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These Home Remedies Help Stop Burning Stomach Pain In Its Tracks, Doctors Say
You're in the middle of running errands or spending time with family when burning stomach pain stops you in your tracks. It feels like there's a fire in your gut, and the discomfort can be enough to derail your day. The sensation often ranges from annoying to totally debilitating, depending on the cause.
"The stomach secretes acids and digestive enzymes and mixes them with food, breaking it down to smaller nutrients," explains Dawn Ericsson, MD, medical director at AgeRejuvenation. This is how the body turns food into fuel. "When there is a disruption anywhere in this process, symptoms like pain and burning happen."
If you're bothered by bouts of burning stomach pain, help is here. We asked Dr. Ericsson and Rachel Schiesser, MD, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, what exactly causes burning stomach pain and how to soothe it naturally.
What is burning stomach pain?Burning stomach pain is exactly what it sounds like — a searing sensation in your abdomen that can sometimes reach your lower chest area. The pain can be acute, showing up suddenly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, lingering for a long time.
Some people describe a warm sensation that's more uncomfortable than painful. Others get sharp pains intense enough to wake them up at night. Sometimes, a burning stomach pain is part of a cluster of other symptoms like nausea, bloating, belching and a feeling of fullness after eating only a little bit.
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Whatever your burning stomach pain feels like, understanding the cause is the first step toward finding relief.
Common causes of burning stomach painSeveral conditions can trigger burning stomach pain, agree Dr. Ericsson and Dr. Schiesser. Some of the most common include:
Heartburn and GERD. Also known as acid reflux or heartburn, GERD happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. "Burning stomach pain is frequently caused by acid reflux," says Dr. Schiesser. (Click through to see what meds make acid reflux worse.)
Gastritis. This inflammation of the stomach lining can cause a burning pain. "One of the most common causes of gastritis are NSAID pain relievers, including aspirin and ibuprofen," says Dr. Schiesser. If gastritis is your issue, "discontinue NSAIDs and take acetaminophen instead."
Ulcers. Sores that develop on the stomach lining can cause sharp, burning pain. "The overproduction of stomach acid can lead to ulcers," says Dr. Ericsson. Stress and certain foods can cause ulcers to flare up and make the pain worse.
Infections. There are some bacterial and viral infections that can upset your stomach. Dr. Schiesser says an infection caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria is a common reason for burning stomach pain, since it damages the stomach lining.
Food. Reactions to foods such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods can trigger discomfort. And spicy foods are especially likely to cause burning stomach pain, adds Dr. Ericsson.
Functional dyspepsia. This is a type of chronic indigestion with symptoms resembling an ulcer disease, but imaging tests don't show ulcers or physical signs. It's a common disorders, affecting up to 20% of people. "The cause of this condition isn't fully understood," says Dr. Schiesser. "It may be related to hypersensitivity of the nerves in the gut."
GERD is a top cause of burning stomach pain.Visiostyle/Getty
Related: MD: Your 'Heartburn' May Be Caused By *Low* Stomach Acid — The Easy At-Home Test and Cure
How to soothe burning stomach painWhen burning stomach pain strikes, you want fast, effective relief. These natural home remedies help cool the burn plus block future flare-ups.
1. Jot down triggers"Acid reflux can be exacerbated by dietary triggers," says Dr. Schiesser. It's very individualized— different people react to different foods, she says. To find out what's causing your problem, keep a food and symptom journal so you can spot the specific things that cause burning stomach pain.
According to Dr. Schiesser, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can support stomach health. Another way to combat the discomfort if food is a trigger is to eat smaller meals and avoid exercise or lying down right after eating, adds Dr. Ericsson.
2. Sip a baking soda tonicIt's not just for baking cookies and muffins. Baking soda is a basic pantry staple can help put out your stomach fire, according to Dr. Ericsson. "Mix ½ tsp. Of baking soda in 8 ounces of water to relieve the burning sensation of acid reflux," she advises. The baking soda works to neutralize stomach acid, taming stomach pain. (Leftover baking soda? Click through to see 16 brilliant uses for baking soda.)
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3. Relax with herbal fixesChamomile, ginger and peppermint teas are known for their soothing properties. So it's no surprise that they can help calm an upset stomach. Simply brew a cup and sip slowly when burning stomach pain strikes.
Dr. Schiesser adds that herbal supplements, such as slippery elm and fennel seed, can help with dyspepsia, too. "Several of these herbs are traditionally used after meals in India as a digestive aid," she explains. She recommends the supplement FDgard, which contains caraway oil and L-menthol to soothe an upset stomach and indigestion.
What else can help? Dr. Ericsson suggests taking a digestive enzyme supplement, such as Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes, with meals. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, easing food through the digestive tract to thwart GI pain.
Related: Outsmarting Heartburn Can Be As Easy As Drinking Ginger Tea, Say MDs
4. Spoon up a yogurt parfaitLoading up on probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir (or supplementing with probiotics) helps balance your gut flora. Probiotics are good gut bugs that reduce inflammation, prevent pain and lower the risk of infections, explains Dr. Ericsson.
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Note: "If you get an infection, see your doctor and take any antibiotics prescribed," Dr. Ericsson advises. And be sure to consume plenty of probiotic-rich foods while taking antibiotics to protect your gut microbiome.
If you prefer a probiotic supplement over foods, look for one with the strain bacillus coagulans. This specific strain provides significant relief from stomach pain, according to research in the journal Gastroenterology and Endoscopy. One to try: Thorne Bacillus Coagulans.
5. Take a deep breathIf you've ever gotten an upset stomach after having a rough day, you know that stress can cause GI pain. Tension spurs the release of hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, which disrupt digestive functioning and can cause burning stomach pain. The good news: "Relaxation and stress management can improve symptoms," assures Dr. Schiesser. She suggests calming practices like yoga, meditation and deep-breathing exercises.
Need help getting started? Check out the video below for some deep breathing exercises for beginners.
6. Drink aloe vera juiceKnown for its healing properties, aloe vera juice can calm the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. "It's very soothing, but when choosing aloe products, it is important to be mindful of sugar content," says Dr. Schiesser. She recommends a sugar-free product like Lily of the Desert Stomach Formula. "It's been helpful to many of my patients looking for a natural approach." Mix 1 oz. Of the formula with 2 oz. Of water and drink 15 to 30 minutes before meals to block discomfort. (Click through to see more easy ways to get rid of heartburn.)
7. Down apple cider vinegarNo aloe vera juice on hand? No problem! Sipping 1 Tbs. Of diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) before meals can improve digestion and mitigate heartburn. "It helps by neutralizing the stomach acid," explains Dr. Ericsson. You can down it straight, as an ACV "shot", or dilute it in a cup of water to get the benefits.
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When to see a doctor for burning stomach painWhile many cases of burning stomach pain can be managed at home, you should always watch for signs that you should see a doctor. If you get severe pain, lose weight without trying or spot blood in your stool, it's time to make an appointment.
Rarely, burning stomach pain may even be a sign of cancer. "It's very important to consult with a healthcare provider if experiencing these symptoms, especially if natural remedies don't provide relief," says Dr. Ericsson.
For more ways to soothe common GI bothers naturally:
MD: Your 'Heartburn' May Be Caused By *Low* Stomach Acid — The Easy At-Home Test and Cure
Docs Say Epsom Salt Eases Constipation — But This Type of Magnesium Works Even Better
These Common Prescription Medications May Make Heartburn Worse — 4 Easy Ways to Outsmart the Problem
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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The Secret To Radiant Summer Skin For Men: Expert Shared Ayurvedic Herbs To Try
As the summer sun starts to shine brighter and temperatures rise, taking care of your skin becomes more critical than ever. While women are habitual of taking care of their skin, men often overlook skincare routines. But with the right knowledge and tools, achieving healthy, glowing skin in the summer months is within reach. Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Ganesh Chaudhary, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, PHC, Darbhanga, Bihar, listed the best Ayurvedic herbs for men's skin during summer and shared tips on how to use them effectively.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Men's Summer SkinAccording to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the most common skin issues in men during summers can be easily prevented. Here are some herbs that men should include in their summer skincare routine:
NeemThe first herb that Dr Chaudhary listed is neem. "Neem is a powerhouse herb known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. In summer, when sweat and grime can clog pores, neem can help prevent acne and breakouts," he said, recommending that you can use neem in the form of face washes, masks, or spot treatments.
"Aloe vera is a cooling herb that soothes sunburns and calms irritated skin," said Dr Chaudhary. He shared that aloe vera also has moisturising properties, making it ideal for hydrating the skin without leaving it greasy. Applying fresh aloe vera gel or using products containing aloe vera can revitalise your skin after a day in the sun.
TurmericDr Chaudhary said, "Turmeric is a golden spice with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It helps in reducing inflammation, combating UV damage, and brightening the skin." He suggested that men can include turmeric into your skincare routine by using face masks or creams containing turmeric extract.
SandalwoodSandalwood has a cooling effect on the skin and helps in reducing excess oil production, said Dr Chaudhary. "It also has antimicrobial properties that can prevent bacterial growth on the skin, keeping it clear and fresh. Look for sandalwood-based face cleansers or masks for a refreshing summer skincare experience," said Dr Chaudhary.
Also Read: Beauty Benefits Of Turmeric Oil: Here's How This Oil Can Promote Skin And Hair Health
If you are a skincare beginner, Dr Chaudhary listed a few tips for you:
Including these Ayurvedic herbs and skincare tips into your summer routine can nurture your skin, protect it from environmental stressors, and maintain a vibrant and youthful appearance throughout the season. Embrace the power of nature and enjoy healthy, glowing skin all summer long!
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
20 Natural Healing Hot Springs To Visit In The World
This article looks at the 20 natural healing hot springs to visit in the world. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of self-care tourism and hydrotherapy, please proceed directly to 5 Natural Healing Hot Springs to Visit in the World.
It is no secret that tourism was one of the hardest impacted industries during the pandemic. Our article on Least Visited Countries in the World reveals that due to COVID-19 there was a decrease of 2.6 billion international arrivals all over the globe between 2020 and 2022. As of 2023, international tourist arrivals have recovered to 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with strong indications that 2024 is the year when the tourism industry surpasses pre-pandemic levels in terms of volume and revenue.
While COVID-19 may have caused tourism to come to a grinding halt, it also helped reshape the industry. Unlike conventional tourism, the rejuvenated version of tourism is influenced by travel trends such as set-jetting, destination dupes, and sustainable tourism, all of which are featured in Unpack 24, a list of travel trends by Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ: EXPE). If you're interested in knowing more about these trends, check out our take on Best Places for Adventure Travel in the World and Spectacular Floating Hotels Around The World.
Self-care TourismThe idea of self-care has become a focal point of tourism in the post-pandemic environment. The wellness industry is set to increase from $6.3 trillion in 2024 to $8.5 trillion in 2027. As such, wellness tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in this industry and is expected to surge past $1 trillion in 2024 and reach $1.4 trillion by 2027. Individuals can explore some of the best wellness retreats within the US if they're looking to improve their personal well-being.
In response to the growing popularity of self-care vacations, brands such as Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ: MAR) and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) are diversifying and improving their wellness services. Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ: MAR), under its JW Marriott brand, launched a "Stay in the Moment" campaign in the Asia-Pacific market, which provides experiences focusing on personal well-being and enrichment.
"The 'Stay in the Moment' campaign focuses on the discerning luxury traveler who seeks well-being, mindfulness, and profound connections, all the elements that speak to the spirit of the JW Marriott brand."
-John Toomey, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Asia Pacific (Excluding China), Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ: MAR).
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Similarly, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) showcased its commitment to wellness by launching the Hyatt Wellbeing Collective, a portfolio of over 30 hotels and resorts that offer customized itineraries for wellness vacationers.
"At Hyatt, we're setting a new standard of wellbeing for travel, making sure every touch point is crafted with meaning and intent to support all facets of wellbeing."
-TJ Abrams, Vice President, Global Wellbeing, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H).
HydrotherapyIf you go through our article on Best Wellness Retreats in the US, you will realize that wellness retreats aren't just about spa treatments and foot baths. This is because tourists tend to take these vacations to work towards a specific goal such as stress management, weight loss, or recovering from burnout. A study by Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ: MAR) in 2023 showed how wellness travelers are looking to incorporate intensive exercises and mentally stimulating activities into their vacations. The study showed that 65% of respondents expressed interest in active wellness activities such as jiu-jitsu or kickboxing classes, while 58% wanted more mindful activities such as yoga and meditation.
Poolside activities are a prominent activity in the itinerary for any vacation, with tourists relishing any opportunity to be cradled by gentle lapping water. According to Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB), the most booked categories for a family vacation during the recent winter season were poolside stays, beaches with surfing activities, and golf courses. Many hotels and wellness resorts around the world have begun to infuse the gentle arts of yoga and meditation into water-based settings such as pools and lakes. Similarly, a phenomenon named "Hot Potting" has also become an increasingly popular activity among wellness travelers.
Hot Potting is the activity of soaking in a warm, often mineral-rich, body of water for therapeutic purposes. Bathing in hot pools is an activity that dates back thousands of years and is considered to have numerous health benefits. According to a study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences, hydrotherapy has several benefits such as relieving muscle soreness and increasing circulation. Another study implies that balneotherapy can be a non-pharmacological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
One of the things that has hindered the popularity of natural healing hot springs is the risk of burns and even fatal accidents in case the water is too warm. Moreover, in unstable conditions, jets of near-boiling water can erupt into thermal pools spontaneously, making them extremely dangerous to swim in. However, there are plenty of natural healing hot springs to visit in the world that provide immense therapeutic benefits without such risks. Join us as we look at the greatest natural healing hot springs to visit in the world.
MethodologyTo develop our list of natural healing hot springs to visit in the world, we initially picked out the most recommended natural healing hot springs to visit in the world on the internet. We used 10+ sources including CN Traveler, Travel & Leisure, and Trip Savvy to develop a shortlist. Further research was narrowed down to these places only. This approach also allowed us to obtain an initial score for each park based on the number of times it was recommended across different sources. Once this list was obtained, we used online ratings from sources such as Trip Advisor and Trip.Com as other metrics for our rankings. The cumulative score for each place was summed, based on which we sorted our list in descending order. The top 20 places were chosen as the natural healing hot springs to visit in the world.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
Here are 20 Natural Healing Hot Springs to Visit in the World.
20. Sulphur Springs, St LuciaInsider Monkey Score: 16.46
Proclaimed as the world's only "drive-in volcano", Sulphur Springs is a geothermal field located Southwest of Soufriere on the island country of St. Lucia. Its black water hot springs are rich in minerals, because of which locals claim these pools have medicinal properties. Tourists from all over the world visit these springs to enjoy mud baths, which are considered to help detoxify and heal sunburns, eczema, and sore joints.
19. Peninsula Hot Springs, AustraliaInsider Monkey Score: 16.49
A short drive from Melbourne, you'll find the Peninsula Hot Springs spa, which features a collection of natural healing hot springs to visit. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, some of which can be booked for private reclusion. Visitors can take part in a hot spring yoga session, an activity to unlock your chakra whilst hot potting. In addition to the natural baths, Peninsula Hot Springs also offers other amenities for rejuvenation such as ice baths, saunas, and spa treatments.
18. Beppu, JapanInsider Monkey Score: 16.67
Beppu features one of the largest collections of geothermal pools in Japan, some of which are too hot to dip into. However, there is also a series of public pools that tourists can bathe in, including the Beppu Onsen pools. These pools are considered to have therapeutic properties, which can be enjoyed in the form of a swim or a mud bath.
17. Banjar Hot Springs, IndonesiaInsider Monkey Score: 16.86
Bali is renowned for its beach-side vacations and lush scenery; however, it also features one of the most sumptuous natural healing hot springs in the world. Set in the northern parts of the island are the Banjar Hot Springs. This collection of private and public pools is rich in sulfur and tends to have a temperature of approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect destination for a therapeutic bath.
16. Polynesian Spa, New ZealandInsider Monkey Score: 17.29
Due to its location, there are plenty of thermal springs scattered around the island of New Zealand, the most popular of which are located in the region of Rotorua. While the Champagne Pool and Kerosene Creek are also popular attractions, one of the best natural healing hot springs to visit in the world is the Polynesian Spa. Its 28 pools are fed from 2 hot springs, one of which is slightly acidic, a property that helps relieve body aches and sore muscles, while the other is slightly alkaline and helps nourish your skin.
15. Takaragawa Onsen, JapanInsider Monkey Score: 17.40
Located along the Takaraga River, you'll find the literal definition of ice and fire as you step into one of the best natural healing hot springs to visit in the world. The springs flow through snow-capped mountains, because of which tourists come here to enjoy both the majestic views and the therapeutic experience. The Takaragawa Onsen is close to Oze National Park, meaning that visitors can enjoy other excursions such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
14. Chena Hot Springs, AlaskaInsider Monkey Score: 17.46
The Chena Hot Springs are located nearly 60 miles Northeast of Fairbanks. The resort has plenty of rooms to facilitate visitors for an overnight stay. The hot springs themselves are famous for their healing abilities, courtesy of having sulfate, chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. Moreover, there is an onsite ice bar which means you get to enjoy your favorite cocktails as the water rejuvenates your soul.
13. Caldas de Outariz, SpainInsider Monkey Score: 17.79
The city of Ourense is popular for its numerous hot springs, some of which date back to the Roman era. However, many of the once bustling pools are now closed, save Caldas de Outariz. This bath is located on the outskirts of the city and is one of the best natural hot springs in Europe.
12. Poca Da Dona Beija, PortugalInsider Monkey Score: 17.94
Sao Miguel is the largest of the Azore Islands and features numerous hot springs. While some of the pools are too hot to enter, the pools of Poca Da Dona Beija are some of the best natural healing hot springs to visit in the world. In comparison to other pools in the Azores, these baths are relatively cheap and less densely occupied (although that can change), and have a perfect temperature of just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. The Springs Resort & Spa, ColoradoInsider Monkey Score: 18.28
The Pagosa Springs are fed from the Mother Spring aquifer, certified as the world's deepest aquifer by Guinness World Records. Here, you'll find the Springs Resort & Spa which features over 20 different pools of varying temperatures. The mineral-rich waters of this spa are the perfect destination for hot potting, making it one of the best natural hot springs in the US.
10. Hot Springs Cove, CanadaInsider Monkey Score: 18.33
The Maquinna Provincial Park in British Columbia is one of Canada's most scenic destinations. The Hot Springs Cove in this area is located on top of a geological fault, because of which water is pumped up to the surface from a depth of 5 kilometers underground. While the water can be too hot to soak in in many areas of these springs, there are several spots where it mixes with the ocean to provide you with a natural healing hot spring to stretch your toes in.
9. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, New MexicoInsider Monkey Score: 18.39
The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is a sulfur-free collection of pools that offer some of the best therapeutic dips in the world. The Iron Pool is considered to help aid the body's immune system while some of the other pools offer visitors a chance to discard their body of toxins through a mud bath. There are both communal and private pools available, meaning that if you're looking for privacy and space, there is no better natural healing hot spring to visit in the world than the tonic retreat of Ojo Caliente.
8. Lake Heviz, HungaryInsider Monkey Score: 18.46
There are over 1300 thermal baths in Hungary, as acknowledged in our list of Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024. The city of Budapest is often called the "Capital of Spas and Thermal Baths", and just a few hours south of the city lies one of the largest swimmable hot springs in the world. Lake Heviz is known for its warm, relaxing waters and the area also features many indoor saunas, hot tubs, and restaurants.
7. Travertine Hot Springs, CaliforniaInsider Monkey Score: 18.54
Located close to the California-Nevada border, the Travertine Hot Springs is a very popular natural healing hot spring to visit in the world. The pools vary in temperature, however, all of them provide majestic panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
6. Uunartoq Island, GreenlandInsider Monkey Score: 18.66
While there is an abundance of hot springs scattered around Greenland, the most notable one lies on Uunartoq Island. The pool water is at the perfect temperature to enjoy a soak, and the island offers an incredibly breathtaking view of distant mountains, floating icebergs, and whales emanating from the ocean surface.
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Disclosure: none. 20 Natural Healing Hot Springs to Visit in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
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