Get stomach pain after eating meals?
Learn about common causes here, from food intolerances to GI conditions, and the best treatment options.
You may feel a wave ofextreme gas painpost-dinner, or even run to the bathroom topoop after eating.
But other times, the culprit isnt so clear.
Plus, what you could do to soothe a sour stomach ASAP.
Thankfully, its usually fairly easy to distinguish overeating pain from theres-a-problem-with-my-stomach pain.
gastroenterologist withGastro Healthin Plantation, Florida
Typically, the effects of overeating wear off as your body digests what you ate.
Indigestion
Indigestion is stomach pain resulting from trouble breaking down food, rather than just eatingtoo muchof it.
And it feels a little different, too.
Acid reflux usually strikes within a few hours of eating, especially after big or late meals.
Food intolerance or sensitivity
Feel like youre repeatedly getting stomachaches after eating one key in of food?
These intolerances will often cause lower stomach pain after eating and hit shortly after consuming the offending food.
But the condition is different (and much more serious) than agluten intolerance, notes theMayo Clinic.
Intense and long-lasting symptoms often point to severe infection.
It often feels like a dull, aching sensation in the stomach area.
gastroenterologist withGastro Healthin Plantation, Florida
It is usually accompanied by bloating and nausea, says Dr. Gonzalez.
It can also hit with nausea, vomiting, bloating, or feelinguncomfortably full after you eat.
For some people, eating can make an ulcer pain worse, notes the NIDDK.
This means, your IBS symptoms might be triggered by, or made worse, after eating those foods.
The stomach pain often feels like cramping or aching and can be worse after eating, says Dr. Gonzalez.
And in severe cases, you may need surgery to help ease your symptoms, per theNIDDK.
Things likeGas-Xcan break up gas bubbles in your GI tract.
And if youve got acid reflux, an antacid likeTUMSorRolaidscan neutralize the acid in your stomach.
And if you have lower GI issues like pain, cramping, or diarrhea?
Go withPepto Bismol, which has anti-inflammatory compounds to calm your gut.
Thats why a lot of people sip onginger teaafter theyve eaten.
Peppermint tea is another solid pick.
TheCleveland Clinicrecommends trying diaphragmatic breathing while lying down with your knees bent.
It is possible to prevent stomach pain after eating?
It may be possible to prevent stomach pain after eating if you make a few lifestyle adjustments.
This could signal an underlying health condition that needs to be checked out, Dr. Gonzalez says.
But itsnotnormal to have pain or other symptoms aftermostof your meals.
What can I drink after a meal to help digestion?
Try ginger or peppermint tea, suggests Dr. LeBrett.
Some people also enjoyprebiotic sodaor just drinking a plain ol glass of H2O to help move their bowels along.
reviewed byJennifer Logan, MD, MPH
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2023, doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1123576
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