Published on: 7/4/2025
What could be the reason for my stomach feeling heavy?
A heavy feeling in the stomach can be due to issues like thyroid problems, gas in the intestines, or swallowing too much air.
Explanation
Feeling heaviness in your stomach can have several causes. One possible reason is related to the thyroid gland, which can affect how your stomach and intestines work. If the thyroid is not working properly, it can lead to digestive problems.
Another reason could be the presence of gas in the intestines. Sometimes, gas can build up and make your stomach feel full or heavy. This might be related to a condition called liver steatosis, which is when fat builds up in the liver.
Lastly, swallowing too much air, known as aerophagia, can also make your stomach feel heavy. This can happen if you eat or drink too quickly, chew gum, or smoke.
To help with these issues, it might be useful to eat slowly, avoid carbonated drinks, and talk to a doctor if you think your thyroid might be involved.
(References)
- Ebert EC. (2010). The thyroid and the gut. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 20351569.
- Maconi G, Furfaro F, Fries W, Dell'Era A, Bezzio C, Costantino G, et al. (2017). Intestinal gas and liver steatosis: a casual association? A .... Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver, 27375263.
- Bredenoord AJ. (2013). Management of belching, hiccups, and aerophagia. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 22982101.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.