I Get Nauseous When I Eat
I Get Nauseous When I Eat: Sometimes when we’re sick, our body sends us signals of impending disaster. We might experience headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms before getting a cold or flu. Our bodies are equipped with defense mechanisms against disease, one of which is our immune system. This part of our body fights off infections by producing antibodies. In order for these antibodies to be effective, they need fuel. The process in which your body converts sugar into energy happens inside each cell. One important source of this sugar comes from carbohydrates found in grains, fruits, vegetables, milk products, meat, etc.
These cells use enzymes called glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) to convert glucose into ribulose-5-phosphate. As long as there is enough oxygen present, G6PDH works efficiently. However, if there isn’t enough oxygen available, such as during intense physical activity, it becomes less efficient at converting glucose into ribulose-5-phosphate. Ribulose-5-phosphate is then converted back to glucose through another enzyme called 6-Phosphogluconolactonase. Glucose produced is used as an energy source while ribulose-5-phosphate is released into the bloodstream where its presence causes acidosis. Since ribulose-5-phosphate is toxic to humans, it’s not normally present in the blood stream.
People who suffer from allergies, intolerances, celiac disease, diabetes, kidney failure, liver disorders and cancer may develop deficiency in their ability to produce sufficient amount of G6PDH. These individuals become susceptible to infection because the body stops producing adequate amounts of antibodies. Allergic reactions are caused by substances known as allergens. They cause inflammation and congestion of mucus membranes. People who suffer from hay fever, asthma, and allergic rhinitis are examples of people who usually don’t have difficulty with consuming foods but end up developing uncomfortable side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Some individuals seem to get worse even after eating small meals or snacks. For example, a woman suffering from severe migraine attacks may find herself feeling nauseated following her meal. This could occur due to several reasons. First, she may have developed sensitivity to a particular food ingredient or maybe allergic to something else like dairy product. Second, some medications like antibiotics and diuretics can also trigger nausea. Third, the patient may have consumed too much salt, alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods. Fourth, she may have eaten quickly without chewing properly and swallowing all the food particles. It’s very common among children especially those who take hot cereals for breakfast every morning. Eating fast leads to improper mastication which makes them swallow more air than usual leading to bloating.
Bloating is characterized by distention and flatulence which can lead to discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, belching, gastric reflux, and nausea.
Symptoms of nausea vary according to the person’s personal history. Common ones include burping, chest tightness, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling, weakness, fainting, paleness, dry mouth, breathing difficulties, and vomiting. While most cases improve within 24 hours, some patients require hospitalization to reduce complications.
There are many triggers of nausea including:
- Pregnancy
- Food poisoning
- Motion sickness
- Alcohol consumption
- Medications
- Infections
- Lack of sleep
- High altitude
- Illness
- Menstruation
- Surgery
- Emotional stress
- Stress
As the saying goes, “There’s no cure for love.” But what about nausea? Yes, there is treatment for it. Medications like Dramamine, Loratidine, Phenergan, and Zantac 75 help relieve nausea symptoms. Patients should discuss any possible drug interactions with their physician before taking any medication. Other methods used to treat nausea include avoiding triggering factors like smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, spicy foods and beverages, fatty foods, and eating too soon after waking up. Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your stomach full so you won’t feel hungry between meals. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day helps prevent overfull feelings. Avoiding activities that induce motion sickness is helpful.
Treatments like acupuncture, acupressure, massage, chiropractic care, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback, yoga, relaxation therapy, nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathy, and prayer have been proven to provide relief. For severe cases, doctors may prescribe antiemetics to prevent vomiting. Antiemetic drugs work by slowing down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract and preventing further secretion of gastric contents. Antihistamines suppress histamine release causing smooth muscle contraction. Drugs like Benadryl,
Dimenhydrinate, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, Promethazine, and Clemastine fumarate decrease serotonin levels in the brain resulting in drowsiness and calmness. Combinations of two or more types of antihistamines can sometimes offer better results.
According to recent studies, patients who consume large quantities of garlic daily tend to suffer fewer bouts of upper respiratory infections. Garlic contains compounds called sulfur compounds that attack bacteria and viruses that cause coughs, colds, bronchial inflammations, and lung problems. It has antibacterial properties and is said to eliminate worms, parasites, fungi, and yeast. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that garlic was able to fight against various strains of influenza virus. It was also shown to significantly lower cholesterol levels. Many studies have reported that garlic has positive effects on high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Researchers believe that the health benefits of garlic come from its active ingredients rather than simply being attributed to its smell. Its taste varies from mild to strong depending on how it’s prepared. Fresh cloves of raw garlic tastes pungent, while garlic powder takes away the bite. Raw garlic can be grated finely and added to soups, stews, salads, and dips. You can also add it to sauces, casseroles, and stir fries. To prepare fresh garlic, slice off the stem near the base, cut off the tip, peel off the outer skin, and remove the individual cloves. Rub the exposed flesh with oil and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Store in a cool dark place until ready to cook. Once cooked, store the finished product refrigerated in a sealed container.
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of evergreen trees. Cinnamon improves digestion and helps stimulate peristaltic movements. It relieves digestive spasms and aids in emptying the intestines. It prevents constipation and reduces gas production. Studies have shown that cinnamon can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Recent research suggests that cinnamon may increase insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. According to researchers, the spice increases insulin secretion by stimulating pancreatic beta-cells. It also enhances the action of insulin at the cellular level.
If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to see similar ones,
