Understanding Your Stomach: Common Issues, Causes & Natural Solutions

Our stomach does a lot more than just digest food. They are central to our energy, immunity, and overall well-being. But with today’s busy routines and irregular eating habits, many of us experience occasional (or frequent!) stomach discomfort. Whether it's bloating, acid reflux, or indigestion, these symptoms can disrupt our day and signal deeper imbalances.

In this blog, we’ll explore some common stomach issues, what might be causing them, and how to support a healthier gut naturally—through mindful lifestyle habits, balanced nutrition, and natural gut health supplements that promote digestive wellness.

 

Common Stomach Issues & What They Mean

1. Bloating

Bloating happens when your stomach feels full and tight, often due to gas or slow digestion. It’s common after overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming gas-producing foods like beans, dairy, or carbonated drinks.

Possible Causes:

• Poor chewing or fast eating
• Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
• Gut bacteria imbalance
• Constipation or water retention

Natural Support:

• Try digestive enzymes or probiotics
• Sip warm ginger or peppermint tea
• Eat smaller meals more slowly
• Include fibre-rich foods for smoother digestion (be sure to drink lots of water after)

 2. Acid Reflux & Heartburn

If you often feel a burning sensation in your chest or throat after meals, you might be dealing with acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus.

Possible Causes:

• Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
• Lying down too soon after eating
• Weak lower oesophageal sphincter (muscular valve that controls movement of substance through it) 
• Stress

Natural Support:

• Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fried, caffeine)
• Don’t lie down for at least 2 hours after meals
• Manage stress with breathing or mindfulness
• Slippery elm, curcumin or liquorice root supplements may help soothe the lining

3. Indigestion

This is that general discomfort you might feel in your upper abdomen after eating — like fullness, belching, or mild nausea.

Possible Causes:

• Overeating or irregular eating patterns
• Stress or anxiety
• Low stomach acid (yes, not always high!)
• Certain medications

Natural Support:

• Apple cider vinegar diluted in water before meals (if low acid is the issue)
• Chamomile, ginger or fennel tea for calming digestion
• Keep a food diary to spot patterns

 

How to Support a Happier, Healthier Stomach

Building better stomach health isn’t about perfection. it’s about small, mindful changes! Here’s what you can do daily to support your gut:

1. Eat Mindfully

Chew thoroughly, avoid distractions while eating, and stop when you're about 80% full to prevent overeating.

 2. Hydrate Smartly

Drink plenty of water, but avoid chugging large amounts during meals, which can dilute digestive enzymes.

 3. Include Gut-Friendly Foods

Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, and fibre-rich veggies support healthy bacteria and digestion.

 4. Use Natural Digestive Aids

Natural supplements for gut health like artichoke extract, ginger, turmeric, and peppermint oil have been shown to support digestion and soothe the stomach.

  5. Manage Stress

Your gut and brain are closely linked. Stress can slow digestion and trigger symptoms — so find what calms you, whether it’s walking, music, or deep breathing.

While natural solutions work well for mild to moderate discomfort, persistent or severe symptoms like chronic pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

 

Final Thoughts

Your stomach speaks louder than you think. Paying attention to how your gut feels can help you catch imbalances early and take steps toward better health naturally. With a few lifestyle tweaks, the right foods, and a gut health supplement for gentle natural support, you can keep your tummy (and your body!) feeling its best every day.

 

References:

Moshiree B, Drossman D and Shaukat A (2023) AGA Clinical Practice Update on Evaluation and Management of Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention: Expert Review, Gastroenterology, 165(3),791-800.

Iovino P, Bucci C, Tremolaterra F, Santonicola A and Chiarioni G (2014) Bloating and functional gastro-intestinal disorders: where are we and where are we going?, World Journal of Gastroenterol, 20(39),14407-14419.

Savarino E, Marabotto E and Savarino V (2022) Recent insights on functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity, Current Opinion Gastroenterol, 38(4), 417-422.

Popa SL, Surdea-Blaga T, David L, Stanculete MF, Picos A, Dumitrascu DL, Chiarioni G, Ismaiel A and Dumitrascu DI (2022) Supragastric belching: Pathogenesis, diagnostic issues and treatment, Saudi Journal of Gastroenterol,28(3),168-174.