What Would Make Your Stomach Hurt After Eating

What Is Discomfort After Food

How Much Food Can the Human Stomach Hold???

Discomfort or stomachache, which worsens after eating, or postprandial pain, may have a frustrating set of symptoms. Maybe you hoped that a few crackers would ease your stomach ache, especially if you had eaten a little earlier in the day, but it hurts more than before. Abdominal pain that gets worse after eating can be because of a wide variety of causes, making it important to seek treatment.

Postprandial pain has a strong link with the food you eat. Most people can even identify the foods that trigger their symptoms the most. For example, symptoms often occur after eating spicy foods or foods rich in fat. Indigestion is also a common feature. Indigestion is persistent discomfort or pain in the upper abdominal area.

Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test

Lactulose breath tests diagnose SIBO. They involve giving a person a type of sugar the body cannot digest. This means the sugar travels all the way through the digestive tract until it reaches a persons gut flora, which can break it down.

Usually, this does not happen until food enters the large intestine. But in people with SIBO, lactulose fermentation starts sooner due to microbes in the small intestine. They may produce hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide, depending on the type of overgrowth a person has.

Lactulose breath tests can also show doctors if a person has motility problems. If hydrogen levels spike earlier than they should, this may mean food has entered the large intestine too fast, and vice versa.

Common Side Effects Of Fasting

Generally, fasting is harmless. The beneficial side of it weighs a lot more than the side effects. But a few side effects encircle around any kind of fasting.

According to your body type, they may differ from person to person. Some gain weight, some discover gastrointestinal problems, and a few can grow weak. Some of the side effects of fastings are as follows:

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How Can I Live Without My Gallbladder

Gallbladder removal is a very common surgery. Removal of the gallbladder does not significantly affect digestion because the liver can also make bile to help with the break down of fatty foods. Symptoms experienced after gallbladder removal include gas, bloating, or more watery bowel movements. Fortunately, there is a very small chance that gallstones will recur after removal.

Can You Do Hydrogen Breath Tests At Home

9 Causes of Abdominal Pain or Stomach Ache After Eating & Its Symptoms ...

Some companies make at-home hydrogen breath test kits. A person completes the test at home and then sends their breath samples to a laboratory for analysis.

This option can be convenient, but there is a risk that a person will make a mistake. Completing the test at a medical facility means help is available if a person requires assistance collecting the samples.

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When To Call A Doctor

Bottom line: If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call a doctor.

Bloody diarrhea, stools or vomit
Black stools
Persistent fever over 100.4 degrees
Signs of severe dehydration, like feeling dizzy or a lack of tears or urine
Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diarrhea that lasts for longer than three days

Upper Abdominal Pain Between The Ribcage

If you develop an aching or stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdominal area just under the ribs, this may indicate a heart-related problem. Physicians say this pain is often accompanied by shortness of breath and is concerning if the pain persists. People often assume this type of pain is indigestion, and while that may be the case, anyone with risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If you do struggle with acid reflux, it may be time to talk to a gastroenterologist. They can help you manage your symptoms through medications, lifestyle changes and diet.

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Is Gerd Stomach Pain Serious

In general, you dont want to ignore GERD because, over time, the acidic backflow from your stomach toward your throat can damage the lining of your esophagus. This can lead to serious conditions like Barrets esophagus, which increases your risk of esophageal cancer.

So, even if the stomach pain from GERD doesnt bother you too much, its best to talk with a doctor about possible GERD treatment options to prevent long-term complications.

Just as you might treat your GERD-related stomach pain by embracing certain lifestyle habits, those same strategies may help you prevent GERD and the painful symptoms that can accompany it.

Lets look at these prevention strategies in more detail.

Drink Plenty Of Fluids And Rest

Right-Sided Abdominal Pain After Eating? â Cause Of Abdominal Pain Right Side â Dr.Berg

With stomach pains after eating resulting from food poisoning, rest and drinking plenty of fluids are key treatments. This allows the body to flush out the toxins that have gathered in the gut.

Maintaining hydration with water is important at any time, but it is recommended to wait at least an hour before drinking water after meals if too much food has been consumed in one sitting.

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Discomfort After Food Symptoms: Causes Types Treatments And Home Remedies

Find a Doctor:

Discomfort or stomach ache after eating has several causes. If stomach pain occurs after eating and then goes away, it is usually caused by food. If a person has other symptoms or persistent discomfort despite changes in their diet, it could be a medical condition. Stomach pain can be avoided by a person eating a balanced and healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Not eating spicy or fatty foods and cutting back on sugary drinks or caffeine can also help.

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FAQ’s

Conditions That Cause Severe Abdominal Pain After A Meal

While it’s not uncommon to experience a bout of abdominal discomfort after eating, especially if you’ve eaten a large meal, severe abdominal pain post-nosh is not so ordinary and may be cause for concern.

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If the pain is severe and persistent, seek immediate medical attention to rule out or potentially prevent more adverse health issues, says Mir Ali, MD, general and bariatric surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Calif.

There are several organs that can be the source of pain in the abdomen, including the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and small and large intestines. For this reason, severe abdominal pain after eating could have a wide range of causes that need to be evaluated through a physical exam.

“The stomach itself can be the source of pain if there is an ulcer or even just inflammation alone,” says Peyton Berookim, MD, a double board-certified gastroenterologist in Los Angeles and director of the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California.

Learn about seven conditions that might cause severe abdominal pain after eating, and tips for when you should consider seeking medical attention.

Warning

Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain that doesn’t improve quickly, especially if you have other symptoms such as weakness, nausea, vomiting, tar-like or bloody stools, dizziness, loss of consciousness or a high fever.

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Bloated Stomach After Eating Anything

If you experience stomach bloating after eating or drinking anything, even after eating very little or only a small meal, you may want to look into the following common conditions known to cause bloating:

Parasites issues.

Trying to manage bloating without identifying the causes of the bloating can be very frustrating. Whatever you do, you get bloated stomach after eating, even when drinking or eating very little. This is also very common, , yet often overlooked.

Find The Cause Of Your Stomach Pain After Eating

Its important to remember that stomach pain after eating is a common problem that may stem from an underlying health condition such as pancreatitis or diverticulitis, or food sensitivity. Your pain can range from mild to severe, and depending on the cause, it may indicate damage to the lining of your gut.

The pain may occur within a few minutes to hours after eating, and the timing of the painful discomfort may help you to narrow down what food or disorder caused the agony. The location of the pain may also determine if the pain is caused by a serious event such as appendicitis.

Stomach pain after eating may be the result of an intolerance to foods like bananas, eggs, or peanuts and may be prevented by avoiding the culprits.

Pain may also be prevented by changing your overall eating habits. You can start by maintaining a regular eating routine of healthy foods and avoiding triggers that may be causing the pain.

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Crampy Pain With Diarrhea Or Constipation

Lower “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome , says Singh. “It’s exceptionally common and affects 15% of the U.S. population, particularly younger women, although it can happen at any age.” Symptoms of IBS can usually be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle, and stress. Medication and counseling may be needed in some cases.

You Have Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, can affect any segment of the GI tract from the mouth down to the anus, says Dr. Jacobs. Inflammation due to Crohn’s can cause mild to severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, cramping, reduced appetite, and blood in your poop.

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There is no known cause for Crohn’s disease, but it is typically related to your diet and genetics, says Dr. Jacobs. While it’s a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and management, your doctor may recommend medication, diet changes, and surgery to curb symptoms and provide long-term relief.

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You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS, an intestinal disorder that can cause pain in your stomach, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, can show up in a number of different ways, but it can definitely cause stomach pain after you eat, Dr. Farhadi says. If your stomach keeps hurting after you eat and youre struggling with constipation or diarrhea, its a good idea to check in with your doctor to get tested for IBS.

Food Intolerances And Allergies

Stomach Pain After Eating? 3 Reasons Your Stomach Hurts & How To Solve It

Many people confuse food allergies and food intolerances. This is largely because some of the symptomsstomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomitingcan be similar.

Food intolerances are caused by the body’s inability to digest a certain ingredient in food. For example, a lack of the enzyme lactase causes lactose intolerance, or issues with dairy. In this case, consuming smaller portions or a lactose-free product can help prevent abdominal pain.

People with food allergies must avoid certain foods or ingredients entirely because they can set off an abnormal immune response that, in some cases, can be life-threatening. Allergies to eggs, milk, peanuts, shellfish, and wheat are most common.

You may have your suspicions about an intolerance or allergyand you may be rightbut make an appointment with your healthcare provider so they can confirm your hunch.

Not only can a formal diagnosis help you better navigate mealtime so you feel your best, but in the case of allergy, it can get you access to epinephrineemergency treatment you can use in the case of a severe reaction.

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Yes Cancer Can Cause Your Stomach To Ache After Eating But There Are A Few Things You Need To Know About This Variables To Consider And When To Be Alarmed

A stomach ache after eating is usually not caused by cancer. Usually is the key word here, because it means that there are cases in which this symptom IS being caused by a malignancy.

It is possible, but not very probable, especially early in the course of the cancer, says Mark Levandovsky, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Preventive Medicine and Cancer Care. Dr. Levandovsky is a board certified internist and oncologist/hematologist in practice for 20 years.

The lack of high probability means that if youre experiencing this symptom, there is no need to panic.

But there IS a need to see a doctor.

Dr. Levandovsky explains, Pressure, compression or impingement of nerves/organs would typically be responsible for pain, which happens in more advanced stages.

However, irritation of the mucus lining by abnormal/cancerous cells can cause pain shortly after eating due to acid buildup in the stomach, esophagus or small bowel.

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Sugar Intolerance May Result In Stomach Ache

The sweet taste of sugar may cause severe pain in stomach after eating too much of it. This may be caused by poor digestion of the sugar, and it eventually breaks down in the lower intestine, producing gas. In carbohydrate form, the sugar may stimulate pain if not expelled. A sugar intolerance may also be seen with the use of milk products, as milk contains sugar in the form of lactose.

Weather also may initiate sugar-induced stomach pain as extremely high temperatures may cause you to reach for cold, sweet drinks such as soda, iced tea, lemonade, and alcohol. The high content of sugar may cause pain and bloating from gas formation.

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Can Excess Protein Cause Stomach Aches

Excessive protein in your diet has been suspected of contributing to a number of different health problems including IBS, ulcers, allergies, arthritis, cancer, and mood disorders. While the exact cause remains unknown to most scientists, much research has been conducted over the years, and the results have been consistent with the hypothesis that excess protein in the diet can cause stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and depression. This is a rather surprising result since the majority of Westerners consume large amounts of protein every day without any obvious negative side effects. What makes this all the odder is that a high percentage of Westerners are also individuals who suffer from IBS, a chronic digestive disorder that can be extremely uncomfortable and painful.5

A recent study performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focused on a group of elderly women who were experiencing an increase in abdominal pain, despite consuming a low amount of protein. The women were divided into two groups one group ate a low protein diet, and the other ate a high protein diet. The findings from this test seemed to indicate that excess protein may be the culprit for stomach discomfort, bloating, and other protein causing stomach issues.

How Is Indigestion Treated

Stomach Pain After Eating: Postprandial Pain Causes & Tests To Do ...

Most people find relief from indigestion by making diet changes or taking medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of both.

Diet changes include:

Avoiding foods or drinks that trigger indigestion.
Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Removing fatty, spicy or acidic foods from your diet.

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What Causes Bloating In The Stomach

When To See Your Doctor

Bloating remedies can be very helpful as a natural way to relieve bloating. If you cant figure out what is the cause of the bloating in your body however, or if the bloated stomach after eating has been persistent for more than a week, we highly recommend that you should see your doctor, as there may be an underlying medical condition that causes the bloating.

Bloating symptoms: More than a swollen stomach

Common bloating symptoms usually include swollen stomach, excess gas, abdominal pain and stomach cramps. In many cases however, there may be additional symptoms. Becoming aware of these may be helpful in revealing the cause of your bloating, especially if the bloating has been persistent or severe. Watch for symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, burping, fever, chest pain, vomiting, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, offensive body odor and excessive sweating.

Youre Eating The Wrong Kind Of Salad

Not all salads are created equal! If youre eating a lot of salads with high-fat ingredients like bacon, cheese, and avocado, you may be setting yourself up for stomach discomfort. Try switching to lighter salads with more vegetable-based ingredients instead.

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Bananas And Fructose Intolerance

A person with fructose intolerance has difficulty digesting fructose. People with this intolerance should restrict or limit fructose in their diet.

Fructose malabsorption occurs when the body cannot digest or absorb fructose the way it should. This causes bloating gas and abdominal discomfort.

Hereditary fructose intolerance is very rare. It happens when the liver cannot help the body break down fructose. This condition often causes more severe symptoms and requires additional treatment besides removing fructose from the diet.

Most people can tolerate small amounts of fructose found in fruits like bananas. They often have more difficulty tolerating large amounts of fructose found in honey and high fructose corn syrup.

Stomach Pain As An Allergic Reaction

Left-Sided Abdominal Pain After Eating â Cause Of Abdominal Pain Left Side â Dr.Berg

The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that tree nuts such as almonds are one of the problem foods that most commonly trigger allergic reactions. Even a mild allergy to almonds can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramps and pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. If you consistently have stomach pain after eating almonds, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of an almond allergy.

There is no cure for an almond allergy, so you will need to create an elimination diet with your doctor to prevent symptoms from recurring. No matter how much you like almonds, you may have to stop eating these nuts if you develop stomach ache or abdominal cramping every time you eat them.

If you experience serious symptoms after eating almonds such as severe dizziness or difficulty breathing contact a doctor right away, because these are symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . This condition can lead to death if not treated.