It can restore your sick health in a very natural and harmless way. First of all, you should avoid certain food items that cause a burning sensation. These are.
- Fried food items like French fries.
- Fatty food items like burgers, pizza etc.
- Spicy food, cheese, meats, sausage.
- Avoid tomato-based foods (citrus fruits). Because these foods are highly acidic and can increase your stomach burning, stomach pain, and irritation of the stomach lining.
Avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol.
4. 10 Must-Try Home Remedies :
Some foods and drinks that can prevent acid reflux or stomach burning are mentioned belowโฆ
4.1 Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. If you take it with hot water it provides a great relief from stomach burning.
4.2ย Yogurt
ย Yoghurt has a probiotic effect. It helps to restore the immunity power because it contains LAB bacteria that naturally boost your immunity. It also has a considerable amount of protein that helps in your digestion and prevents acid reflux.
4.3 Lemon Juice
If you take lemon juice with water it reduces your heartburn and any abdominal discomfort. It helps to neutralize the acidic condition in the stomach.
4.4 Banana / Apple / Papaya
Bananas are a natural source of antacids that help you to fight against acid reflux. Apples are full of fibers that improve your digestive power. Papayas are rich in proteins and also help to overcome indigestion.
4.5ย Ginger
Ginger is very useful and effective for most diseases because of its anti-inflammatory properties. You can take it with hot water or honey. You can also drink tea with ginger. It gives you relief from burning stomach pain or severe heartburn.
4.6ย Apple Cider Vinegarย
Apple cider vinegar neutralizes the stomach acids that irritate your stomach lining. Diluting it you can use it. It mainly helps to balance the pH inside the stomach and reduces or prevents the backflow of acid from the stomach to the oesophagus. It can also cure indigestion.
4.7 Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate or primarily we know it as baking soda, is alkaline in nature and acts as a buffer. Drink one tablespoon of baking soda with water when it is required. You can also add some honey to it. This immediately restores your condition and reduces the burning sensation in the stomach.
4.8 Milk of Magnesiaย
ย we frequently use this remedy to get relief from stomach burning or acidity. Milk of magnesia ( magnesium hydroxide) acts as an antacid and helps to neutralize the excess acid present in the stomach. Use it as it is directed and don’t use it if you are pregnant.
4.9 Cold Milk
ย Milk is a natural source of calcium. It can give you immediate relief from the burning sensation in the stomach. Cold milk especially produces great relief inside your stomach. But don’t add sugar to it.
4.10ย Almondsย
ย Almonds are also a rich source of calcium like milk. Take four or five almonds after eating your meal. For those persons who are frequently suffering from acid reflux, gastritis or stomach burning a handful of raw almonds is very effective.
5. Good and Bad Effects of Exercise on Stomach Burning :
Exercise is likewise a preserver of physical and mental health. It increases the efficiency of cardiovascular systems. It helps to stay healthy by providing more than enough oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the lungs. Doing exercise regularly can reduce all types of symptoms related to stomach burning.
Here we will discuss both good and bad effects.
5.1ย Good Effects
ย certain types of exercise can help to manage the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain and others. Moderate and low-impact exercise can be beneficial for those who are suffering from acid reflux for a long time. Swimming, yoga, or jogging are good for sufferers. Sometimes being overweight is a reason for heartburn or acid reflux. So you can set up a goal to lose weight by doing some light exercise.
5.2ย Bad Effectsย
Bad effects: Generally if the workout contains any type of abdominal pressure or stomach crunches this can make the symptoms worse. Even high-impact exercise should be avoided if you are a patient of gastroesophageal acid reflux gerd or stomach ulcers. Lifting heavy weights or bending on your stomach can aggravate the pain or acid reflux. You should not take part in running, cycling or sprinting.
Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by soubhik92@gmail.com