Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After I Eat

You Might Have A Food Allergy

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

A food allergy is a step up in severity from a food intolerance. If you have an allergic reaction to a food, it means your immune system has mistakenly identified that food as a potentially harmful invader and mounted a defense against it, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains. That immune system defense is what leads to symptoms like abdominal cramping, a tingly or itchy mouth, hives and overall bodily itching, facial swelling, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and even potentially life-threatening trouble breathing.

According to the AAAAI, the most common food allergens are proteins in cows milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts. If you notice youre constantly dealing with pretty intense symptom flare-ups after eating these foods, an allergy could be to blame.

When To Go To The Doctor

Pain in the body means that something is wrong. If you experience pain after eating only every once in a while and it is not debilitating, you may want to mention it to your doctor the next time that you see them.

But if you are experiencing pain after eating on a fairly frequent basis, it is essential that you make an appointment right away with your doctor to ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan.

If the pain is severe, debilitating, and accompanied by jaundice, fever, rapid heart rate, chills, or severe vomiting, you should seek emergency care.

Can Your Stomach Rupture From Binge Eating

Gastrointestinal perforations from overeating are rare, according to Business Insider. The human body is equipped with all kinds of survival mechanisms, and one of those mechanisms is vomiting. Your body vomits not only when it believes its been poisoned, but when doing so can prevent a ruptured internal organ.

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Is It Stomach Pain Or Abdominal Pain

Some people refer to all abdominal pain as stomach ache or tummy ache. Abdominal pain is any pain that occurs in the area between your chest and your groin.

Your liver, appendix, pancreas and intestines as well as other organs sit in this part of your body. So, conditions affecting any of these organs can cause abdominal pain.

The different conditions that can cause abdominal pain tend to affect specific areas. The 4 locations to consider are:

  • upper abdomen
  • right side of the abdomen
  • left side of the abdomen

Read more about these 4 types of abdominal pain and what you can do about them here.

How To Avoid Broccoli Intolerance

Why Does My stomach hurts after eating

The good news is that you can still enjoy broccoli if it gives you gas or stomach pain you just need to tweak how you’re eating it. For starters, Dr. Houghton recommends taking small bites and chewing each one completely to break down as much of the vegetable as possible before it enters your digestive tract. Keep your portions small and avoid eating raw broccoli.

Should you decide to cook your broccoli regardless of whether it’s steamed, stir-fried or tossed into a side dish know that doing so can actually be to the vegetable’s detriment. “Cooking broccoli will cause you to sacrifice some of the plant’s important phytonutrients,” Dr. Houghton says.

In fact, a study published in the journal Heliyon in March 2019 found that boiling broccoli significantly reduces its retention of flavonoids, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits. Research published in the journal Food Chemistry in November 2019 found that flavonoids can not only inhibit enzymes important in inflammation, but that they can also reduce the effect of tissue damage.

Another option to help you combat broccoli intolerance can be gas-fighting over-the-counter medications. If you know you’re going to have the cruciferous vegetable, consider taking Beano before eating. “It contains the alpha galactosidase enzyme that helps break down the trisaccharide raffinose that’s found in broccoli,” Dr. Houghton says.

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Why Does My Stomach Hurt

Tummy troubles are a common cause for a visit to the doctors office. Whenpatients complain of stomach pain, they are sometimes describing painthat is throughout the abdomen area and may not actually be directlyrelated to the organ known as the stomach.

Doctors first try to determine if a patients abdominal pain is caused by astructural or functional problem.

Sometimes the digestive tract does not function properly due to anabnormality with the structure of an organ. Medical imaging will show thatthe organ does not look normal and is not working properly.

Functional problems, also called motility disorders, are conditions thatresult from poor nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Organsthat are part of the gastrointestinal tract will usually look normal onmedical images, such asCT scansorMRI scans, but the organs do not work like they should.

The gastrointestinal system has its own nervous system to control themuscle contractions that digest the food you eat, saysDr. Linda Lee. Functional disorders can be difficult to diagnose, because we cannoteasily see problems with the nerves or muscles in the gastrointestinaltract.

Some of the conditions that could cause abdominal pain are:

Why Does My Stomach Hurt Common Causes And When To See A Doctor

Stomach pain has a number of potential causes, and it can also be a symptom of certain conditions.

Stomach pain is no fun. There’s never a convenient time to be bowled over with cramps, and some symptoms — like gas or noisy rumblings — can make you want to run and hide immediately.

The only thing worse than an upset stomach is not knowing exactly what caused it. Were those leftovers expired after all? Or do you perhaps have a food sensitivity or a GI condition?

Based on your symptoms and how frequently you experience them, you can nail down the most likely culprit behind your stomach pain — which means you can treat and manage it more wisely. Below, we go over the most common reasons that your stomach hurts and what to do, including when it’s time to call the doctor.

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When In Doubt About Your Abdominal Symptoms Physicians Say Its Best To Call Your Doctor Or Head To The Er

The egg salad didn’t taste quite right, but you were hungry. Or maybe your craving for cheesecake overrode the punishment you knew your lactose intolerance would inflict. You expect stomach distress in situations like these, but other times, abdominal pain can come out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s severe enough or lasts for so long that you know it’s not simply a matter of eating something that didn’t agree with you.

Digestive system issues account for 51 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The severity of the pain, its location within your abdominal area, and accompanying symptoms may provide clues to the origin of the pain and whether or not you should seek help immediately. Here are some of the most common signs your tummy troubles need more than an over-the-counter remedy.

You May Have Fruit Sugar Malabsorption

Why does YOUR stomach hurt after eating fruit?

Fruits are a healthy food option for many but not all. Some people may not digest or absorb fruit sugar or fructose well, especially the FODMAPs category of fruits, which means that they contain fruit sugars or fruit sugar alcohols that cannot be easily broken down. Avocados are a FODMAPs fruit.

If you suffer from fructose malabsorption, your digestive system cannot process fruit sugars well. So if you eat sweet fruits, it leads to bloating or stomach ache.5 Now, while avocados are quite low on sugar, they contain polyols or fruit sugar alcohols. These are not as harmful as fructose is for people with this condition but having a bit too much avocado might prove harmful.

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Can Broccoli Cause Stomach Pain

The very same fiber that’s so beneficial for your digestive system can also be the cause of a broccoli-induced stomachache think bloating, gas and cramps, Dr. Houghton says. “The fiber can reach the colon and be acted upon by the bacteria in our intestines, giving off gas in the form of methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide,” he says. If your stomach experiences these unpleasant side effects after eating the green veggie, it could be a broccoli intolerance.

Broccoli also can be the culprit behind a slew of stomach-related symptoms. Not only does the veggie or more specifically, the intestinal bacteria that breaks the fibrous content down cause gas, but that gas can actually be painful, too. Because the gas expands the intestines, its lining and walls become stretched.

“This then activates stretch receptor nerves, which then send a signal to our brains telling us that our intestines are being stretched,” Dr. Houghton says. “We sense this as painful stimuli in our abdomen.”

Pain Under The Left Rib After Eating Is Manageable

If you are experiencing pain under the left rib after eating, you dont need to panic. You could be suffering from acid reflux , indigestion, an ulcer, allergic reaction, or even gastritis.

Its even possible that some of these symptoms may be co-occurring at the same time. Taking an inventory of your symptoms is key in treatment. If possible, making lifestyle changes is preferential to more invasive or disruptive medical procedures like surgery.

Whatever the issue is, its key to recognize it early and avoid delaying treatment, thus allowing you to enjoy your meals free from any further pain or discomfort. One day, your stomachas well as your appetitewill thank you.

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You Might Have Eaten More Than Your Stomach Could Handle

Experts say this tends to be the most common cause for this specific type of discomfort. Im sure all of us have had that situation where weve eaten too much and we get stomach cramps, Suneeta Krishnareddy, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of medicine in the faculty of digestive and liver diseases at Columbia University Medical Center, tells SELF. Its usually just caused by the stomach stretchingbecause it is a very stretchy organbecause theres too much food in there. This stomach stretching can also happen because of the bacteria in your G.I. tract trying to help you break down the food, which can cause gas and distension, Dr. Krishnareddy says. That stretch in some people causes pain or cramping, she explains.

To be super clear, were not saying theres anything inherently wrong with sometimes eating a lot . Eating past the point of fullness on some occasions can actually be part of having a normal relationship with food. And, of course, if you deal with a disordered eating issue like binge eating disorder, navigating how much you eat can be really complex and not feel entirely under your control right now. So, seriously, no judgment here. But if youre dealing with stomach cramps after eating often and think its because you have a hard time not eating past the point of fullness, talking to a doctor, therapist, or registered dietitian may help.

Stomach Pain After Eating Avocados: 4 Possible Reasons

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Given the health benefits of avocado, many of us include avocado in our daily diet. Avocado, or alligator pear or butter fruit, is a stone fruit with creamy flesh. It meets the definition of a functional food as outlined by the American Dietetic Association in that it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition the benefits of avocados are many, from aiding in fat burning to fighting cancer.

Unfortunately, this fruit does not suit all. Some experience intense stomach ache, bloating, gassiness, flatulence, and stomach ache after consuming the fruit in any form. The simplest reason could be that you are overindulging. But there could be other reasons relating to your health too. Here are 4 possible reasons avocado causes stomach pain in some.

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Sudden And Severe Onset Stomach Pain

When mid-abdominal pain occurs suddenly especially in people with a history of peptic ulcer disease or in those who take excessive amounts of aspirin or NSAIDs it may be a sign of a perforation that could require emergency surgery. A tear could leak air and gastric content which can lead to a condition called peritonitis, and eventually, septic shock. Surgery would be required to seal the perforation.

How Common Are Stomachaches

Just about everybody will experience abdominal pain at one point or another. Most causes of abdominal pain are not serious and resolve spontaneously. A healthcare provider can usually readily diagnose and treat these conditions. However, abdominal pain can also be a sign of a serious illness, or even an emergency. Abdominal pain is responsible for some 5% of emergency room visits.

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When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Get medical help immediately if:

  • You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden.
  • You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder.
  • Youre vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools
  • You have a high fever.
  • Youre having difficulty breathing.
  • You develop consistent nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch.
  • You cant move your bowels, especially if youre also vomiting

How To Get Rid Of The Stomach Discomfort

Why Stomach Pain After Eat Your Meal ( Reasons Your Stomach Hurts & How To Solve It)

Whether youâre uncomfortable because of gas, diarrhea or indigestion, there are several things you can do to find some relief. A quick and trusted method is to take Pepto Bismol. When used as directed, Pepto Bismol soothes your discomfort with proteins that enhance the viscosity of the protective layer in the upper gastrointestinal tract to help you feel better. Other ways to battle the bloating include drinking water, going to the bathroom, or waiting it out. If you want to be proactive, you can take note of foods that your body reacts poorly to and make changes in your diet to avoid them.

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You Might Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On top of abdominal pains , symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can include excess gas, bloating, diarrhea or constipation , and seeing mucus in your stool, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Its not clear exactly what causes IBS, but there are a few theories. People with IBS may have abnormalities in how their brains and guts interact that lead to digestive problems and pain, the NIDDK explains.

This can manifest in a few different ways. Dr. Chey says that people with IBS may have large intestines that contract more strongly and more frequently when they eat a meal than other peoples, which can then cause abdominal pain and other issues. Another theory is that people with IBS are extra sensitive to the stretch that is normal in the intestines from the breakdown of food products, Dr. Krishnareddy says.

Is It Normal To Have An Upset Stomach After A Meal

While an upset stomach after a meal can have a direct correlation to what the meal contained such as in the case of indigestion or a foodborne illness a frequently upset stomach might indicate a more serious problem. Keep an eye on your symptoms and the frequency, and talk to your doctor when necessary.

Having abdominal pain after eating, also known as postprandial pain, can also be associated with nausea or diarrhea immediately after eating. Abdominal pain that gets worse after eating commonly occurs when there is infection or irritants to the organs of the digestive system.

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These 4 Underlying Conditions Might Explain Why Your Stomach Hurts After You Eat

It’s not always just indigestion.

The last thing you expect after enjoying a great meal is stomach pain, but it can and does happen.

One of the most common reasons for this might be dyspepsia, which is basically just a fancy word for indigestion. Dyspepsia causes abdominal pain, bloating, and feelings of fullness after you eat, and its actually pretty common, says Scott Gabbard, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, about one in every four people get dyspepsia at some point.

While indigestion is typically fleeting, your stomach might also hurt after you eat because of an underlying condition.

This can be caused by a long list of things, says Ashkan Farhadi, M.D., a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and director of MemorialCare Medical Groups Digestive Disease Project in Fountain Valley, Calif. Still, there are issues that are more commonly linked with post-meal stomach pain. Here are the biggies you should know about:

Find out what you MUST do the next time you go to the doctor:

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, 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.

Which Foods Cause Stomach Bloating After Eating

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All types of foods can be triggers for bloating, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. For some people, having a food intolerance can also increase the risk of bloating. The most common triggers include apples, dairy products, beans, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage, lettuce, onion, peaches, and pears. Artificial sweeteners, like those found in diet sodas, can also be a cause of bloating. Many people cannot digest these sweeteners, resulting in an unusual amount of gas.

Switching to a whole grain diet has been known to cause bloating, as the amount of fiber intake is significantly increased after switching to whole grains and fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate. If you plan to switch to a whole grain diet, make sure to do so slowly and drink plenty of water.

Salt is another well-known culprit of bloating. When people talk about losing water weight, what they are referring to is the bodys natural tendency to decrease water retention when salt intake is reduced. Avoiding foods with high salt content can prevent water retention and the bloated feeling associated with it.

Dairy intolerance is the most common cause of bloating. Nearly 10 percent of adults suffer from some form of dairy intolerance. While calcium is a required nutrient for the bodys health and well-being, it can be sourced from other foods besides those containing lactose. There are also many lactose-free alternative dairy options.

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