Nausea after eating: is it serious?

What causes nausea after eating?

There are many reasons why you might feel nauseous after eating. Here are a few common causes.

Foodborne illness.

• Contaminated food. Eating food contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites can lead to food poisoning, causing nausea, vomiting and other symptoms.
• Improper food handling. Consuming food that has been improperly stored, cooked or handled increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Gastrointestinal issues.

• Acid reflux: This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause a burning sensation and nausea after eating.
• Gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to nausea, especially after meals.
• Gastroparesis. A condition where the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, bloating and discomfort after eating. 

Food intolerances and allergies.

• Lactose intolerance. Difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, can cause symptoms such as nausea, bloating, gas and diarrhea.
• Food allergies. Allergic reactions to certain foods can trigger nausea, hives and even more severe symptoms.

Other causes.

• Medications. Some medications can cause nausea as a side effect, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Pregnancy. Morning sickness can cause nausea at any time of day, including after eating.

Summer food safety tips.

Summer is a great time for picnics and barbecues, but warmer weather also means a higher risk of foodborne illnesses.

Here are some tips for keeping your food safe and avoiding nausea after eating:

• Keep it cool. Keep perishable foods cold until they are ready to be cooked or served. Use coolers with ice packs to maintain the temperature.
• Cook thoroughly. Ensure meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Stay clean. Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often, especially when handling food.
• Watch the time. Don’t leave perishable foods out for over two hours or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.

Treating foodborne illness at CityMD.

While nausea is largely a gastrointestinal issue, and often benign, it is a non-specific symptom that can be caused by a variety of syndromes. Persistent nausea should not be ignored and should prompt an evaluation by a clinician. If it is associated with persistent vomiting, severe headache, severe abdominal pain, or chest pain, you should go to the nearest emergency room.

If you think your nausea might be caused by bad food, especially if you have other symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. Here's how CityMD can help:

Immediate care.

• Diagnosis. Our healthcare providers will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if you have a foodborne illness.
• Treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may recommend rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. In more severe cases, you may need prescription medications or IV fluids.

Follow-up care.

• Monitoring. We’ll monitor your recovery and provide follow-up care as needed to ensure you’re getting better.
• Advice and education. Our team will give you tips on how to avoid future foodborne illnesses and manage your symptoms at home. 

At CityMD, we're not just here to treat your symptoms. We’re dedicated to helping you feel better and get back to enjoying your meals without worry. If you’re experiencing nausea after eating, don’t hesitate to visit your nearest CityMD urgent care. 

Our friendly healthcare providers are here to offer expert care and advice. No appointment is necessary—just walk in or book an appointment. We’ll be here when you need us.