What causes sour stomach and nausea?

Have you ever felt that fiery burning sensation in your gut, or the urge to hurl after a meal? If so, then my friend, you’re experiencing the dreadful symptoms of sour stomach and nausea. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone at some point in their lives. Now let’s dive into why these unpleasant symptoms come about.

Anatomy of Digestion

Before exploring the causes of sour stomach and nausea, we must first understand how digestion works. Our digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into small particles that our body can absorb nutrients from. The process begins as soon as we put food in our mouths; saliva starts to break down starches while enzymes do the same job on proteins.

Once enough mastication has taken place (yes I used mastication), food gets transported down through our esophagus by wavelike contractions known as peristalsis (fancy word alert). Then it enters our stomach where acids such as hydrochloric acid get involved with further breakdown before passing onto other sections of the intestine- but let’s not worry too much about that right now.

Our bodies rely heavily on making sure this whole operation runs smoothly because any disruption can lead to issues like…you guessed it!…sour stomach and nausea!

Let’s Get Into It

Sour stomach occurs when there is an excess production of gastric acid or HCl below pH 3 which irritates mucosal lining leading to inflammation whilst nausea comes when there is a disturbance within intrinsic factors affecting vagus signals causing an imbalance between inhibitory (e.g., GABA)and stimulatory neurons (for example noradrenaline).

Now that’s outta way let’s talk about what might cause these problems.

Overeating

You know those Sunday morning breakfast challenges people do..the famous all-you-can-eat event…yeah, those ones. Overeating is one of the main reasons why we get sour stomach and nausea. This is because when you stuff yourself, your digestive system goes into overdrive to break down all that food.

The increase in pressure inside your gut can lead to acid reflux or even an upset stomach which then triggers nausea.

Spicy Foods

If you’re a spice lover like me, then this might come as bad news- sorry but I gotta tell ya, spicy foods can cause upset tummies too! You see, spices contain compounds that are irritating to our gastric lining and there’s just no getting around it…even though it tastes so good!

This irritation leads to inflammation which can arise into conditions such as gastritis (the -itis representing inflammation again for another fancy word addition!). Consequently created from these issues comes sour stomach and possibly associated with this -nausea.

Alcohol

Now, here’s something many party-goers will hate to hear; alcohol contributes significantly to sour stomachs and nausea—particularly if consumed excessively. Alcohol aggravates the throat muscles leading them towards relaxation causing more chances of acid reflux DURING HYPERACIDITY within the gut.

Also noteworthy- alcohol tends also affects intrinsic factors responsible for inhibiting vagus nerve activity due perhaps its effects on GABA receptors.

So while drinking may seem fun at first… remember…it has consequences…

Dehydration

Let’s talk about that unspoken important thing most people forget !! WATER!! (yes water..Who would’ve thought) One of dehydration’s symptoms includes impaired digestion making you susceptible to constipation which could later convert into hyperacidity thereby resulting in…you guessed it right-signs similar akin acquired through spicy meals etc.-that not-so-lovable duo: Sour Stomach & Nausea!

Without enough liquid in your body fluids decreases slowing breaking down pace naturally facilitating all the disturbances we’re trying so hard to avoid!

Stress

Stress isn’t just bad for your mind, folks; it’s horrible on the gut too! Disturbance from usual tasks due to relaxing lifestyle might sound like a fantasy heaven us (well I wouldn’t blame you), however, getting up and active is essential. When we are overly tensed or anxious, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol which puts strain on body’s natural balance.

When this happens regularly, digestion problems can arise leading to that dreaded pair again (cough sour stomach & nausea). Researchers find people who suffer from anxiety may also experience chronic inflammation in their digestive tract: yikes!!!

Takeaway

There are many reasons why anyone may experience sour stomach and nausea; but don’t let that faze you too much. Remember that some regular exercise, saying nope with moderation when needed while being hydrated…all whilst minimizing psychological strain- could possibly help reduce its appearance.

Well there we have it readers (yes I called you all readers)- everything you never knew about Sour Stomach & Nausea! Now off with thee new knowledge and make better choices regarding what goes down into those pipes of yours!

Peace out until next time!!

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