Where does nausea come from after eating? Possible causes
One moment you were looking forward to your delicious meal, and the next moment you feel sick during or after your meal? There can be various reasons why you suddenly feel sick and it can be really unpleasant – especially if there are other symptoms such as Stomach pain, dizziness or Vomit join in.
There can be various explanations for your nausea. If you feel nauseated or vomiting frequently, you should see a doctor. He can clarify the exact cause.
1. Overeating
An overfilled stomach can cause a feeling of pressure and nausea. If we eat too quickly or eat too large portions, the stomach becomes very stretched and digestion can be impaired. Plus, when you consume large amounts of food at once, your stomach has to produce more acid and digestive enzymes to break down the food. This increased digestive process can lead to an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach.
Additionally, overeating can increase pressure on the stomach and weaken the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. This can cause stomach acid to enter the esophagus and cause heartburn, which can also make you sick. To prevent this, you should pay attention to your feeling of satiety and eat slowly. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and chewing thoroughly can also help ease digestion.
2. Food intolerances
Some people suffer from intolerance to certain foods such as lactose or gluten. Eating these foods can cause nausea because the body is unable to digest them properly.
When you have a food allergy, your immune system becomes hypersensitive to certain proteins in food and triggers an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a food allergy include Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rashes and difficulty breathing.
If you have symptoms after eating certain foods, you should consult a doctor to determine whether this is caused by food intolerances or allergies. In most cases, treatment involves avoiding the trigger foods and, if necessary, seeking medical support to relieve symptoms.
3. Irritation of the gastric mucosa
Hot spices, fatty or spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea. People with sensitive stomachs in particular should be careful. The stomach lining is a layer of mucus that protects the stomach from digestive juices and acid. When this mucous layer becomes damaged or irritated, it can cause an inflammation called gastritis.
4. Heartburn
If you suffer from heartburn, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which is not only uncomfortable but can also cause nausea. Heartburn occurs after eating due to overproduction of stomach acid or weakness of the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus. Large meals, high-fat and greasy foods, spicy foods, alcohol or coffee can cause heartburn.
It is important to treat heartburn to reduce nausea and prevent possible complications such as esophageal damage. Avoid the triggers mentioned to reduce the risk of heartburn after eating.
5. Gastrointestinal infections
Bacterial or viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause nausea and vomiting. These infections can be transmitted through consumption of contaminated food or contact with infected people. If you suspect you have a gastrointestinal infection, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. It is recommended that you get enough rest and eat a light, well-tolerated diet until your gastrointestinal tract recovers.
6. Pregnancy
Nausea after eating is a common symptom in the early stages of pregnancy, called “morning sickness,” although it can occur throughout the day – including during or after eating, for example. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are believed to cause this nausea. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) increases sharply. This hormone is produced by the placenta and causes nausea.