Nausea can be an extremely discomforting feeling, and also a cause of alarm for many diseases as it is triggered due to various reasons. Feelings of nausea can, quite often, be preceded with vomiting, although it is not common to simply feel nauseous without vomiting. Feelings of nausea can also be experienced concurrently with other sensations. For example, the production of excessive saliva in the mouth, dizziness and stomach pain may also occur with feelings of nausea. Nausea after eating is quite common and could be due to a number of causes. Understanding some of these causes which results in nauseous feelings after a meal is of benefit to anyone, as it is a common occurrence.
Causes of Nausea After Eating
Here, we will take a closer look at some of these causes.
- Allergies – Food allergies are the most common cause of nausea after your eating. This can be due to various ingredients in food, such as preservatives and additives or to the food itself. Some allergies cause digestion problems as well. There are also times when you may feel nauseous after every meal. Nausea after meals can also be accompanied with other allergic symptoms, such as hives or rashes.
- Psychological – Sometimes, nausea after meal may also occur due to psychological factors. For example, a previous allergy that is no longer causing an allergy can cause the feeling of nausea in the person because he worries he will be sick. People suffering with bulimia may also feel nauseous after meal as this is the normal response of their bodies. Anxiety is yet another cause of nausea that occurs after consuming food.
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women, especially those in their first and last trimester of pregnancy, may feel nauseous after meals. The cause of pregnancy related nausea is not known. However, a combination of physical and hormone changes is attributed to this condition.
- Indigestion – Discomfort in the abdomen may cause symptoms that include bloating, belching and nausea. The most common cause of indigestion is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, a condition that occurs due to excessive stomach acid production.
- Gastric Flu – This condition is also known as stomach flu or gastroenteritis. It is caused by a viral infection and can cause fever, chills and aches and pains apart from feelings of nausea.
How to Get Rid of Nausea After Eating
Treatment depends on the cause. It may be beneficial seeking medical advice, if the nausea persists. You can try the treatment options mentioned below, apart from the doctor's suggestions.
- Nausea due to an allergy can be eliminated by identifying the cause of the allergy and avoiding the consumption of certain foods. Nausea due to psychological factors requires the attention of a behavioral therapist. Pregnancy induced nausea cannot be avoided, although it can be managed by eating smaller meals and eating only when the nausea feelings disappear. Symptoms of GERD after meals can be managed by eating smaller meals and taking medications targeted to treat GERD.
- There are several natural methods that can be tried to relieve feelings of nausea after meals. These include eating healthy and suitable foods and avoiding spicy and oily foods, drinking cold or clear drinks during the day, avoiding stressful situations, and avoiding riding in vehicles right after meals, being in congested spaces and being exposed to heat immediately after meals. It is also beneficial to consider over-the-counter medications to relieve nausea after meals.
- Nausea after eating can be a random occurrence due to one of the above reasons, but if the condition persists after meals on a regular basis, this may require medical attention. Therefore, any feeling of nausea after meals that lasts for more than a week should be medically examined.