Some people complain, “Everytime I eat I feel nauseous.” If you are one of them, don’t worry because it may just be a sign that you are stressed or something is wrong with your eating habits. It may be related to the type of foods you eat or something in your digestive system that disagrees with some of the food you eat. Although there are some medical conditions that may also produce this symptom, it is best to evaluate the more common causes first and then seek help if nothing else works, especially if the problem affects your nutrition and health.
Everytime I Eat I Feel Nauseous: Why?
Do you feel nauseous during or after eating certain foods? Or do you feel sick even when you are not eating? There are many possible reasons for on and off or persistent nausea, and here are the more common explanations to address your concern: “Everytime I eat I feel nauseous.”
- You have a stomach bug
If your nausea is a new problem, which started just a few days ago, then the most likely reason is that you have a stomach bug caused by a viral infection. You may have other symptoms like fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, and upper respiratory symptoms.
One example is viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis usually resolves spontaneously without medical treatment, but make sure you are properly hydrated. Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms do not improve to prevent complications.
- You are stressed
Chronic stress and anxiety can place a significant influence on your bodily functions. Stress can lead to the production of certain chemicals and hormones, which may affect the function of the digestive system and cause nausea after eating.
- You are not eating properly
When you wonder: everytime I eat I feel nauseous, you must consider, are you eating too much and too quickly? You might not be chewing your food thoroughly. This can cause nausea after eating and may also lead to heartburn or indigestion.
- You are suffering from chronic indigestion
Chronic indigestion occurs when excessive stress is placed on your digestive system. This is also commonly known as dyspepsia, which is accompanied by frequent burping, stomachache, gas or bloating.
- You may be pregnant
One of the common causes of nausea in women is pregnancy. Check if you might be pregnant, especially if you have been experiencing persistent nausea (morning sickness) for more than a week. You may also have other signs of pregnancy such as absence of menstruation, weight gain and breast tenderness.
- You have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This condition is associated with regurgitation, heartburn and difficulty swallowing caused by stomach acids that mix with your undigested food and go back into your esophagus. Other symptoms include dry cough, sore or hoarse throat, and burning sensation in chest. Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms.
- You have peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcer is often caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which invade your stomach. It may also be due to a prolonged intake of pain killers, which damages the lining of your stomach. A characteristic symptom of peptic ulcer is burning pain in upper abdomen, especially when your stomach is empty, which may also trigger nausea after meals.
- You are suffering from migraine
Some people who have a history of chronic headaches or migraines experience nausea, as well as vomiting and dizziness after meals.
- You have food intoleranceorallergies
Food intolerance and allergies caused by your body’s immune system response to certain foods like fish, shellfish, peanuts, walnuts and eggs can cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The best way to treat this is to avoid the foods which cause your symptoms.
10. You have cyclic vomiting syndrome
This is a condition that causes your body to have long bouts of nausea and vomiting without other symptoms. These attacks may last for days and recur in cycles.
11. You may have appendicitis
Acute nausea and vomiting may be symptoms of appendicitis. It is usually accompanied by intense abdominal pain in the lower right. See a doctor right away because your appendix may rupture within a few hours and cause complications.
12. You may have gallstone
Nausea and stomach pain in the upper right side may occur whenever you eat greasy food. See you doctor to check if you have gallstones.
How to Get Relief
Knowing all possible causes to explain: everytime I eat I feel nauseous, you may be wondering: what should I do?
1. Adjust your eating habits. Eat smaller meals and learn to chew food thoroughly.
2. Change your diet. Eliminate foods from your diet that make you feel nauseous. Avoid very spicy or greasy foods and those that are too hot or too cold.
3. Relax. Eliminate stress by practicing yoga, meditation, or other stress relieving activities to calm yourself. Practice anger management and time management to put stress under control. Avoid eating in hot or stuffy rooms, which can cause your body to feel dehydrated, nauseousor stressed.
4. Avoid irritants. Avoid irritating environments that can cause nausea. These include the presence of cooking odors, perfumes, chemicals, vehicle smoke, cigarette smoke, and other irritating odors. Eating in a comfortable room and make sure you are in a comfortable eating position.
4. Control your nausea. Certain foods can help control your nausea and improve your digestion. Sip peppermint or chamomile tea to soothe your digestive system after meals. Eating grains, ginger, leafy green vegetables and fruits can also help eliminate your urge to vomit.
5. Take medications. Try using over-the-counter anti-nausea medications as well as medication for heartburn or indigestion. If you have persistent nausea, ask your doctor to prescribe a medication to ease your discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
Everytime I eat, I feel nauseous, when is it something that needs medical attention? Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms last more than three days
- Your symptoms get worse
- Nausea and vomiting develop after eating sea food ormushrooms
- You have spiking fever, vomiting and change in consciousness
- You have blood in your stool (or black and tarry stools)
- You are extremely dehydrated, with dry mouth, fatigue, reduced urination, or rapid heart rate and increased breathing rate