Why Would You Feel Achy after Eating?

Eating a delicious meal is one life's joys. If you feel achy or uncomfortable after eating, however, you may need to consider more than flavor when selecting your foods. Aches, pains, bloating and other symptoms experienced on a regular basis after consuming food are indications that something is going on in your body that you should discuss with your physician.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that often results in bloating, aches and pains after eating. Sometimes you may feel lightheaded after eating or have heartburn and stomach acid. You may also experience cramping in your lower abdomen along with constipation or diarrhea. When you have irritable bowel syndrome, the muscles in your large intestine contract at a faster or slower rate than normal, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms 1.

Food Allergies

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Sensitivity to a food develops when the body's immune system negatively reacts to certain foods. Most food allergies are mild, but in serious cases they can result in anaphylactic shock. The most common foods associated with food allergies are dairy, soy, shellfish, fruits, peanuts, eggs, chocolate and corn. Allergic reaction may result in body aches and pains after eating these foods. Stomachache, cramping and indigestion may occur just after eating and up to two hours after ingesting your meal.

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten is an elasticlike protein found in all grains except rice, buckwheat, millet and corn. Celiac disease is an extreme form of gluten intolerance, requiring elimination of gluten from your diet permanently. Gluten intolerance results from an immune response to gluten that causes damage to the small intestine. Aching, bloating, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea may occur after eating, according to Oklahoma State University Extension.

Nightshade Vegetable Reaction

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Although nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and green and red peppers are some of the most desirable food choices, aches and pain may occur after eating them. Solanine, a natural toxin, is found in the green parts of nightshade vegetables, as explained by the Weston A. Price Foundation 4. This substance causes inflammation and irritation to body joints, resulting in aches and pain. Remove the green parts, stalks, stems and leaves from your nightshade vegetables before eating them.