Stomach Cramps After Eating

What Causes Stomach Cramps After Eating?

Stomach cramps after eating occur for a number of reasons. Some are caused by problems digesting food you've eaten. But some "stomach cramps" don't occur in the stomach at all - they're due to pain in the abdominal muscles. They're called stomach cramps because they happen in the area of the body most people call the stomach.

Causes of stomach cramps after eating The number one cause of stomach cramps after eating is vigorous exercise and participating in athletics before your meal has had a chance to "settle." If you've overindulged at the dinner table but your friends talk you into a game of touch football that triggers cramps, you're asking for trouble.

Stomach cramps and gas - When most people think of gas, they think of flatulence. But stomach gas has no odor, and is part carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and sometimes methane. It comes food, drinks (especially fizzy ones), and even the air we breathe through our mouths. Stomach problems after eating occur when enough of these gases accumulate.

Stomach bloating - Stomach bloating and stomach gas often happen simultaneously after you've eaten too much or too quickly. Stomach bloating can also be caused by eating foods that digest differently (not all foods are processed in the same manner in your gastrointestinal system).

There is, of course, another reason for stomach cramps and bloating. Women normally experience abdominal pain and discomfort along with bloating during menstruation. This topic is covered in more detail below. 

"Stomach flu" - This condition occurs by germs get into the gastrointestinal system. This condition is also known as viral gastroenteritis.  When you have viral gastroenteritis, you often vomit shortly after a meal because your body is trying to get rid of the virus in your system.

Stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea These are actually result of activity - or the lack of it - in the intestines and colon. When digestive disorders disrupt normal processes in these organs, stomach cramps from diarrhea and constipation can result.

Other causes of stomach cramps Here's a quick list of some of the other causes of stomach cramps which may or may not occur after eating.

Stomach cancer - Sadly stomach pain and cramps could be an indication of stomach cancer.

Stomach ulcers - Stomach ulcers are a form of gastritis, which is the medical term for erosion of the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can trigger pain after eating because food in the stomach causes irritation in the area of the ulcer.

Stomach cramps and stress Stomach cramps after eating can also occur if you are stressed or anxious. Emotional anxiety changes how the body digests what you've eaten, and may also affect blood flow to certain areas. This can result in stomach cramping. Obviously, you'll want to avoid stressful situations, which is certainly easier to say than to do. In cases where stress is involved, it's best to talk to your doctor.

Stomach cramps and menstruation Even though the stomach itself is not the source or the cause of menstrual pain, this type of discomfort is commonly described as "stomach cramps," so it's worth mentioning here.

Severe stomach cramps related to menstruation could be related to a disorder called dysmenorrhea. The pain of dysmenorrhea is different, and it's not normal menstrual pain. Dysmenorrhea pain is so severe it will limit normal activities, and probably even require medication. Dysmenorrhea is classified in two major categories:

• Primary dysmenorrhea doesn't involve any type of physical abnormality. It generally begins six months to a year after a woman begins to menstruate.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea involves an underlying physical problem. It could be endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

If you have primary dysmenorrhea, there are some generally accepted and safe ways to ease the discomfort. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and tablets or capsules containing ibuprofen or naproxen. For severe cramps, your doctor might prescribe low-dose oral contraceptives. For secondary dysmenorrhea, managing your cramps involves treating the underlying cause. Your doctor may suggest antibiotics if there's an infection, or surgery to remove fibroids or polyps or to treat endometriosis.  

How to get rid of stomach cramps How you get rid of stomach cramps depends on the cause, of course.

Antacids will help if stomach cramps are caused by a high concentration of gastric acids in your digestive system. Bicarbonate of soda and commercial products like Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer and milk of magnesia are your best bets.

Non-caffeinated soda products like Sprite or 7-Up may help "settle your stomach" if you have indigestion, but these may also cause stomach gas and bloating in some circumstances - especially if you have constipation.

Heating pads and heat rubs are helpful for muscle cramping in the abdominal area that is brought on by exercise or physical activity.

Over-the-counter pain relievers will help stomach muscle cramps and will also reduce discomfort from menstrual cramping. There are, of course, dozens of commercial products available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what is likely to work best for you.

Related article: Stomach Problems After Eating.