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What are the Most Common Causes of Nausea After Eating?

By Patti Kate
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 67,254
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Some of the most prevalent reasons that account for a person experiencing symptoms of nausea after eating include consuming foods that are difficult to digest or acute gastroenteritis. An intestinal virus can produce feels of nausea shortly after eating. Some individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol can also experience these symptoms. The connection between alcohol and food-related nausea may be an inability to digest certain foods when alcohol is present in the bloodstream.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux disease are two conditions that can produce excessive acid content from the stomach, often causing nausea. Antacids can control some of these symptoms, but in many cases a prescription medication is required. GERD may be caused due to a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter, although stomach muscles may have some type of connection as well.

A more serious cause of feeling nauseated after eating can be due to a blockage of the small intestine. A small bowel blockage typically requires immediate medical attention, as this can lead to toxicity buildup in the bloodstream an other serious complications. Nausea after eating that is accompanied by constipation can also be related to a blockage within the small intestine.

Individuals suffering from gallbladder disease, especially in the advance stages, may experience nausea after eating. If such individuals consume foods that are greasy or high in fat, it is common to feel nauseated after eating. Biliary colic, which is associated with gallbladder issues, can also produce nausea that's connected to eating.

Some individuals have allergic reactions to certain foods, especially dairy products. Symptoms of nausea after consuming these foods are common. In severe reactions, vomiting and diarrhea may also be present.

Food poisoning, or consuming food that has been contaminated with bacteria or parasites, can cause nausea up to several hours after consumption. Other symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting and watery diarrhea. Chills and fever may also be present. Serious cases may require hospitalization.

Crohn's disease or irritable bowel disease may cause nausea after eating in some individuals. These inflammatory conditions of the bowel typically present other more common symptoms as well, such as chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Eliminating caffeine can help some sufferers, as well as avoiding certain foods that produce the nauseated feeling.

Some individuals who have stomach ulcers are prone to feelings of nausea after they eat. In some cases, it helps to coat the stomach with milk, but there are exceptions, such as with lactose intolerant patients. An ulcer of the stomach lining can be more serious if it becomes perforated. If the individual experiences internal bleeding, severe pain will typically accompany the nausea.

Celiac disease can cause bouts of nausea, primarily after consuming foods containing gluten. Celiac patients cannot digest gluten, therefore, they must avoid consumption of grains. Wheat products that contain gluten can cause distress to sufferers, with symptoms extending beyond nausea. There are many gluten-free products available for restricted diets in recognition of the prevalence of this condition.

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Discussion Comments
By fify — On Oct 04, 2013

@ddljohn-- Yes, diabetes can cause nausea. There may be a few different causes. It might be a side effect of an increase or decrease in blood sugar. I have diabetes as well and I get nauseated when my blood sugar is too high and too low. If I eat something that has increased my blood sugar too much like dessert or something with a high glycemic index, nausea soon follows.

I'm actually thankful for this symptom because it signals to me that something is wrong and I check my blood sugar right away.

Anti-diabetic medications can also cause bloating and nausea after eating as a side effect. This is definitely true for metformin. Rare, slight nausea from metformin is normal but if it happens frequently, you need to see your doctor right away.

By ddljohn — On Oct 03, 2013

Can diabetes cause nausea after eating? I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few months ago. I've been feeling nauseated lately, mostly after meals.

By discographer — On Oct 03, 2013

When I had a helicobacter pylori infection in my stomach, almost everything I ate made me nauseated. I could only handle foods like bread, mashed potatoes and apple juice. Everything else, and particularly acidic foods like coffee, ketchup and fries gave me constant nausea after eating and acid reflux.

I think the bacteria was responding to these foods and causing these symptoms. Thank God I was diagnosed and treated. I don't have any of these problems now and I can eat anything I want.

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