Eating a meal should make us happy, but feeling stomach pain or bloating after can be upsetting. These feelings can happen for different reasons, making it difficult to look for a cure. It might be because we ate too fast, or ate foods that don't work well with our stomach. It could also be because of stress.
To improve our dining experience and alleviate digestive discomfort, it's crucial to adopt mindful eating habits. This includes chewing food thoroughly and taking our time while eating. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also shed light on food intolerances or underlying medical conditions contributing to digestive disturbances. Additionally, cultivating awareness of how our body responds to different foods can enhance our mealtime experience and promote post-meal well-being.
Gastroenterologist Rakshit Khosla shares a few common reasons why we suffer stomach pain after eating.
Food-related causes:
Eating too quickly: Consuming food rapidly can lead to bloating and discomfort. Eating quickly can result in swallowing excess air, which hampers proper digestion. Experts suggest chewing food thoroughly and taking at least 20 minutes to finish a meal to reduce this.
Food intolerance: Certain foods may not agree with everyone's digestive system. It is important to identify specific trigger foods with guidance from a dietitian and banish them from your diet.
Gas build-up: Normal eating and drinking habits can cause gas to accumulate in the intestines. This can happen from swallowing air while eating or from bacteria breaking down undigested food in the colon. Mindful eating and appropriate portion sizes can help manage excess gas.
Medical causes:
Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Indigestion is a common cause of stomach pain after eating, presenting as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and fullness. While it often resolves on its own, persistent stomach pain may indicate an underlying condition.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid irritates the esophageal lining, leading to heartburn and stomach pain. It can be triggered by overeating or consuming spicy foods. Managing GERD involves dietary adjustments and possibly medication.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is an intestinal disorder characterised by stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Persistent post-meal stomach pain, especially with consistent bowel issues, should be evaluated for IBS.
Ulcers: Chronic stomach pain, along with weight loss and anemia, may indicate an ulcer. These sores in the digestive tract lining typically require acid-reducing medications and sometimes antibiotics.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO is characterised by an abnormal bacterial balance in the small intestines, causing bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after meals. Risk factors include age and chronic constipation, with treatment involving antibiotics and dietary changes.
Gallbladder disease: Pain in the upper abdomen, especially after consuming fatty meals, may indicate gallbladder disease. Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may also occur. Severe cases may necessitate surgery.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas results in upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back. Causes include gallstones and alcoholism, with treatment ranging from pain management to surgery.
Lifestyle and other causes:
Stress: Tense muscles due to stress can contribute to stomach pain. Taking slow, deep breaths and eating calmly may alleviate discomfort.
Being overweight: Excess weight can increase the risk of conditions like heartburn and stomach ulcers. Weight loss can help prevent post-meal stomach pain.
Constipation: Hard, difficult-to-pass stool indicates constipation, often accompanied by stomach pain and bloating. Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated can aid in managing constipation.
Blood pressure medication: Some medications for blood pressure may cause side effects like constipation and stomach pain. Discussing alternative medications with a doctor can be beneficial.
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