Why do people feel tired after eating. What causes postprandial somnolence. How can you prevent feeling sleepy after meals. What foods contribute to post-meal fatigue. When should you be concerned about tiredness after eating.

Understanding Postprandial Somnolence: The Science Behind Post-Meal Fatigue

Postprandial somnolence, commonly known as the “food coma” or post-meal fatigue, is a phenomenon experienced by many individuals. This state of drowsiness or decreased energy levels following a meal is a natural biological response, but its intensity can vary based on several factors. What exactly causes this tiredness after eating? Let’s delve into the science behind this common occurrence.

The Role of Serotonin and Tryptophan

One prevailing theory suggests that postprandial fatigue is linked to increased serotonin production. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and sleep cycles, is synthesized from an amino acid called tryptophan. Foods rich in protein, such as salmon, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, contain high levels of tryptophan. When we consume these foods alongside carbohydrates, it facilitates the absorption of tryptophan into the brain, potentially leading to increased serotonin production and subsequent drowsiness.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Another factor contributing to post-meal tiredness is the fluctuation in blood sugar levels. When we eat, especially meals high in carbohydrates, our blood sugar rises. This spike is often followed by a dip in energy as the body works to regulate glucose levels, which can result in feelings of fatigue.

The Impact of Meal Composition on Post-Meal Energy Levels

The type and quantity of food we consume play a significant role in determining how we feel after eating. Which foods are most likely to induce postprandial somnolence?

Protein-Rich Foods

• Salmon
• Poultry
• Eggs
• Spinach
• Seeds
• Milk
• Soy products
• Cheese

Carbohydrate-Heavy Foods

• Pasta
• Rice
• White bread and crackers
• Cakes, cookies, donuts, and muffins
• Corn cobs
• Sugar and candy

Meals combining both protein and carbohydrates, such as cereal with milk, are particularly likely to induce drowsiness. This combination enhances tryptophan absorption, potentially leading to increased serotonin production and subsequent fatigue.

The Influence of Meal Size on Postprandial Fatigue

Does the amount of food consumed affect the likelihood of experiencing post-meal tiredness? Research suggests that larger meals are indeed more likely to induce postprandial somnolence. This is particularly noticeable after substantial lunches, which can lead to the infamous “afternoon slump.” The body diverts more energy to the digestive process when dealing with larger meals, potentially contributing to feelings of fatigue.

The Danger of Daytime Drowsiness

While feeling sleepy after a meal might seem harmless, it can pose serious risks in certain situations. For individuals operating machinery or vehicles, a sudden drop in alertness could have dangerous consequences. A 2017 study focused on night shift workers revealed that those who ate during their shifts experienced increased sleepiness and decreased performance compared to those who abstained from eating.

Strategies to Combat Post-Meal Fatigue

Feeling tired after meals can be frustrating and potentially disruptive to daily activities. What can be done to prevent or minimize postprandial somnolence?

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, opt for smaller portions spread throughout the day. This can help maintain stable energy levels and prevent significant post-meal dips.
2. Prioritize quality sleep: Ensuring adequate, restful sleep at night can reduce the likelihood of experiencing severe energy dips during the day.
3. Incorporate light exercise: A short walk after meals can help boost energy levels and aid digestion.
4. Consider a short nap: If your schedule allows, a brief nap (15-20 minutes) can help combat afternoon fatigue.
5. Explore bright-light therapy: A 2015 study found that exposure to bright light after lunch reduced feelings of tiredness.
6. Limit alcohol consumption with meals: Alcohol can exacerbate feelings of drowsiness, especially when consumed during the day.

When Post-Meal Fatigue Becomes a Concern

While occasional tiredness after eating is normal, persistent and severe postprandial fatigue could indicate an underlying health issue. When should you consider consulting a healthcare professional about your post-meal drowsiness?

Potential Medical Conditions

• Food intolerances or allergies
• Celiac disease
• Anemia
• Diabetes

If post-meal fatigue is significantly impacting your quality of life or daily activities, it’s advisable to speak with a doctor. They can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide personalized advice for managing your symptoms.

The Relationship Between Diet and Energy Levels

Understanding the connection between what we eat and how we feel can empower us to make informed dietary choices. How can we optimize our diet to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day?

Balancing Macronutrients

A well-balanced diet that includes an appropriate mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, release energy slowly, helping to prevent sudden drops in blood sugar that can lead to fatigue.

The Importance of Hydration

Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue, even if you’re not experiencing thirst. Ensuring adequate water intake throughout the day can help maintain energy levels and support overall health.

Mindful Eating Practices

Paying attention to hunger cues and eating mindfully can help prevent overeating, which is often a contributor to post-meal fatigue. Taking the time to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly allows your body to better process nutrients and can lead to improved digestion and energy levels.

The Impact of Circadian Rhythms on Post-Meal Energy

Our body’s natural circadian rhythms play a significant role in energy fluctuations throughout the day. How do these internal clocks influence our response to meals?

The Natural Afternoon Dip

Many people experience a natural dip in energy levels in the early to mid-afternoon, typically between 1 pm and 3 pm. This circadian low point can exacerbate feelings of post-lunch fatigue, making it particularly challenging to stay alert during this time.

Timing Meals with Circadian Rhythms

Aligning meal times with our body’s natural rhythms may help optimize energy levels. Some studies suggest that eating larger meals earlier in the day, when our metabolism is most active, and opting for lighter evening meals may support better energy management and sleep patterns.

Nutritional Strategies for Sustained Energy

Beyond simply avoiding foods that may induce fatigue, what nutritional strategies can be employed to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day?

Incorporating Energy-Boosting Foods

• Nuts and seeds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, these provide sustained energy.
• Leafy greens: High in iron and other nutrients, they support energy production.
• Berries: Packed with antioxidants, they can help combat fatigue and support overall health.
• Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins provide essential amino acids without causing significant energy dips.
• Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice offer complex carbohydrates for steady energy release.

The Role of Micronutrients

Certain vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in energy metabolism. Ensuring adequate intake of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D can support optimal energy levels. Consider incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods or, if necessary, discussing appropriate supplementation with a healthcare provider.

Understanding the intricate relationship between diet, circadian rhythms, and energy levels allows us to make informed choices about our eating habits. By implementing strategies to balance our meals, time our eating according to our body’s natural rhythms, and incorporate energy-supporting nutrients, we can work towards maintaining consistent vitality throughout the day, minimizing the impact of postprandial fatigue on our daily lives.

Why do I feel tired after eating? Causes and prevention

Many people feel sleepy after eating. This can be a natural result of digestion patterns and sleep cycles. Factors that may play a role include the type and amount of food a person eats.

Some types of foods and the timing of meals can also make people feel especially tired after a meal. A decrease in energy levels after eating is called postprandial somnolence.

Researchers have different theories about the cause of tiredness after eating, but they generally agree that it is a natural response and not usually a cause for concern.

Feeling tired, or having difficulty concentrating, after a meal is relatively common. A person may feel particularly tired, depending on what, when, and how much they ate.

Below, we discuss some reasons why a person might feel tired after a meal, and how to prevent it.

The type of food you eat

Share on PinterestMeals containing both carbohydrates and protein can make a person feel tired.

Foods rich in protein and carbohydrates can make people feel sleepier than other foods.

Some researchers believe that a person feels tired after eating because their body is producing more serotonin.

Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in regulating mood and sleep cycles.

An amino acid called tryptophan, which occurs in many protein-rich foods, helps the body produce serotonin. Carbohydrates help the body absorb tryptophan.

For these reasons, eating a meal rich in both protein and carbohydrates may make a person feel sleepy.

Tryptophan occurs in foods that are rich in protein. These include:

• salmon
• poultry
• eggs
• spinach
• seeds
• milk
• soy products
• cheese

Foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates include:

• pasta
• rice
• white bread and crackers
• cakes, cookies, donuts, and muffins
• corn cobs
• milk
• sugar and candy

People often eat a combination of protein and carbohydrates before bed, such as cereal with milk.

How much food you eat

A person may be likelier to experience postprandial somnolence after a large meal.

People who eat larger lunches may experience more of an afternoon slump than those who eat less at midday. Eating causes blood sugar to rise, and a dip in energy may follow.

Other factors can contribute to tiredness after eating:

• poor sleep at night, which can lead to tiredness throughout the day
• drinking alcohol with a meal, especially during the daytime

Share on PinterestGetting enough high-quality sleep can help prevent tiredness after eating.

Feeling tired after a meal can be frustrating, especially after lunch, when a person may need to be alert.

A drop in energy during the day can be particularly dangerous for people who work in risky conditions, such as those who operate machinery or vehicles.

A 2017 study of the effects of eating on the performance of night shift workers found that those who ate at night performed worse and were more sleepy at 4 a. m. than those who had not eaten.

The following strategies can help prevent tiredness after a meal:

• Eat little and often. Rather than eating big meals, eat smaller meals and snacks every few hours to keep up energy levels. A piece of fruit or a handful of nuts should be enough to cure an energy dip.
• Get good-quality sleep. A person who gets enough sleep at night is less likely to experience a significant post-lunch energy dip.
• Go for a walk. Getting light exercise during the day, especially after eating, can help people feel less tired.
• Take a short nap during the day.
• Try bright-light therapy. Authors of a 2015 study found that exposing people to bright light after lunch reduced tiredness.
• Avoid drinking alcohol with meals. Alcohol can make people feel more tired.

If a person is continually tired after eating, and it is affecting their quality of life, they should speak to a doctor.

The following medical conditions could contribute to excessive tiredness after eating:

• food intolerances or allergies
• celiac disease
• anemia
• diabetes

Many people experience a dip in energy after eating. Large meals and meals rich in protein and carbohydrates are most likely to make people feel sleepy.

In most cases, a dip in energy after eating is a natural biological response.

However, if this is getting in the way of daily activities, a person may benefit from changing the contents and timing of their meals. If these types of changes do not help, see a doctor.

What does it feel like?

Ovarian cancer does not always produce symptoms in the early stages. However, the first symptoms a person experience may include pain, bloating, and the need to urinate more often than usual.

Ovarian cancer can be challenging to detect early. One reason is that if symptoms occur, they can resemble those of other conditions.

Also, the ovaries are small and located deep within the abdomen, making them hard for a doctor to feel during a physical exam.

According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, only around 15% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. The organization urges anyone with unexplained abdominal discomfort lasting more than 2 weeks to see a doctor.

In this article, learn which symptoms ovarian cancer may cause in the early stages, when to see a doctor, and what the diagnostic process involves.

Ovarian cancer may cause no symptoms in the early stages. If any occur, they tend to be very general.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can appear at any stage, they tend to develop in the later stages, as growths put pressure on the bladder, uterus, and rectum.

The most common symptoms are:

• bloating
• pain in the pelvis or abdomen
• feeling full soon after starting to eat
• having more urgent or frequent urination

Other symptoms include:

• indigestion, or an upset stomach
• fatigue
• back pain
• constipation
• abdominal swelling
• pain during sex
• menstrual changes, such as irregular bleeding

These symptoms can have a wide range of causes and do not necessarily stem from ovarian cancer. However, if any of these symptoms are new, frequent, or persistent, seek medical advice.

What are some causes of bloating, nausea, and tiredness?

Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the risk factors and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms appear.

In particular, seek medical advice if any new abdominal or pelvic symptoms:

• do not go away
• are present on most days
• do not stem from another condition
• do not respond to over-the-counter treatment or home remedies
• started in the last 12 months and lasted for more than 2 weeks

Researchers are still looking into ways of screening for ovarian cancer. There is no standard procedure, according to the American Cancer Society.

Some risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

• a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
• a history of breast cancer
• having a specific BRCA1 or BRAC2 gene mutation or another genetic risk factor for breast or ovarian cancer
• having a first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35
• never having a full-term pregnancy
• using hormone therapy after menopause
• obesity
• some fertility treatments and hormone-based medications
• endometriosis
• age, as most ovarian cancer cases develop after menopause
• smoking
• having Lynch syndrome
• having Eastern European and/or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

If a person has a family history of reproductive or gastrointestinal cancers, they may wish to consider genetic counseling. This can show whether they have any specific gene mutations that are increasing their risk of ovarian cancer.

Factors that may reduce the overall risk of developing ovarian cancer include:

• using oral birth control medication, in some cases
• having a reproductive system surgery, such as a hysterectomy, ovarian removal, or tubal ligation
• avoiding risk factors, such as smoking
• maintaining a healthy weight
• having a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in added sugars and fats

To diagnose ovarian cancer, a doctor starts by asking questions about any symptoms, including:

• when they began
• how they have responded to home treatments
• how often they occur

The doctor will also ask about personal and family medical histories, including any history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or other types of cancer.

They will then perform a pelvic exam. They may be able to tell whether the ovaries are inflamed or enlarged, or whether there is fluid in the abdomen.

The doctor may recommend additional tests if:

• They notice anything unusual during the pelvic exam.
• Symptoms may indicate ovarian cancer.
• There is a high risk of ovarian cancer.

Below, we explore some tests and scans that can help detect ovarian cancer:

A transvaginal ultrasound

This involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the vagina. The probe transmits an image of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

These images can show possible growths, and a doctor may even be able to tell whether growths are solid or cysts, which are noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs.

Most masses detected on ultrasounds are not cancerous.

CA-125 blood test

This measures levels of a protein called CA-125 in the blood. If a person has ovarian cancer, these levels may be higher than usual.

However, other conditions can also raise levels of CA-125, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis. And not everyone with ovarian cancer has high levels of CA-125.

Also, CA-125 test results are more difficult to interpret before menopause, so doctors usually only use it after menopause.

CT scans

CT scans can provide images of the abdominal cavity and pelvis, and they can show whether any unusual growth is present.

They can also show if cancer has spread to nearby tissues.

There is currently no reliable way of screening for ovarian cancer. Still, for people with a high risk, a doctor may conduct:

• a pelvic examination
• a transvaginal ultrasound
• a CA-125 blood test

However, there is no evidence that screening helps reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

It is not usually possible to prevent this cancer from developing, but having a healthy lifestyle can help boost overall health and may reduce the risk.

Some strategies include:

• not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• having a varied, healthy diet
• getting regular exercise
• avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption

How likely is it that the symptoms indicate cancer?

Ovarian cancer is relatively rare, representing an estimated 1. 2% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2020 in the United States. It is responsible for 2.3% of all cancer-related deaths in the country.

Overall, the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are much more likely to be caused by other, far less severe conditions.

However, anyone who experiences unusual or persistent symptoms should seek medical advice.

If doctor diagnoses ovarian cancer in the early stages, the 5-year survival rate is around 93%. This figure reflects the likelihood of living for at least another 5 years after the diagnosis.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 31%. Between 2010 and 2016, the overall 5-year survival rate for people with ovarian cancer was around 48.6%.

It is important to note that survival rates are based on averages of past data. People are now living much longer after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. As new drugs and treatments become available, the outlook continues to improve.

Here, learn more about the stages of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer may appear in the early stages, but they often do not appear until later. They include bloating, pain in the lower back, pelvis, and abdomen, and an increased need to urinate. However, these are common symptoms of other conditions, too.

A person should seek medical advice if they have unexplained pelvic or abdominal symptoms that are severe, last for more than 2 weeks, or do not go away with over-the-counter treatments and home care techniques.

Overall, the sooner a person receives a diagnosis and starts treatment, the more likely they are to have a good outcome.

Here, learn which costs for ovarian cancer treatment are covered by Medicare.

Why is my stomach swollen and it hurts, and what should I do?

Contents

• Causes of the condition
• When do you need to see a doctor urgently?
• How can the condition be alleviated?
• What can not be done?
• Preventive measures

The main, key cause of a swollen abdomen is an excess of gas. In a healthy person, excess gases are absorbed by beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines. When the balance between gas-producing and gas-consuming bacteria is disturbed, in this case flatulence occurs, and as a result, intestinal bloating.

When the human enzyme system is far from perfect, this entails a large amount of poorly digested food that enters the large intestine. As a result, the processes of decay and fermentation are activated, during which increased gas formation occurs.

The main reason for the disruption of the normal functioning of the enzyme system of an adult healthy person is various diseases of the digestive system and imbalance in the nutritional process.

Another important factor in a swollen abdomen is a violation of the normal flora in the large intestine. In this case, the large intestine mucosa cannot cope with the processing of proteins and carbohydrates to the full extent. Large quantities of gases can accumulate due to the consumption of legumes, oats, barley, nuts and honey.

There are cases when the stomach swells and hurts as a result of an allergic reaction.

When the basic functions of the stomach are disturbed, nerve fibers begin to react to food and drink in an acute manner. As a result, spasms appear in the large intestine.

Food residues that have not had time to be digested and assimilated properly are not able to move on, so constipation occurs. As a result, the walls of the intestines are stretched, the fecal masses are compacted, and the excessive feeling of a “crowded” abdomen is intensified.

In case of flatulence, an unusual feeling of heaviness appears in the stomach, the person does not leave the feeling of “bursting” of the stomach, and he is also haunted by cramping pains. Children may experience hiccups, belching, cold sweats, and headaches. After the passage of gases, all these manifestations disappear without a trace.

Contents

Causes of the condition

Causes of bloating in infants:

1. Immaturity of the enzymatic and gastrointestinal system of the infant.
2. When a child is breastfed, a lot depends on the mother’s diet. If a woman abuses sweet, smoked, spicy dishes, the milk will not be able to be completely broken down by the baby, and this will lead to increased gas formation and bloating.
3. It is worth knowing that only by the third – fourth month of a baby’s life, his gastrointestinal tract acquires a position characteristic of an adult.
4. In a small child, the processes of excitation are still regulated not only in the brain, but also in the intestines. Disharmony leads to periodic spasms, pains and pains in the abdomen.

Causes of bloating in children older than 1 year:

1. Wrong diet. The child should not eat large quantities of potatoes, rye bread, cabbage, legumes – these products increase intestinal motility, and this leads to bloating and pain in the abdomen.
2. Some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as fermentopathy, lead to bloating. With this disease, a person lacks an enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of lactose. In the presence of this ailment, the child should not eat foods containing lactose – otherwise, in the shortest possible time, he will be provided with bloating and pain.
3. Another cause of bloating is intestinal obstruction.
4. If a child is nervous and often behaves hysterically, this can also lead to the appearance of intestinal colic.

Why does a newborn’s stomach hurt, and what should I do?

You can read about popular sorbents for bowel cleansing in this article.

There are several known causes that can provoke bloating in adults:

1. If a person does not have any significant ailments associated with the gastrointestinal tract, then the problem may arise due to swallowing a large amount of air during meals. Excessive consumption of water with gas can also be the cause. Bloating for these reasons passes quickly and without consequences.
2. Bloating can be provoked by uncontrolled eating of sweets, muffins, starch, fiber.
3. The cause may be the usual overeating.
4. Congenital or acquired deficiency of digestive enzymes. Enzyme deficiency leads to bloating and pain.
5. Dairy foods may cause bloating.
6. A feeling of bloating may appear after eating – the cause is diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Often the cause of this unpleasant phenomenon can be diseases such as pancreatitis, gastritis, colitis, enteritis and other ailments.

When do I need to see a doctor urgently?

If the stomach is swollen, but there is no pain, you can try to get rid of this condition yourself with the help of breathing exercises or walking in the fresh air.

In order to get rid of a problem, it is very important to find its root cause.

Medical assistance is indispensable in the following cases:

• severe, prolonged abdominal pain;
• nausea and frequent vomiting;
• blood in feces;
• weight loss;
• high temperature;
• pain in the chest.

If you are constantly troubled by a swollen stomach, do not put off a visit to the doctor. If the problem is provoked by an ulcer, gastritis, dysbacteriosis or other pathologies, it is necessary to treat the underlying diseases. Absorbent preparations (activated carbon, smecta, polysorb) will help eliminate excess gases.

Some pathological conditions that lead to excessive gas formation must be removed surgically.

[warning] Self-healing is not a very good way out. A bloated belly can cause serious illness.[/warning]

The smallest should not be drugged right away. First you need to try to use more harmless means: after feeding, hold the baby upright for some time, lay it on your stomach more often, adjust your diet. If all these methods are ineffective, you need to resort to the help of drugs.

In older children, bloating should be treated after the cause has been identified. It is necessary to get advice from a nutritionist, neurologist and psychologist.

Particular attention should be paid to intestinal obstruction. The drug method is suitable only in the case of a dynamic variant of the development of the disease. With obstructive obstruction, only surgical intervention will help.

What are the methods of examining the intestines?

How to get rid of bad breath from the stomach? Read in this article.

Treatment of intestinal obstruction in the elderly – http://vashjeludok.com/kishechnik/k-bolezni/neproxodimost-u-pozhilyx-lyudej.html

How can the condition be alleviated?

If bloating is accompanied by cramps and colic, you should try to alleviate the unpleasant condition yourself. Should help decoction of chamomile or dried ginger . It should be consumed after meals at the tip of a teaspoon – 3-4 times a day.

The following composition can be used during the week : ginger root – 5 grams, lemon juice – a teaspoon and a pinch of salt. The composition is taken in a small amount before meals.

infusion of cumin gives a good effect. In order to prepare it, take 1 tablespoon of seeds and pour them with a glass of boiling water, simmer for a couple of minutes, insist for half an hour, cool and take 14 glasses 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.

[note] Well-being can be improved by specially selected physical exercises aimed at improving the functioning of the digestive tract. Jogging, swimming in the pool, walking can be very useful.[/note]

Good for flatulence black tea with mint .

If bloating is severe, cleansing enema can be given with plain warm boiled water.

Introduce curly parsley into your diet . This product is quite effective against the manifestations of flatulence.

It is necessary to lead an active lifestyle – then stagnation in the intestines will not occur.

What should not be done?

First of all, salty and spicy foods should be avoided. Salt is able to retain water and at the same time it serves as a good reason for bloating and excessive swelling.

People with flatulence should avoid foods such as beans, soy, cabbage, fruit juices, and bran from their diet. For some, dairy products can be the cause of bloating.

Preventive measures

Prevention of bloating pain should first of all include a review and balance of nutrition. You need to take food in a calm environment, slowly. An active life position plays an important role.

Remember to keep your bowels functioning properly.

It is worth knowing that there is no single treatment for all patients. Each individual case must be approached individually. Many patients try different treatment options and choose the best option for themselves.

If your stomach hurts: 7 alarms

Home – Social networks – If your stomach hurts: 7 alarms

“Life” and “stomach” among the ancient Slavs were designated, in one word. And this had its own logic: everything most important for life is really stored in the stomach … Well, not counting, perhaps, the brains: they would not have withstood the load that usually falls on the digestive system.

Slavs (as well as other peoples living in our climate) love to eat. They always loved and, by and large, they were right: they had to work hard and a lot, the same amount of calories was spent – naturally, the costs had to be replenished. To heat your own body, you also needed additional calories and protective fat layers. Therefore, abundant food was almost the main condition for survival.

But if in ancient times this healthy appetite was somehow restrained by a zone of risky farming, taxes, dues and raids of nomads, then in the era of the WTO, the load on the stomach increased significantly. A healthy appetite remains, but there are no more deterrent factors (well, except for conscience). So there is nothing strange if every day in some place of the stomach something grumbles, bursts and hurts from overload. Not the fact that it is the digestive organ that hurts. Not the brain, that’s for sure. But other than that, you can’t be 100% sure. Someone there is giving signals, trying to remind you that by not sparing your stomach, you are – literally – risking your life. Marina Yakusheva, a general practitioner of the Semeynaya network of medical clinics, helped us decipher these messages.

Pain in the pit of the stomach, in the very top center (1)

SIGNAL: Stitching, cutting sharp pain, sometimes radiating to the chest area. It is accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, flatulence.

Most likely it is…
…gastritis. Unless, of course, you exclude the possibility that someone punched you in the stomach. The most common cause of the disease is Helicobacter pylori. They torment the gastric mucosa worse than hot pepper or alcohol (by the way, they are also provocateurs of gastritis). Stress hormones stimulate excess production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach – and here’s another factor for the development of inflammation. Therefore, there is a belief among the people that “an ulcer is from nerves.” With severe and prolonged pain, one can really suspect not just gastritis, but a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

CAUSES OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis is possible with increased acidity (hyperacid) – everything is clear with it: acid irritates the walls of the stomach, and inflammation results. And it is possible at low (hypoacid). The fact is that a low level of acidity, firstly, contributes to the prosperity of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and secondly, does not ensure normal digestion of food, allowing it to rot.

But maybe this is …
…myocardial infarction. This disease is often disguised as “something with the stomach.” If the pain also radiates to the left arm, call an ambulance immediately!
…appendicitis. It often starts with a vague pain in the pit of the stomach, and only then the pain signal goes to the right side and becomes very intelligible. This is why painkillers are usually not recommended for abdominal discomfort: this will make the diagnosis more difficult. Maybe even an ambulance?

WHAT TO DO?
Well, if there was no emergency hospitalization, anyway, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist or a general practitioner as soon as possible. And do not refuse gastroscopy: only this procedure will allow you to make a clear diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Right hypochondrium hurts (2)

SIGNAL: Sharp, sharp pain that occurs suddenly, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, nausea, vomiting, bloating. Gives to the right shoulder. Lasts for an hour.

Most likely, this is …
… biliary (hepatic) colic. The reason for this is the stones that lead to stagnation of bile. Severe stress, a festive feast (spicy, fatty, alcohol), a long car ride on a broken road and a tilted position (when washing floors, sex or stretching exercises) can provoke an attack.

But maybe this is . ..
… myocardial infarction, especially in the presence of cardiovascular pathologies.

WHAT TO DO? Call a doctor, do not refuse hospitalization (doctors are likely to insist on it). You need to be examined by a surgeon, gastroenterologist, urologist. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills – they can cause a second attack. Eliminate fatty, salty foods and baked goods from your diet. Do not eat for 12 hours after an attack. Try to control your weight – if there are extra pounds, start getting rid of them.

SIGNAL: Perceptible discomfort or dull pain, loss of appetite.

Most likely it is…
…Biliary dyskinesia. That is, a violation of their motor skills. Because of this, there are problems with the flow of bile into the duodenum, as a result of which the entire digestion process is confused (primarily the digestion of fats).

But maybe this is …
… acute hepatitis A or B, exacerbation of chronic hepatitis C, or even cirrhosis of the liver. This is especially worth considering if one of the symptoms is light-colored stools.

WHAT TO DO? See a hepatologist and gastroenterologist immediately. Even if the worst suspicions are not confirmed, it is still strictly forbidden for you to overeat (even on major holidays), the diet should be fractional: five to six times a day, in small portions, without fatty, smoked and spicy food. And, of course, no alcohol.

Pain in the right side at the level of the waist (3)

SIGNAL: Severe cutting pain radiating to the lower abdomen, genital area. It has an undulating course, then fades, then becomes aggravated.

Most likely, this is …
…renal colic. The reason for this may be urolithiasis, bending of the ureter, inflammation. Be careful when trying to lose weight. Excessive thinness is one of the provocateurs of kidney prolapse in nulliparous women. There is a lack of retroperitoneal fat, which helps the organs stay in place.

But maybe this is . ..
…inflammation of the ovaries (adnexitis).
… osteochondrosis (especially if the pain radiates to the lower back).
…appendicitis.

WHAT TO DO? If you have already encountered a similar situation, then take painkillers or a drug that relieves spasms. Be sure to schedule a visit to the urologist for the next day. Did the pain first appear? Gritting your teeth, without medication, wait for the ambulance to arrive. To accurately diagnose, sign up for a consultation with a gynecologist, neurologist and surgeon.

Pain in the left hypochondrium (4)

SIGNAL: Aching pain that increases in intensity over time. Sometimes it seems to encircle the torso. It is accompanied by nausea, dyspepsia, bloating. It is especially bad after eating fatty foods, strong alcohol.

Most likely, this is …
…pancreatitis – acute or chronic. The pancreas suffers. From it, the outflow of juices containing digestive enzymes is disturbed. They begin to act not on food, but on the organ itself, leading to its destruction.

But maybe this is …
…bleeding from a stomach ulcer and / or duodenal ulcer.

WHAT TO DO? Start dieting. Eat small meals five to six times a day. Alcohol is strictly prohibited, no butter and rich broths. If the symptoms increase quickly, it gets worse every minute – call an ambulance, you need emergency help from a surgeon.

Pain in the very middle of the abdomen (5)

SIGNAL: Flatulence, bloating, seething in the abdomen, short-term aching pain.

It’s most likely…
…you overate. The stomach, liver, intestines and pancreas simply could not cope with the loaded volume – and now the gases move through the intestines, causing discomfort.

But maybe this is …
… dysbacteriosis. Wait if you were sick and took antibiotics.
…lactase deficiency. Pay attention to whether the described symptoms are associated with the use of dairy products.

WHAT TO DO? Go to the nearest pharmacy and buy drugs that eliminate flatulence, enzymes that help digestion.

Pain just below the navel (6)

SIGNAL: Wandering pain “around here”. Accompanied by bloating and stool disorders (alternating diarrhea and constipation).

Most likely, this is …
… irritable bowel syndrome. Such a fascinating topic that we are ready to devote a separate page to it!

But maybe it’s…
…viral infections;
…gastroduodenitis.

WHAT TO DO? If the temperature rises, vomiting begins, urgently call 03, take enterosorbents that help remove toxic substances from the body, drink more. And if there is no vomiting and no temperature, read the information on the next page.

Pain in the lower abdomen – in the middle, left or right (7)

SIGNAL: Drawing pain.

Most likely, this is …
… inflammation of the appendages.

But maybe this is …
… endometriosis.
…cystitis.
…ectopic pregnancy.
… just constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome.

WHAT TO DO? Feel free to start with a visit to the gynecologist. And – in any case – never, in any case, do not self-medicate.

What Enzymes Do

Enzymes (they are also enzymes, they are also sourdough – if you switch from Latin to Greek or Russian) – proteins that accelerate the flow of biochemical reactions in the body. The latter, with the participation of enzymes, provide us with energy for life and for cell synthesis. Without this, life is basically impossible. And digestion in particular.

Enzymes are produced both by the body itself—for example, by the stomach, pancreas, or cells in the small intestine—and by microorganisms that inhabit the intestines and other organs. In total, more than 20 enzymes are involved in the process of digestion. Many of them begin to work only in the presence of partners – coenzymes (usually vitamins and minerals from food).

Enzymes are very unstable substances: they break down a little. Therefore, a certain acidity and temperature are important to them (which, by the way, is why most people lose their appetite at high temperatures). When you eat a lot of fatty, spicy, smoked, salty foods, you change the acidity. And if you consume healthy food, but in unhealthy amounts, then the standard dose of enzymes is not enough to digest it.

Advertising for this case suggests getting additional enzymes from tablets. But Dr. Yakusheva warns: “It is necessary to take enzymes regularly if there are chronic diseases of the pancreas. From time to time, you can take them to help digestion with an acute intestinal infection or overeating … But if you have a need for tablets all the time, then your diet is significantly disturbed, and there is already some kind of malfunction in the body. So it’s time to see a doctor.