Stomach weakness

Christopher Hobbs:

“Stomach weakness is a condition where long-term stress makes the stomach irritable and unable properly digest food. Stomach weakness can also be hereditary. Symptoms include nausea, an uneasy feeling in the stomach, a burning pain directly after eating, and perhaps vomiting.”

Etiologic and Contributing Factors:

1. Dietary Habits:
   • Overeating, skipping meals, or eating heavy, fatty, or processed foods.
   • Consuming excessive caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods.
2. Stress and Emotional Health:
   • Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can impair stomach function by disrupting the gut-brain axis.
3. Medical Conditions:
   • Gastritis, peptic ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten intolerance).
   • H. pylori infection, a common bacterial cause of stomach issues.
4. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Smoking or lack of physical activity.
   • Poor hydration.
5. Medications:
   • Overuse of NSAIDs, antibiotics, or other drugs that irritate the stomach lining.
6. Aging or Weakened Immunity:
   • Reduced digestive enzyme production or slower digestion in older adults.

When to Seek Professional Help:

Look for warning signs that may indicate serious conditions:

• Persistent stomach pain or discomfort lasting more than a few days.
• Severe bloating, vomiting, or nausea.
• Blood in stool or vomit (black, tarry stools or coffee-ground-like vomit).
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
• Heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter remedies.
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of fullness even after eating small amounts.