Throwing up stomach acid, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. While it's normal for a small amount of stomach acid to occasionally reflux into the esophagus, frequent episodes can lead to discomfort and complications.
Source: Throwing up stomach acid may indicate that you are bringing up bile from the stomach
You can experience vomiting for a variety of reasons. These can include pregnancy, medication use, food poisoning, and infection. Nausea can range from mildly uncomfortable and unpleasant to severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Understanding the Process of Throwing Up Stomach Acid
You might wonder about the process of throwing up stomach acid. There are several reasons for this, most of which have to do with how acid reflux works.
Acid reflux happens when a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which separates your esophagus from your stomach, doesn't close tightly after you eat or drink. When the LES isn't working properly, stomach acids and food can flow back up into your esophagus and throat.
There are many reasons why the LES might weaken. Certain foods can trigger more problems with reflux, such as:
- Fried, greasy, or fatty foods
- Tomatoes and foods with red sauces
- Citrus fruits and juices
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate
- Peppermint
- Carbonated and caffeinated beverages
- Alcohol
- Coffee (both regular and decaf)
People with acid reflux often taste stomach acids in their mouth, which, along with frequent burping and coughing, can cause nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Indigestion, or heartburn, is another symptom of reflux that can make you feel nauseous. It happens when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to discomfort.
Treating Stomach Acid Induced Nausea
You can typically manage nausea caused by acid reflux through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, home remedies, and medication.
Here are some steps you can take:
Lifestyle Changes
- Adjust your eating habits: Eat smaller meals and cut down on fatty foods to prevent indigestion and maintain proper LES function. Reflux and nausea may arise when your stomach is too empty, so aim for smaller, more frequent meals.
- Quit smoking: Nicotine can weaken your LES, worsening your symptoms.
- Choose loose clothing: Tight clothes can add pressure to your stomach, leading to acid reflux and nausea. Opt for loose-fitting attire to avoid this pressure.
- Stay upright after eating: Help keep stomach acids in your stomach by remaining upright for two to three hours after meals.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Place 6-inch blocks under the head of your bed to utilize gravity in preventing acid from flowing back up into your esophagus while you sleep.
Home Remedies with Natural Ingredients
1. Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy known for its ability to ease digestive discomfort, including throwing up stomach acid. It contains compounds that can help soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger supplements, or adding fresh ginger to meals.
2. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a natural herb that has been used traditionally to alleviate digestive issues, including throwing up yellow stomach acid. It contains compounds that may help protect the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice root often recommended for acid reflux, as it has the compound glycyrrhizin removed to prevent potential side effects. You can enjoy licorice root as a tea or take it in supplement form.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for soothing digestive discomfort. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and improve digestion. You can incorporate turmeric into your diet by adding it to dishes or beverages, or by taking turmeric supplements for a concentrated dose. You can find this ingredient in Cumargold
Source: Turmeric is known to control throwing up stomach acid
4. Chew Gum
Chewing gum can be a simple and effective home remedy for alleviating stomach acid-induced nausea. When you chew gum, it stimulates saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid and wash away any acid lingering in the esophagus.
Additionally, the act of chewing gum can promote swallowing, which can push stomach contents back down into the stomach and prevent reflux. Opt for sugar-free gum to avoid exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.
Important: Before trying any home remedies with natural ingredients, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
Medications
- Use Antacids: Antacid tablets or liquids can help relieve nausea and acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acids.
These products work by quickly reducing the acidity in your stomach, providing temporary relief from symptoms.
- Consider Prescription Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed medications that work by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach.
By lowering acid levels, PPIs can help alleviate reflux and its associated symptoms. Additionally, antiemetic drugs are another option that can be prescribed to specifically relieve nausea.
Conclusion
People can often reduce stomach acid symptoms and nausea by making lifestyle changes. However, it's crucial to discuss stomach acid with your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis.
Your doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan, which may involve dietary adjustments or the addition of medications. If you're experiencing difficulty eating due to nausea, it's important to inform your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist, as this could lead to dehydration.
For individuals with a long history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it's advisable to discuss with your doctor whether an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is necessary to assess any damage to the esophagus caused by reflux.
