Stomach aches after eating can have many causes. Occasional mild stomach pain is normal and common.
However, when symptoms such as diarrhea , bloating, or abdominal pain occur frequently after meals, it is necessary to determine the underlying causes.
Certain foods, such as dairy products and gluten, can cause these symptoms. If you still experience the same problems after changing your eating habits, consult your doctor.
Here are the symptoms , potential causes and how to remedy stomach pain after meals.
Key takeaways:
- A stomach ache after eating is often benign if it is occasional.
- Repeated symptoms (diarrhea, gas, bloating, cramps) require investigation to determine the cause.
- Suspect foods: gluten, dairy products, FODMAPs, coffee, alcohol, sweeteners.
- Possible causes: food intolerance, celiac disease, IBS, Crohn's disease, candidiasis.
- Keeping a food diary is a simple method to identify triggers.
- Prevention involves eating a more natural diet, reducing stress, and adapting one's diet.
- If symptoms persist for several weeks, a doctor should be consulted.
The symptoms
Stomach aches can cause different symptoms depending on the person and the cause. Main symptoms:
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, here are the most common possible causes .
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Discover Probiotics for Gut FloraWhy do you get diarrhea right after eating?
Having diarrhea immediately after a meal can be a sign of digestive hypersensitivity . It often occurs due to a food intolerance (lactose, gluten, FODMAP), irritable bowel syndrome, or a transient digestive infection.
This reflex is linked to the natural movement of the intestine, called the gastrocolic reflex , which is activated as soon as food is ingested. If this phenomenon remains occasional, it is generally not a cause for concern .
On the other hand, if diarrhea recurs regularly , causes weight loss or is accompanied by persistent pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor to find the cause and adjust your diet.
The causes
Having eaten too much
Eating beyond the point of satiety causes the stomach to stretch . If you experience cramps and gas, this could be a sign of overeating. If you believe you are eating normal amounts, explore the possible causes below.
Food intolerance
An intolerance means that the digestive system is irritated and has difficulty digesting certain foods. This is distinct from an allergy, which is an abnormal immune reaction .
Soy, milk, fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts, eggs, gluten are common triggers.
Keep a food diary to identify problem foods, then put them on hold for a while.
Lactose intolerance
Lactose is a milk sugar . Lactose intolerance ( lactase deficiency) causes pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea . In many adults, lactase production decreases, leading to digestive problems after consuming dairy products.
Celiac disease
Gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye ; sometimes trace amounts are present in oats) triggers an immune response that damages the gut and can cause deficiencies . Common symptoms include bloating, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The treatment involves permanently eliminating gluten. Try a 15-day gluten-free diet and observe the progress.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Common triggers: diet, stress, poor sleep, disrupted gut microbiota.
IBS is associated with cramps, pain, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Symptoms may disappear and then return.
Inflammatory bowel disease
A group of diseases causing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract lining, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis .
Common symptoms:
- diarrhea (poor water reabsorption by damaged segments)
- abdominal pain and bloating
- blood in the stool
- skin problems
- arthritis
A medical examination is necessary for diagnosis.
Intestinal candidiasis
Fungal infection due to the proliferation of Candida albicans , normally controlled by " good bacteria ". It occurs particularly after taking antibiotics or in cases of weakened immunity .
Possible symptoms:
- chronic fatigue
- urinary tract infections
- digestive problems (diarrhea, constipation, nausea, cramps, bloating)
- skin problems
- joint pain
Foods that can trigger diarrhea
If you experience chronic diarrhea after meals, monitor your eating habits by keeping a food diary . Foods often suspected of causing diarrhea include:
- Sugar substitutes : aspartame, sorbitol…
- Coffee : may stimulate intestinal contractions
- Dairy products : milk, yogurt, cheese…
- Cereal products : gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
- Foods high in FODMAPs : small carbohydrates poorly absorbed by the small intestine
- Alcohol : accelerates digestion and reduces water absorption
How to prevent stomach aches
If your doctor has ruled out a serious cause but the discomfort persists, try:
Targeted elimination : temporarily remove suspect foods (gluten, lactose…) and note your feelings after each meal.
Raw foods : favour whole foods to limit additives, added sugars and ultra-processed foods; you will also increase your intake of vitamins/minerals.
Stress reduction : Chronic stress (cortisol) can damage the intestinal lining; work on stress management and sleep.
Low FODMAP diet : fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, polyols are poorly tolerated by many; try a supervised reduction.
Key points to remember
Stomach aches after eating have multiple causes. An occasional episode is common.
Possible symptoms include diarrhea , cramps, vomiting, gas or bloating.
Causes include: indigestion, lactose or gluten intolerance , IBS , inflammatory bowel diseases.
Keep a food diary (foods + symptoms) to identify triggers.
If symptoms persist after several weeks, consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
