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A burning sensation in the stomach is usually the result of a digestive disorder and can cause considerable amount of discomfort to the sufferer. In most cases, the burning sensation does not signify a serious problem and can often be treated with over-the-counter medicines. There are also numerous home remedies for a burning stomach that are quite effective.

Apart from a burning sensation in the stomach, symptoms include upper abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the upper chest or throat, a feeling of being full prematurely, nausea, bloating and burping. Sometimes the discomfort can begin immediately after eating while in other cases it may not happen for hours after a meal.

The causes of digestive problems that lead to burning sensation could vary from irregular eating habits to ulcers. Lifestyle is one major contributing factor. Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of carbonated beverages, coffee and alcohol can over time, lead to chronic digestive problems.  Personal eating habits and diet too play a big role. Eating too quickly, lying down after eating, overeating, eating too much greasy and spicy food can all cause burning sensations in the stomach. More serious causes include disorders of the stomach, pancreas, gallbladder and liver.

Stomach burning is a problem faced by many women during pregnancy. This includes women who are not normally prone to stomach disorders. The condition is usually caused by the increase in hormone levels and relaxation of the lower esophageal muscles. Another cause is the pressure the growing abdomen exerts on the stomach and diaphragm, which causes stomach acids to flow in the opposite direction.

There are numerous treatments for gastritis and burning in the stomach. These include:

• Over-the-counter medications known as antacids, such as Maalox or Tums, are the most commonly used medications. These contain alkaline compounds which neutralize the effects of the stomach acids.
• If you have a chronic condition, your doctor may prescribe medications such as Prilosec or Nexium.

There are certain measures you can take, including some home remedies, which will provide relief from a burning stomach. They include:

• Have your meals at appropriate times and do not skip meals. Irregular eating habits are one of the main causes of a burning stomach.
• Do not overeat but rather, eat smaller portions at every meal. In this way you could increase your meals to 6 times a day as against the regular 4 meals.
• If you are overweight, then go on a diet and start exercising regularly.
• Do not lie down immediately after a meal. Wait for about three hours after your last meal before going to sleep.
• At night, sleep with your head in an elevated position.
• Keep track of all the foods that trigger off episodes of burning in your stomach. Avoid eating such foods. Some of the foods that are reputed to trigger acidity are chocolates, citrus fruits, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar and fried and fatty foods.
• Quit smoking. It is one of the major causes of acidity in the stomach.
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of coffee, tea, alcohol and other acidic beverages, especially when you experience any sort of burning sensation.
• Drink a small quantity of milk whenever you experience a burning sensation.
• Burping will help provide relief from the buildup of gas in the stomach.
• Eat bland food. If you are used to eating spicy food then cut back on the use of spices in your food. Spices will only aggravate the burning sensation in your stomach.
• Make an infusion of thyme in hot water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes before straining out the thyme and drinking the infusion.
• Peppermint tea can also provide relief from acidity.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.