Stomach sensitivity: Causes, remedies, and additional insights

Upset tummy: Reasons, remedies, and additional insights

Dealing with a sensitive stomach can be a frustrating experience, but understanding its causes and potential treatments can help alleviate some of the discomfort. This article explores the common reasons for a sensitive stomach, the foods to avoid, and the various treatment options available.

A sensitive stomach may be the result of several factors, including food intolerances, stomach infections like stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis, indigestion, or long-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or irritable bowel disease (IBD).

Symptoms of a sensitive stomach can vary greatly, but may include stomach discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. In some cases, individuals may experience abdominal pain, nausea, and feelings of being full shortly after eating. One condition that specifically causes these symptoms is gastroparesis, which refers to delayed gastric emptying.

If you find yourself dealing with indigestion lasting more than a certain period, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify the root cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Common causes of a sensitive stomach, particularly in the context of IBS and food intolerances, include eating spicy, fatty, or greasy foods; overeating; eating too quickly; stress and anxiety; gut microbiome imbalances (gut dysbiosis); certain medications; and food intolerances or sensitivities.

To help manage a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and chew food thoroughly. Additionally, avoiding trigger foods is crucial. These typically include spicy and fatty foods, greasy or fried items, acidic foods and large amounts of caffeine or alcohol, foods that trigger individual food intolerances such as lactose or gluten in sensitive people, and, for those with IBS, foods containing FODMAPs, a type of carbohydrate that can be difficult to digest.

Treatments for sensitive stomachs and IBS focus on symptom management and may include lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and dietary adjustments to avoid trigger foods, over-the-counter antacids for heartburn or indigestion symptoms, medications like antispasmodics and certain antidepressants to reduce gut muscle spasms and visceral pain in IBS, laxatives for constipation-predominant IBS, and natural remedies like ginger, peppermint or chamomile tea, apple cider vinegar, and following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Because IBS and food intolerances are complex and personalized, medical guidance is recommended to tailor treatments effectively. This may include evaluating gut microbiome health and stress-related factors affecting digestion.

In some cases, a sensitive stomach may be the result of a stomach infection, such as stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis, which will resolve by itself. However, if you experience severe symptoms like blood in the stool, black and tarry stool, unexplained weight loss, or if a stomach bug leads to dehydration, it is crucial to contact a doctor immediately.

Eating a bland diet can also help manage a sensitive stomach. Bland foods are easy to digest, soft, low in fiber, and not spicy or raw. Examples include broth, spinach, carrots, lean meats like chicken and fish, eggs, tofu, cream of wheat, puddings, fruit juices, and low-fat dairy products.

Indigestion, the term for a group of symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal tract, may make people feel uncomfortably full shortly after eating, with abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. Lifestyle changes such as chewing food slowly, maintaining a moderate weight, avoiding exercise after eating, avoiding eating late at night, limiting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can help alleviate these symptoms.

In summary, a sensitive stomach can be caused by a variety of factors, but understanding these causes and implementing dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments can help manage the condition. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.