Stomach cramps after a meal are uncomfortable and can interfere with routine activities. Some foods are more likely to cause stomach cramps than others, especially in people who have certain medical conditions. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help decrease the discomfort caused by many foods.
Types of Foods
People with an intolerance to lactose may experience stomach cramps after consuming dairy products, such as milk, yogurt or cheese. Those with celiac disease may experience stomach cramps after eating foods containing gluten. Eating hard-to-digest foods, such as fried or greasy foods, may also cause stomach cramps.
Features
Most people with a deficiency in the lactase enzyme, which is needed to digest lactose, develop symptoms in late childhood or adulthood. Lactose intolerance is rare in babies. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and Asian Americans are more likely to have lactose intolerance as adults than are Caucasians. Children with celiac disease may have stunted growth, foul smelling stools and a potbelly.
Identification
Physicians identify lactose intolerance by administering a hydrogen breath test or a stool acidity test to check whether ingested lactose is digested. If food poisoning is suspected as a cause of stomach cramps, physicians or health department personnel might collect samples of foods eaten by affected people to try to find the cause of the illness. Physicians diagnose celiac disease through blood tests that check for antibodies against proteins found in gluten or by conducting a biopsy of the small intestine.
Considerations
Food poisoning, which can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, occurs when foods or beverages are contaminated by bacteria or viruses. Although any food or drink can become contaminated, foods containing undercooked meat or eggs, unpasteurized dairy or juice, or unwashed produce are often the sources of food-borne illness. Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to avoid stomach cramps caused by constipation.
Treatments
People with stomach cramps should avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin, because these drugs can further irritate the stomach. People with lactose intolerance might consider eliminating dairy from their diet or take lactase drops along with a meal containing milk or milk products.
Prevention/Solution
Avoid eating foods that are likely to trigger stomach cramps, such as greasy, fatty or spicy foods. Do not overeat, and remain upright after eating to help the stomach digest the food. The Kids Health website recommends washing hands before eating to decrease the possibility of food poisoning.
