You might have experienced digestive problems and uneasiness in your stomach at some point in time. It may have occurred just once or on a regular basis.
You may have had an upset stomach or acidity or other problems related to digestion. Sour stomach is commonly known as indigestion. The common characteristics of a sour stomach include bloating, stomach ache.
The general terms related to this problem are queasiness, upset stomach, and acidity. A sour stomach may be caused by overeating spicy food or lying down immediately after eating or over-eating.
It can also happen due to excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. Appendicitis, kidney stones, stomach infections or menstrual cramps in women can also be the reason for a sour stomach.
The following would help you know all the related information about the sour stomach.
Home Remedies To Cure Sour Stomach
A common problem like sour stomach can be cured using medicines available over the counter. For mild illnesses, this should work fine.
But, if you are already on prescription, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any over the counter medicines to avoid reactions.
However, there are also various home remedies you can try for instant relief from this problem.
1. Carrot Juice
To get rid of uneasiness and gastric in the stomach, you can blend some carrots with a banana and some water. Drinking this juice will help your stomach to absorb acids and provide relief. You can also add some mint to this juice.
2. Milk
A glass of warm milk can provide relief in case of a sour stomach. You can also mix a little bit of honey to your milk to keep your stomach lining protected.
3. Carom Seeds
Carom seeds also known as ajwain are extremely helpful in relieving gastric. You can roast some carom seeds in a pan and when cool, crush them with a rolling pin. Take the crushed seeds with a pinch of black salt for quick relief.
4. Caraway Seed Tea
You can take a cup of boiling water and add some caraway seeds to it. Keep it covered for some time and strain it. Sip it to reduce bloating and uneasiness in your stomach.
5. Lemon
Mix the juice of one lemon in a glass of water and add some honey to it. Drink this mixture to soothe the stomach ache. Lemon is used in a lot of stomach related cures.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great cure for diarrhea or indigestion. In a bowl of yogurt add some cumin seeds and salt. Eat this twice a day for best results.
7. Soda Water
Add some lemon juice and salt to a glass of soda and drink it. This will instantly relieve you of uneasiness in the stomach.
8. Asafoetida
Mix some asafoetida in a glass of warm water and drink it. This will cure acidity and heartburn problems.
9. Hot water bag
If you are experiencing menstrual cramps, this remedy works like magic. You can lie down on your back and place the hot water bag on your abdomen. You can wrap it in a cloth if it feels too hot.
10. Baking Soda
You can mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water to cure stomach ache.
11. Cinnamon and Ginger Tea
You can make a liquor tea with ginger and cinnamon to cure stomach pain. Add some grated ginger and a couple of cinnamon sticks to warm water. After some resting time, strain and drink the mixture slowly.
12. Aniseed
Soak a teaspoon of aniseed in a bowl of water overnight. Next morning, strain and drink the water. This will relieve stomach pain.
13. Charred Toast
For stomach ache due to food poisoning, charred toast is a very effective remedy. Chewing slowly on a piece of burnt toast can help offset toxins in the stomach. It is best to eat the toast raw without adding anything to it.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Before a meal, have a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of vinegar. This will help relieve acidity and heartburn.
15. Dry Spices
Boil some water and add to it a teaspoon each of the following dry spices – coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Strain this mixture and let it cool. Drink it slowly after your meals. This concoction is helpful in relieving stomach pain.
16. Green tea
This healthy beverage if taken every morning can reduce acidity in your stomach. It is better to replace sugar with honey in your cup of green tea.
17. Water
Drinking a lot of water throughout the day is the best prevention for stomach problems. It is advisable to have at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your stomach healthy.
18. Rice Water
Cook a cup of rice using double the usual quantity of water. Drain the water in a bowl and let it cool. Add some honey to this and sip on it slowly. This remedy is helpful in forming a layer on your stomach wall. Rice water helps in reducing pain.
19. Potato Juice
This remedy works best on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. You can grate potatoes to extract the juice. Mix this with water and lemon juice. You can also add some honey to this mixture. This mixture is very effective in treating ulcers.
20. Apple
This fiber-rich fruit should be a part of your daily diet. The apple peel contains precious nutrients. It is, however, necessary to wash the apple properly before consuming it with the peel to avoid intake of germs.
21. Pomegranate
This extremely healthy fruit is a great cure for diarrhea. Pomegranate seeds can be eaten with a pinch of black salt or mixed in a bowl of curd.
22. Ginger
You can put some grated ginger in a glass of warm water and add honey to it. Drinking this can cure stomach problems. Also, ginger beer is very effective in such problems.
23. Dates
Crush dates and forms a paste. You can add some honey to it and have this thrice a day. This paste will help relieve you of stomach problems.
24. Ice
For instant relief from pain, place an ice cube on your belly button and lie down flat on your back. This will provide you with temporary relief from stomach pain.
25. Papaya
Papayas are very healthy for the stomach. Having papaya every day can help prevent stomach problems.
26. Mint leaves
You can chew on raw mint leaves for relief from stomach problems as well as a fresh mouth feel. Also, you can mix the juices of mint leaves, ginger, and lime. Add some rock salt to this and drink for relief from pain.
27. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera offers some health benefits. It is very beneficial for the skin as well as the stomach. You can consume aloe vera juice before and after meals to keep your digestive system healthy.
28. Tamarind Leaves
Grind around 3gms of tamarind leaves and add some rock salt to it. This paste can be eaten after meals to help digestion.
29. Rosemary
A simple remedy to cure stomach pain is to take a bath with a few drops of rosemary in it. This will soothe you.
30. Chamomile Tea
This drink can relax inflammation in the upper abdomen. You can use a chamomile tea bag, and soak it in water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use two tsp chamomile tea and steep it in boiling water for 20 minutes. Sip on it when cool.
31. Parsley
Parsley is a wonderful antioxidant. Soak parsley in water and leave it for a couple of hours. Drink this water to relieve stomach ache.
32. Celery leaves
Grind celery leaves into a paste and adds some rock salt to it. Consume it immediately.
33. Fennel Seeds
To cure the pain of gas and cramps, fennel seeds are quite effective. Add a tsp of fennel seeds to a glass of boiling water. Let this sit for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the water.
34. Thyme Tea
Mix a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes. Strain and drink it. This is an effective remedy to cure gastric and cramps in the stomach.
Soothing Foods For Sour Stomach
When you are suffering from an upset stomach and acidity or heartburn, some foods can be saviors. Eating the right foods at this time can help you calm down your stomach and cure faster.
1. Fruits
Certain fruits like apple, banana, and papaya are very helpful in soothing an upset stomach. Bananas have pectin which can ensure better bowel movements. Also, they are easily digestible. Apples, when baked or mashed can be tasty as well as healthy. They contain
Bananas have pectin which can ensure better bowel movements. Also, they are easily digestible. Apples, when baked or mashed can be tasty as well as healthy. They contain
Apples, when baked or mashed can be tasty as well as healthy. They contain fiber and pectin which makes it very good for your digestive system.
Apple sauce is much easier to digest than apple. The enzymes contained in papaya are also helpful in digestion and improving bowel movements.
2. Spices and Herbs
Ginger contains a lot of healing properties and is very good for an upset stomach. You can chew on a piece of ginger or powder it. It helps cure nausea and vomiting. But, you must keep a check on the quantity. Restrict the intake to 4 gms per day.
If you are pregnant, keep the quantity up to 1gm. Cinnamon is helpful in curing gas and nausea as well. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on toast or baked apples. Chewing raw fennel seeds are also relieving in
Cinnamon is helpful in curing gas and nausea as well. You can sprinkle cinnamon powder on toast or baked apples. Chewing raw fennel seeds are also relieving in
Chewing raw fennel seeds are also relieving in the case of a stomach ache.
3. Herbal Tea
You can sip on a cup of warm herbal tea to soothe stomach pain. You can choose from a variety of flavors like ginger, pepper mint, and chamomile.
These teas are soothing as well as offer additional benefits regarding curing your bowel system and reducing anxiety.
4. Yogurt
Plain yogurt is very helpful in calming down an upset stomach. Yogurt with active cultures helps the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract. Avoid adding sugar or any other flavors to yogurt if you are suffering from an upset stomach.
Avoid adding sugar or any other flavors to yogurt if you are suffering from an upset stomach.
5. Rice
Rice has high starch content and is easily digestible. It does not add to the pressure on a weak digestive system during an upset stomach. Bland foods like rice and boiled potatoes absorb fluids in the stomach and add the mass to a stool.
Foods To Avoid On A Sour Stomach
1. Refined Sugar
You should avoid sweet, sugary foods when your stomach is upset. The reason is that it increases the insulin levels in your body. Indirectly, this might make you feel uneasy and shaken.
2. Dairy Products
Heavy dairy products like milk and cheese should be avoided on an upset stomach. An infection in your stomach might affect lactase, the enzyme which helps to digest lactose. This can make you lactose intolerant.
3. Chocolate and Caffeine
During an upset stomach, caffeine can cause loose stools. Chocolate which contains dairy products is heavy to digest and should be avoided too.
4. Fatty Foods
Foods like cream or meats should be avoided since they slow down digestion process and make you feel bloated.
5. Acidic Foods
Foods containing the high amounts of acid like tomato or citrus fruits should be avoided. They can cause acid reflux. Citrus fruit juices are also likewise best to avoid.
6. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages on an upset stomach may aggravate gastric acidity. The chemicals contained in it are difficult to metabolize.
7. Processed Foods and Soda
It is better to avoid processed foods and soda since they contain too many chemicals. Also, processed food contains a lot of preservatives. These can be harmful to an already upset stomach.
Diet And Lifestyle For A Healthy Stomach
1.High Fibre Diet
To keep your digestive system healthy, you should have a healthy and balanced diet which is rich in fiber. It should consist more of whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Fruits also play a very important part in your daily diet. Include both soluble and insoluble fibers in your diet. This reduces the chances of constipation and helps you stay healthy.
2. Avoid Fatty foods
For a healthy digestive system, the content of fat should be minimum in your diet. But since you cannot completely cut it out, it is advisable to pair the same with fiber. This will make it easily digestible.
3. Choose Lean Meats
Rather than fatty meats, choose lean meats which are high in protein content. You can go for pork loin or skinless poultry.
4.Include Probiotics
Probiotics are contained in foods like low-fat yogurt or kefir. Including them in your diet can make your immune system stronger and help break down lactose.
5. Eat on Schedule
It is important to have a disciplined eating schedule. Eat at about the same time each day to keep your digestive system healthy.
6.Water
It is necessary to keep yourself hydrated through enough water. It enables breaking down of fats and soluble fiber and enables easier digestion.
7.Stress
Stress and anxiety affect your digestive system adversely. Keep your stress levels low by indulging in fun activities and getting enough rest.
8.Exercise
It is important to have a weekly work out regime to keep your digestive system in shape. Ensure you exercise regularly to stay fit.
Symptoms Of A Sour Stomach
Sour stomach has some symptoms. You are likely to experience one or more of the following in the case of a sour stomach:
1. Regurgitation
This is reflux or reverses the flow of contents of the stomach. The fluids from your stomach flow up to the esophagus, reaching as high as your throat. It does not have the same force as vomiting. Also, it does not involve reverse peristalsis. Instead, the LES or Lower Esophageal Sphincter fails to prevent the backward flow of stomach contents.
2. Nausea
This is a sensation also known as queasiness or ‘sick in the stomach.’ This happens before vomiting. You may not vomit after feeling nauseous, but this sensation may prevail for a long time.
3. Bloating of Stomach
This symptom makes you feel quite full after eating a little. It makes you feel bloated and is associated with ‘gassiness.’ This happens when there is the accumulation of gas in the upper gut. You may experience excessive belching in this condition. Sour belches may also occur because of stomach acid reflux.
4. Heartburn
Heartburn or pain in the chest is a condition associated with disorders in different parts of the chest. The affected parts may be chest wall or organs within the thoracic cavity.
The pain can also arise from the abdomen, neck, and back. It is often misunderstood as a cardiovascular condition. But, it is necessary to investigate to find out the exact cause of heartburn.
5. Bad mouth taste
Cacogeusia or a bad taste in the mouth is a condition which occurs on its own. It does not necessarily arise from eating something which tastes bad. There can be different tastes in the mouth under this condition. It may occur as sour, salty, bitter or sweet.
A sour taste occurs from a high hydrogen ion concentration. Salty taste is triggered by iodized salts, especially sodium ions. Bitter and sweet tastes can arise from a variety of chemical reactions.
This condition is caused by a severe case of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this case, semi-digested and decomposed food particles in the stomach are passed up the pharynx or into the mouth.
6. Stomach Ache
Gastric and bloating can cause immense pain in the stomach. This is one of the characteristics of a sour stomach.
7. Abdominal Pain
Pain in the upper middle abdomen is called epigastric pain. This pain may arise from the stomach, pancreas, heart, spine or aorta.
8. Stomach Noises
Growling or rumbling of the stomach is known as borborygmi. There can be various reasons for such noises from the stomach. Movement of food through the alimentary tract and indigestible food and hard substance in the gut can cause such noises.
9. Abdominal Distension
This condition is also known as a bloated stomach. However, this may not just be because of gas. There may also be underlying causes for this condition.
Causes Of Sour Stomach
There can be several causes for a sour stomach. These may be related to over-eating, gastric or ulcers.
The causes are
- Eating too much food at once
- Eating very quickly, without chewing properly
- Irregular meal timings
- Inadequate sleep
- GI tract infection was causing diarrhea and vomiting.
- Consuming greasy, oily foods containing high-fat content
- Consuming extremely spicy food
- Drinking too much tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Prolonged emotional trauma
- Gallstones
- Gastric
- Bacterial infection, such as caused by Helicobacter pylori
- Obesity
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic ulcer
- Smoking
- Antibiotics and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stomach cancer
When To Visit a Doctor
Most people experience a sour stomach once in a while and not on a regular basis. But, if you happen to have an upset stomach often or experience extreme pain and discomfort, you should see your general physician.
The doctor will inquire about the symptoms and medical history and conduct examination of the chest and stomach. He may also require various tests to be conducted to find out any underlying illnesses.
He may require a blood test to rule out the possibility of anemia. If the symptoms signal an internal problem, the doctor may conduct an endoscopy to examine the insides of your abdomen.
The doctor may also test for Helicobacter pylori infection through a urea breath test and a stool antigen test. If the bile ducts in your liver are affected, the doctor may also do a liver function test. X-rays, ultrasounds and abdominal CT scan may also be conducted to get clarity on the internal issues.
Some general points to remember to avoid stomach problems are
- If you suffer from constipation, your diet should consist of more fiber. This is available in green leafy vegetables such as spinach.
- You must eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Yoga and daily exercise helps to keep you in good shape and keeps your digestive system in good condition. Some yoga postures are helpful in curing sour stomach.
- The number of your meals should be less, and you must always chew your food properly. This is necessary so that undigested particles do not remain in the system.
- You should avoid having acidic juices such as tomato or pineapple juices if you suffer from stomach troubles.
- You should restrict the consumption of fried and greasy foods. Extra spicy food is also harmful. All these foods are responsible for sour stomach.
- Keep your intake of alcohol and caffeine limited to keep your stomach healthy.
- In case you are allergic to milk products, avoid them.
- Avoid sleeping immediately after a meal. Rather, it is advisable to take a small walk after eating.
- Restrict smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Overuse of laxatives and aspirin can cause ulcers. So you should always consult a doctor before taking them.
There can be various reasons for a sour stomach. The causes can range from indigestion to over eating. Our lifestyle in this age and time is such that almost every person suffers from stomach related issues.
This may be due to unhealthy food habits or inadequate rest and exercise. It is important to maintain a regular healthy lifestyle along with routine health check-ups. However, in a case of a sour stomach, it is easier to first try out certain home remedies.
This will help to cure simple problems and save you from the side effects of medicines. Many of the remedies listed above contain ingredients from your kitchen itself.
Therefore, it is advisable to look out for symptoms and adopt suitable remedies to relieve stomach ache and related problems.
Also Read:
How To Get Rid Of Upset Stomach Naturally
How To Maintain Healthy Bowels & Cure Constipation Naturally