I Have a Sour Stomach & Numbing of the Tongue
A sour stomach describes a condition more commonly known as indigestion 2. Simple indigestion may be brought on by triggers such as eating certain foods or stress. However, indigestion combined with a numb feeling in the tongue indicates one of several conditions. See your doctor for a diagnosis. He can prescribe a treatment plan and possibly lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding certain foods.
Prescription Medication
A reaction to taking medication could cause both of your symptoms. Common side effects from medication include:
- indigestion
- numbness
- nausea
- headache
- muscle pain
- diarrhea
- constipation 1
If you have an allergy to a medication, you could experience a severe allergic reaction. Swelling of the tongue, face and lips is a common allergy symptom.
Recreational Drugs
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The use of drugs may cause stomach and tongue problems. For example, taking psilocybin mushrooms, or "shrooms," may cause:
- numbness of the tongue
- mouth
- lips
- according to Go Ask Alice
- a service of Columbia University 5
It can also cause nausea, lightheadedness and anxiety. Psilocybin mushrooms are a hallucinogen that cause reactions similar to taking LSD 5. A hallucinogen may make you relax and view reality differently. Hallucinations may be pleasant, but they can also be frightening. In addition to the physical symptoms that may occur with use, you could also experience a flashback years later.
- The use of drugs may cause stomach and tongue problems.
- Hallucinations may be pleasant, but they can also be frightening.
Supplements
An adverse reaction to supplements may cause symptoms of a sour, upset stomach and tongue numbness. The herb kava kava may help with anxiety, mood, insomnia and relaxation. People of the Pacific Islands have drunk kava during ceremonies for hundred of years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 4. Chewing kava roots may relieve pain, but it can also numb the tongue. This is usually temporary. Additional side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness and tremors 1. Overtime, taking this supplement may cause hair loss, skin discoloration and partial hearing loss. Ask your doctor about supplements you are taking.
- An adverse reaction to supplements may cause symptoms of a sour, upset stomach and tongue numbness.
- The herb kava kava may help with anxiety, mood, insomnia and relaxation.
Combination
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Two related conditions may cause your symptoms. Burning mouth syndrome is a condition named for chronic burning pain in the mouth, the cause of which is unknown. A numb or tingling sensation at the tip of the tongue is a common symptom. You may also feel a sensation of burning on your tongue, gums, throat, lips or in your entire mouth. This syndrome may be related to an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD 3. Acid indigestion is the main symptom of GERD. You may feel a burning pain in your mid-abdomen and the lower portion of your mid-chest.
- Two related conditions may cause your symptoms.
- A numb or tingling sensation at the tip of the tongue is a common symptom.
Related Articles
References
- John Hopkins Institute: Indigestion -- The Discomfort of Sour Stomach
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava Linked to Liver Damage.
- Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ. Kava and St. John’s Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):827-836.
- Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytother Res. March 2018.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava.
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava Linked to Liver Damage.
- Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ. Kava and St. John’s Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):827-836.
- Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytother Res. March 2018.
- Singh YN, Singh NN. Therapeutic potential of kava in the treatment of anxiety disorders. CNS Drugs. 2002;16(11):731-743.
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Writer Bio
Sarka-Jonae Miller has been a freelance writer and editor since 2003. She was a personal trainer for four years with certifications from AFAA and NASM. Miller also worked at 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness and as a mobile trainer. Her career in the fitness industry begin in 2000 as a martial arts, yoga and group exercise instructor. She graduated cum laude from Syracuse University.