In most cases, the stomach growls and hurts when a person is ravenously hungry.
This ache in the belly is normal and disappears after eating the meal. But for some, it is just the opposite. Their stomach starts to hurt after eating.
Occasional stomach ache after having a plate full of the meal is normal. It becomes a matter of concern only if it turns out to be a daily thing.
Severe and frequent stomach pain can be an indication of an underlying health concern and may require immediate medical attention.
Here are five reasons your stomach may hurt after eating.
1. Overeating
The most common reason for the post-meal stomach ache is overeating. When you eat too much food, your stomach may start to hurt. That’s because on average our stomach can only hold about 1 or 2 cups of food when you eat more than that it expands to make space for extra food. This eventually leads to discomfort and stomach pain.
2. Eating too fast
Another general reason for stomach aches can be eating too quickly. When you just gulp down your food too fast, you swallow extra air with the food. When the extra food reaches your stomach it causes bloating and gas. It further makes your belly look big and can also lead to discomfort. Moreover, it can also prohibit your body from absorbing nutrients.
3. Indigestion
Excess intake of coffee, alcohol, spicy and citric food, can lead to indigestion. That means these foods may make it harder for your body to digest the food and turn it into glucose. As a result, you may feel bloated and nauseated. Some people may even suffer from the problem of indigestion due to some underlying health conditions like Epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS).
4. Gallstone
Gallstones are referred to small, hard, crystal-like deposits formed in the gallbladder or duct. The crystals may start depositing due to too much cholesterol in the bile, abnormal gallbladder functioning, or because of other causes. These gallstones may cause pain after having your meal, especially if your food is high in fat. Gallbladder pain can also lead to inflammation and may need immediate medical attention.
5. Food intolerance
Stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting are also telltale signs of food intolerance. Food intolerance is a health condition where the body is unable to digest certain ingredients from food. So, when such foods are consumed the body triggers a reaction, which causes a range of stomach related issues. It is a serious medical condition and requires proper medical attention.
