Why is my stomach throbbing?
So, you’re sitting there minding your own business when all of a sudden, you feel it: that familiar throb in your tummy. It’s like a drumline parade is going on in there and you didn’t get the memo. What gives? Well, dear reader, fear not – for I am here to help alleviate this perplexing (and sometimes painful) stomach situation. Let’s dive into why exactly your stomach may be throbbing.
The Science Behind Your Tummy
Before we can determine why your stomach may be acting up, it’s important to understand just how complex our digestive system really is.
Meet the Gut-Brain Axis
Did you know that communication between our gut and brain plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions? This relationship is known as the gut-brain axis and involves an intricate web of hormones, nerves, and neurotransmitters (wow that was tough to spell).
Our enteric nervous system (ENS), also known as the “second brain”, oversees digestion by controlling secretions such as enzymes within the gastrointestinal tract. This means our ENS has a direct impact on how efficiently food passes through us (or not).
A Combination Lock System
In order for food to properly digest within our bodies (and therefore prevent any unwanted throbs), it needs to essentially unlock three levels of protection:
1) Acidic environment within the stomach breaks down proteins
2) Muscle contractions push chyme towards pyloric sphincters
3) Intestine walls extract nutrients from chyme while pushing out waste products
As long as these steps work together harmoniously…tada! No more throb-throb-boom-booms.
Common Causes of Stomach Throbbing
Now that we’ve gone over some sciencey stuff about how digestion typically works; let’s look at some reasons why you may be feeling those thumps in your belly.
Ulcers
Did ya know that an estimated 10% of Americans will have at least one ulcer during their lifetime? Woooaaaahhhh. Ulcers are essentially painful sores located within the stomach or small intestine. For some, stress and diet can exacerbate these sores and result in a throbbing pain.
Food Intolerance
Raise your hand if you’ve ever eaten something funky and regretted it later (insert my own raised hand here). Some people experience sensitivity to certain foods which leads to bloating, diarrhea, constipation…and yep – even stomach pain/throbbing! Sometimes gas can get trapped in the digestive system creating tension…which is NO fun for anyone involved.
Common food intolerances: lactose (dairy), gluten (wheat products), caffeine/acidic juices (bye-bye coffee sob, we hardly knew ye)
GERD & Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when acid from our stomach flows up into our esophagus causing a tingling sensation near our chest/stomach areas. This discomfort can present itself as burning or throbbing depending on severity.
Appendicitis
Girls keep asking “where” men keep saying “It Hurts over there somewhere,” what could they actually be referring to? Well my friend, appendicitis looks like a nagging little devil who just won’t leave us alone until it explodes…(sorry too dark?). Anywho, appendicitis refers to inflammation within the appendix area; this causes tenderness along with an intense throbbing sensation accompanied by nausea/vomiting.
Remedies for Stomach Pain/Throbs
Alright folks, now let’s dive into remedies which help prevent throb-throb-booms making loud noises down there.
Medications
In order to ease stomach-throbbing-discomfort, some over-the-counter medications can be utilized such as:
– Antacids: for acid-related pain
– Probiotics: alleviate gas and bloating issues
– Pain Relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen): lessen inflammation/fever which may cause some abdominal tenderness
It’s important to note that if your throbbing persists or is accompanied by vomiting/diarrhea/bloody stools; visiting a doctor should always be the first step.
Change in Diet
As mentioned earlier, certain foods are known culprits to stomach discomfort. Eliminating these trigger-causing-foods from one’s diet may show improvement in both comfort levels alongside that pesky throbbing. Foods like FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols..yeah I couldn’t pronounce those either) breakdown improperly within our digestive systems resulting in painful side effects (yayyy). Reducing intake of high-fat foods & processed sugars will also aid digestion.
Stress Reduction Techniques
One common question health experts ask patients experiencing symptoms like stomach pain/throbs is “have you been feeling more anxious recently?” Ahem…it appears stress plays quite the role not only on our mental well-being but physical body as well! Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises/yoga/music therapy can all relieve built-up tension within the abdominal area. Think about it – when we’re tense/stressed; we tighten up our core muscles (not intentionally sometimes even) leading to discomfort/joint stiffness/etc.
Conclusion
Alright folks there ya have it – a brief overview of why exactly that tummy of yours has been giving you grief lately! In summary:
WHY?: Ulcers/Food Intolerance/GERD & Acid Reflux/Appendicitis
REMEDIES: Medications/Change in Diet/Stress Reduction Techniques
Remember it’s important to pay attention to our bodies, regularly visiting medical professionals when necessary. Until then…happy digestion!
Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!
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