Heartburn and heartburn after eating? here's how to fix it

After being full or eating spicy food, it is not uncommon for the stomach to become full of burning pain right in the gut. Usually this is also accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the throat or mouth. What exactly causes the stomach to feel hot and how to deal with it?

Why is the stomach hot and sore after eating?

Source: Healthline

The cause of heartburn generally comes from conditions that affect stomach function. Heat can also be a symptom of various disorders of the digestive system. Here are some conditions that often cause it.

1. Reaction to certain foods

Spicy food is not the only type of food that can make the stomach feel hot. Some people may experience the same reaction because their digestive system is more sensitive to certain substances in food.

The following are examples of foods that can trigger heartburn and those who are prone to experiencing it.

• Dairy products in people with lactose intolerance.
• Gluten in people with celiac disease.
• Citrus fruits in people with GERD, gastritis, and gastric ulcers.
• Fatty foods in people with Crohn's disease.

In addition, alcoholic beverages can cause a burning sensation, even in people with healthy digestive systems.

2.Stomach acid rises (reflux of stomach acid)

The food you eat will pass through your esophagus and down into your stomach. This swallowing motion opens the esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a muscle that lines the esophagus and stomach.

The sphincter closes when food has moved into the stomach. However, if the esophageal sphincter doesn't close completely after you swallow, the acidic contents of the stomach can come back up into the esophagus.

This backflow is known as stomach acid reflux. When reflux continues, this can be a symptom of a so-called disease gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main symptoms of GERD are pain and burning in the stomach and heartburn (heartburn).

3. Gastritis

Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. In addition to a burning stomach, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Untreated inflammation can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and stomach cancer. If you experience symptoms of gastritis, consult your doctor immediately to get the right treatment.

4. Gastric infection

Stomach infections are generally caused by bacteria H. pylori . These bacteria actually live naturally in the stomach and do not always cause symptoms. New symptoms will appear once the bacterial growth has gone beyond normal limits.

The main symptoms of a stomach infection are stomach pain and burning sensation in the stomach. Many sufferers also complain of flatulence, frequent belching, nausea and vomiting, and sudden weight loss.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome aka irritable bowel syndrome is a collection of symptoms of indigestion that affect the function of the large intestine. The cause is thought to stem from a nerve problem that affects the ability of the colon to contract.

IBS can make the stomach feel hot and uncomfortable. Other symptoms that often accompany it are diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Not only that, you may also want to have more frequent bowel movements.

6. Gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers are sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Wound formation can be caused by infection H. pylori , consumption of pain relievers, smoking habits, and radiation therapy to the abdominal area.

The main symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning sensation in the stomach. Some sufferers also often complain heartburn , nausea, and chest pain. Severe stomach ulcers can cause bleeding marked with black stools.

Relieves burning sensation in the stomach

Heartburn can be caused by many factors. Stomach that feels hot due to eating patterns and habits can be overcome with lifestyle changes, but complaints related to indigestion usually need to be treated with medication.

Here are various ways you can do to relieve the burning sensation in the stomach.

1. Do not lie down immediately after eating

Many of us succumb to the drowsiness of being full and eventually choose to lie down after eating. However, you should postpone what you want first. Lying down immediately after eating can exacerbate heartburn.

If you feel sleepy after eating, you can take a short walk or do a variety of light activities for about 30 minutes. Washing dishes or walking around the complex might also be good options.

The best time to lie down is two hours after eating. In order for the stomach to feel comfortable into the night, also avoid eating snacks just before bed.

2. Wear loose clothing

A tight belt or other clothing accessory can put pressure on the stomach, worsening heartburn. Loosen any tight clothes after eating. Or, you can change clothes and wear looser clothes.

3. Avoid smoking, alcohol, or caffeine

The habit of smoking after eating can aggravate a burning stomach. This is because smoking weakens the performance of the stomach muscles which function to prevent stomach acid from rising up into the throat. Caffeine and alcohol will also have the same effect.

4. Elevating the head and upper body while lying down

Raising your upper body approximately 10-15 cm while lying down can prevent acid reflux and heartburn. This is because when the upper body is raised, gravity prevents stomach contents from rising back up into the esophagus.

However, you need to be careful if you prop yourself up with a pile of pillows. Make sure not to bend your body, as bending over will add to the pressure on your stomach and can actually exacerbate heartburn and a burning sensation in your gut.

Sleeping on a specially designed sunken pillow is another effective option. In addition, you can use this pillow on your side or sleep on your back without worrying about putting pressure on your neck or head.

5. Reduce eating fatty foods

Apart from changing habits after eating, you also need to reduce your consumption of low-fat foods. The reason is, excess fat intake can worsen the condition of the stomach that feels hot and heartburn.

6. Undergo medication according to the cause

Heartburn due to indigestion will usually return if the underlying condition is not treated. Of course, treatment needs to be adjusted to the digestive disorders you are experiencing.

Before starting to take medication, the first step you need to do is consult a doctor. The doctor will perform various tests to diagnose your condition and determine the right treatment.

Here are some examples of drugs and remedies to treat a burning stomach.

• Acid-lowering drugs for gastritis, IBS, gastric ulcers, GERD, and the like. Examples of these drugs are antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers .
• Antibiotics for resulting gastric infection H. pylori . This medicine must be taken completely to prevent bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
• Operation for very severe stomach acid disease.
• Alternative pain relievers for gastritis due to the consumption of long-term pain relievers.

Every now and then, it's natural for your stomach to feel hot. The burning sensation may be caused by the food you eat or the habits you adopt after eating. However, beware if this condition persists.

Try to consult a doctor to find the cause. In this way, the doctor can also help you by giving drugs that are suitable for your condition.

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