5 Signs You're Experiencing Stomach Issues (And How to Feel Better)

It's no secret that occasional stomach issues are a normal part of life, but when do these seemingly minor issues become something more serious?

Whether it's cramping, nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain – chances are you've experienced at least one symptom linked to an upset stomach. But how do you know the difference between a passing nuisance and a sign of something more serious like gallstones or irritable bowel syndrome?

If you’re experiencing discomfort or concern about your digestive health and wondering what to do about it, this blog post has you covered! Read on for five signs you’re experiencing stomach issues and a guide on how to feel better.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can be a scary experience. It's important to remember that abdominal pain can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, but in many cases, it's likely due to something less serious. A sharp pain in your abdomen could mean something serious like appendicitis, but it could also just mean you have gas.

To understand what the cause of the pain may be, determine where the pain is specifically located and its intensity on a scale from one to ten. Plus, keep in mind that your lifestyle choices (such as eating too much or exercising incorrectly) can cause abdominal pain as well.

If anything is unclear about your symptoms or if you find you're in too much discomfort, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and personalized advice so you can get to feeling better soon.

With small adjustments to diet and activities, and being mindful of when things seem off, you can stay informed and ahead of potential complications from abdominal pain.

Changes in appetite

Changes in appetite, whether it's an unusually reduced or increased desire to eat, can be an indication of a larger medical problem. While changes in appetite can have more easily explained causes such as sickness or stress, they can also point toward an underlying medical condition that may require further investigation.

These conditions could include depression, endocrine disorders and more. It's important to keep track of any unusual changes in your eating patterns and speak with your doctor if they persist for more than a few weeks.

One of the most common (and effective) medications used to treat a reduction of appetite is cannabis or medical marijuana. If you’ve never used cannabis before, make sure to visit Veriheal to learn more about how to calculate dosage, so you can have the best experience possible.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be unpleasant experiences, but they can also be signs that you are experiencing an underlying medical condition.

Examples of such conditions include food-borne illness, motion sickness, viral infections like the stomach flu, or even more serious issues like heart problems and even certain types of cancer.

If your nausea and vomiting is persistent and not easily alleviated by resting or taking over-the-counter medications such as antacids and antiemetics, it’s important to talk to a doctor about possible underlying causes so you can treat the issue at its root.

Resting in bed, eating smaller but more frequent meals, staying hydrated, applying cooling compresses to the forehead and even smoking a little marijuana can help alleviate nausea until you are able to get to a doctor for treatment.

Constipation

Prolonged constipation that lasts for more than two weeks is a signal something else could be going on beneath the surface. If you are having difficulty with regular bowel movements, it may be linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid disease or an imbalance in your intestinal bacteria.

Certain medications can also contribute to constipation. In order to alleviate symptoms, it is important to take preventive measures like eating foods high in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids.

Exercise also helps to stimulate digestion, and digestion-friendly supplements like probiotic capsules might also be beneficial. If over-the-counter remedies do not seem to be working, consider talking with a healthcare provider about possible treatment options.

Acid reflux and heartburn

Acid reflux and heartburn can be very uncomfortable and even painful to experience. While often mistaken as the same condition, acid reflux and heartburn are two separate problems.

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is caused by stomach acid entering the esophagus and causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, occurring when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus.

There are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of experiencing both heartburn and acid reflux, such as avoiding large meals and avoiding lying down after eating.

Conclusion

Stomach issues can be indicative of an underlying medical condition and often require further investigation. Taking note of any warning signs that something is wrong, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, constipation or acid reflux and heartburn can help you get the treatment you need to start feeling better.