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The stomach is an essential part of the digestive system, where part of the digestion of the food takes place. It is comprised of enzymes that are essential to break down the food particles. The foods are broken down into smaller pieces in the stomach, and the digested food from the stomach enters intestine where the assimilation of foods is completed. Stomach disorders hamper the digestive process and are generally caused by the food that we eat. The most common forms of stomach disorders include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, stomach heaviness, heartburn, etc.

Heaviness in the stomach

A heavy feeling in the stomach (of being full or having eaten too much) that makes a person feel lethargic is referred as stomach heaviness.  Overeating or food binging, excessive gas, and bloating are some of the common causes of lower abdominal heaviness.

Causes

• The most common cause for heaviness in the stomach is bloating. This condition indicates the presence of gas in the stomach. The air that a person swallows while eating goes to the stomach instead of the lungs and causes bloating. This condition is called aerophagia
• Acid reflux is another cause for the presence of gas in the stomach. Acid reflux occurs due to the regurgitation of food into the esophagus and causes a burning sensation in the chest and throat
• The stomach is lined with mucous membranes that protect the soft tissues of the stomach. Damage of this mucous membrane causes bloating. People suffering from celiac disease often suffer from heaviness in the stomach after eating gluten foods, as gluten causes damage to the mucous membrane
• Intolerance of certain foods also causes heaviness in the stomach
• Ulcers also can cause abdominal heaviness
• Digestive disorders are also one of the causes of stomach heaviness. Indigestion or a stomach upset is known as dyspepsia, and it can also lead to heaviness in the stomach. This condition occurs due to the contact of acid with the lining of the stomach mucosa

Symptoms

The symptoms of stomach heaviness vary depending on the underlying cause. Given below are some of the common symptoms of heaviness in the stomach.

• Uncomfortable feeling
• Sluggishness
• Stomach burning
• Heart and throat burning
• Gas spasms
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Swollen stomach
• Sharp abdominal pain
• Cramping

Remedies For Abdominal Heaviness

Abdominal heaviness is not considered a serious problem and can be dealt with by using home remedies. Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, peppermint, and basil are effective home remedies for heaviness in the stomach. Other nature cures include the following:

• Add a few drops of clove oil to a glass of water and drink it in the morning. This improves digestion and helps release gases
• Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with water and boil it. You can add honey to taste. Drink this mixture
• Mix half a teaspoon of powdered cumin and black pepper in a glass of buttermilk. Drink twice or thrice daily
• Chewing some fennel after eating helps to keep the gas at bay. Fennel enhances the release of gas in the body and helps to get rid of the buildup in the stomach
• Add sodium bicarbonate to grilled eggplants and place them onto the stomach. This helps to alleviate the discomfort caused by stomach heaviness
• Soak fennel seeds and currants overnight. In the morning, crush the ingredients and add sugar, and water, and drink
• Drinking two glasses of warm water on an empty stomach in the morning helps to avoid stomach heaviness

Diet Suggestions

Diet can also help to ease abdominal heaviness. One should be careful about the quantity of food and kind that he/she eats.

• Avoid dairy products for a few days if the cause of stomach heaviness is indigestion
• Never skip meals and drink plenty of water
• Keep away from spicy foods and beverages like soda
• Consume cooked, seedless fruits and vegetables
• Avoid foods that create excessive gas in the stomach. Foods like broccoli, cabbage, baked beans, cauliflower, lettuce, radish, peach, and pears can produce excessive gas in the stomach
• Bottle gourd juice is an effective remedy for stomach heaviness

Apart from these natural treatments for stomach heaviness, you need to make some lifestyle changes as well.

• People who chew a lot of gum end up swallowing a lot of air, leading to bloating. Avoid chewing gum to ease bloating. This helps to avoid stomach heaviness
• Avoid using a straw when drinking liquids as more air is ingested when using a straw
• Chew your food properly; foods that are swallowed without being properly chewed cause indigestion
• Don’t skip meals. Ensure to have your breakfast between 6AM and 8AM, lunch between 11AM and 1PM, and dinner between 6PM and 8PM
• Avoid smoking and alcohol intake
• The regular practice of yoga and exercise helps to get rid of abdominal heaviness and bloating

Although stomach heaviness can be easily treated using home remedies, if you suffer from prolonged stomach heaviness, it is vital to consult a doctor. Over time, such disorders may result in serious health problems.

References
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003123.htm