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Sour Stomach Symptoms & Remedies

Sour stomach is a medical condition that affects millions of adults and children. With common symptoms and easy-to-use remedies, diagnosing and treating the condition is not difficult. While most cases are mild to moderate, some individuals experience recurrent sour stomach that requires them to take non-harsh natural remedies before meals. Learn the symptoms of sour stomach and treat the condition with natural and over-the-counter remedies.

  1. Identification

    • According to WiseGeek, "Sour stomach is characterized by a large amount of hydrochloric acid present in the stomach and digestive tract." The condition is not life threatening, but can lead to stomach ulcers if not treated over time. Basic lifestyle changes, like not consuming large amounts of food just before bedtime and avoiding fatty foods, can drastically reduce the symptoms associated with the condition, if not prevent sour stomach altogether.

    Symptoms

    • Sour stomach is characterized by persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the mid- to upper abdomen. Symptoms include bloating, excessive burping, and in some cases, nausea and heartburn. Individuals who suffer from sour stomach should not experience chronic vomiting or other nutritional or digestive problems.

    Remedies

    • According to John Hopkin's Health, "Antacids and histamine (H2) blockers are the two most effective over-the-counter medications for indigestion." Antacids and histamine (H2) blockers are available in the medicine aisle at retailers like Target. These over-the-counter medicines are designed for occasional relief and should not be used to treat recurrent sour stomach. "Antacids such as calcium carbonate (Tums and others) and magnesium salts (Mylanta and others) neutralize stomach acid," according to John Hopkin's Health.

    Natural Remedies

    • Sour stomach is easy to remedy with home and natural remedies. According to HomeRemediesForYou.com, carrot juice, lemon juice and baking soda are effective natural remedies for sour stomach. Mix carrot juice with equal parts water, and drink at the onset of pain or discomfort. Combine 1 tbsp. of lemon juice with hot water and take it before meals to prevent sour stomach. Add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to water for fast relief.

    Warning

    • Individuals who experience recurrent sour stomach, or who suffer severe symptoms, should consult a physician immediately to rule out a larger medical condition. People with conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach ulcers commonly experience symptoms similar to those associated with sour stomach. Misdiagnosis is common as people mistakenly believe they are suffering from sour stomach when they are actually suffering from a condition like GERD.

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