Reasons for Upset Stomach - Indigestion, Dyspepsia

 If you are having bouts of upset stomach, it is natural that you are looking for an explanation of why these are happening. Dyspepsia is the most common of disorders and this may be why so many other disorders are mistakenly associated with it. Some non-gastrointestinal diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism (an overactive parathyroid gland) along with a severe kidney disease are also associated, but it is unknown at the moment, how these may cause dyspepsia.

When the digestive system is not performing properly (dysfunction), the muscles or nerves which make up the most part of the related body organs can malfunction. These are complex systems and the nerves themselves run all the way from the anus to the esophagus  with some connecting to the brain  or the spinal cord. This might be the reason why some of the symptoms of an upset stomach are more noticeable in the back or the head of the sufferer.

The nerves observe the motor  and sensory functions of the body and send the information to the brain and spinal cord. The information is then processed and based on the data sent, it gives off a response. That could be the secretion of fluid, contraction or relaxation of a particular body part of muscle. During a dysfunction of the body part, the information sent might not be completely correct, and thus the response is also faulty. Such events lead to the signs and symptoms which are often seen as indigestion , reflux  or an upset stomach.

Some researchers believe that when some of the events that happen and are normal such as the stretching of a particular valve which allows the food to pass can be perceived as painful by some malfunction of the signal being sent. When the processing center receives this information, it sees it as something which should be fought or regulated, and the normal functions of the body become disturbed. This is very common with allergies, where the body is fighting with things that are not really harmful to it.

Stress as well as a weakened immune system may be partly to blame. The saying "stress kills" derives from the fact that when the body is in this type of a situation for a longer period of time, it continues to stay in that fight-or-flight response, channeling all of its energy which than leaves other body parts and organs vulnerable. Depression, anxiety or panic attacks have already been proven to have a huge effect on the digestive system.

The menstrual cycle (PMS) is also been shown to worsen the symptoms associated with digestion. The elevated levels of progesterone  and estrogen (female hormones) are to blame. Doctors noticed that by reducing the levels of these hormones, directly reduces the problems that the patients have had with the intestity of the symptoms.

Some causes of indigestion can also be caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When antibiotics are taken, these kill the bad along with the good bacteria within the body. If the good bacteria is not replaced by probiotics or other good cultures (milk, yogurt) , it is very possible for the bad bacteria to overtake the intestines and cause problems.

Another reason for the feeling of stomach sickness which is often found in people is reflux oesophagitis (heartburn). This is caused by the stomach acid moving up into the throat area and is a symptom of acid reflux. People that are overweight or pregnant are especially at risk due to these two factors having an impact on the stomach, pushing it upwards. This condition can be controlled by dietary, lifestyle changes along with certain types of medication .

Ulcers can be a cause as well, and these can be cured by antibiotics or anti-ulcer medicine. The most known culprit of an ulcer is the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, and this has been found in almost 90% of all such cases.

There is also the irritable bowel syndrome which mainly shows up right after consuming a meal and the inability of having a regular bowel movement. Some of the more rarer causes also consist of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.