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Stomach Pain After Eating Means...

After having a heavy meal, you either feel lazy or over stuffed. This is quiet obvious. When you eat more than your stomach's capacity, the food takes time to digest. All your energy goes to break the food particles and help in digestion. Thus you feel tired and sleepy.

However, few people complain of stomach pain after eating food. In short, after having the meal, abdominal pain starts and makes it difficult to sit. The pain in the abdomen can arise due to many reasons like gas and indigestion to name a few.

Stomach Pain After Eating Means...

Pain on the right side of the abdomen can symbolise kidney stones, appendix or stomach ulcers. Whereas, pain on the left side of the abdomen can be a symptom of colon inflammation (acute pain can also signify colon cancer), diverticulitis, diarrhea or constipation.

What causes abdominal pain after meal?

Irritable bowel movements: If you suffer from improper bowel movements, you can suffer from stomach pain after having the meal. When bowel movements are not proper, it can lead to stomach pain in the large intestine and spasms.

Constipation: Hard stool is caused due to constipation. When the bowel movement is not regular and weak, you can suffer from abdominal pain especially in the lower abdomen. This is because of constipation and the exertion of pressure to pass out.

Gastric problems: When you have gas, the stomach swells and can make you feel irritated. It is actually an inflammation in the stomach and intestines that causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Inflammation: Spicy food, indigestion and gastroenteritis can cause inflammation in the abdomen thus causing pain.

Ulcer: This is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain after having food. Many people have been diagnosed with ulcer as the cause behind stomach pain. The ulcer can be in the stomach, upper intestine or duodenum. Stomach acid or food particles can affect the ulcer thus leading to pain.

How to avoid stomach pain after eating?

Do not stuff yourself: Overeating can cause stomach pain so eat small meals at a time. You can control your food cravings by eating at small intervals.

Eat slowly and chew the food: If you do not chew the food, the digestion becomes slow. If you eat slowly, you chew the food properly and also aid weight loss. If you eat fast, you will interfere with the smooth functioning of the digestive system.

So, eat the right food and drink lots of water. If you stuff yourself and the stomach pain starts, go for a walk to feel light. If the pain is too acute, consult a doctor immediately.

Story first published: Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 13:00 [IST]
Read more about: stomach gastric digestion