What Causes Sour Stomach?

For many people, sour stomach can be a chronic condition. However, there are remedies that are available over the counter and in your home to treat and prevent sour stomach. While these remedies cannot provide 100 percent prevention against sour stomach, they are effective. Learn what causes sour stomach and how you can prevent it.

Identification

According to Wise Geek, sour stomach occurs when an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid is present in the stomach and digestive tract. Sufferers experience a burning sensation as hydrochloric acid travels inside the digestive tract and remains trapped there for several minutes to several hours. Failure to use medication or alter basic lifestyle choices can result in chronic and persistent sour stomach, or indigestion, as it is also known.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with sour stomach include acid reflux and heartburn, and in some cases ulcers. Generally, ulcers only occur when chronic indigestion is not treated. At the onset of sour stomach, sufferers generally feel a burning sensation or sharp pains. This sensation may be followed by an urge to vomit or faint. Some sufferers also experience a pounding sensation in the chest cavity. Both symptoms are the result of how much hydrochloric acid is present and sufferer's sensitivity to it as it gathers in the digestive tract.

Considerations

Several techniques and lifestyle choices can be made to minimize the frequency of sour stomach. Limit food consumption several hours before bed and, when possible, take a brisk walk before bed to stimulate digestion. This will prevent acid from rising into the digestive track and creating a burning sensation in the chest.

Other Contributions

Other contributions to sour stomach include the large consumption of high-fat foods and smoking. When possible, substitute high-fat food options for nutrient-rich foods like vegetables and proteins. By opting for lighter meals at the end of the day, sufferers will notice an immediate reduction in sour stomach. Not only are these foods easier to digest, but they also release little to no acid during digestion. Meals with larger portions of proteins, vegetables, fruits and grains are best, while high-fat foods should be reserved for earlier in the day and in smaller portions.

Prevention/Solution

Remedy sour stomach with an antacid. In most cases, sufferers should take one to four antacids at the onset of symptoms. Prescription medications are also available and should be taken at a specified period of time prior to eating large meals or foods high in fat. Bread, rice, apples and toast have also been proven to reduce symptoms associated with sour stomach.