After eating, carbohydrates, proteins and fats in your food get broken down into usable energy for your cells and tissues. However, other compounds in foods, such as additives, indigestible material or other chemicals, can also affect the digestion process. As such, eating certain foods and beverages can lead to bloating during digestion, causing abdominal pain and discomfort.
Carbonation
One possible cause of painful bloating after eating is the consumption of carbonated beverages with your meal. These drinks, which include sparkling water, wine or cider, as well as carbonated soft drinks, contain small bubbles filled with gas that gives the drink their fizziness. When poured into a glass, the gas is released into the air. However some of this gas may remain in the drink after ingestion, and release gas into your stomach or digestive tract, causing bloating and flatulence. The University of Rochester recommends diluting carbonated drinks to half their strength to avoid painful abdominal bloating after consumption.
Excess Fiber Consumption
Another potential cause of painful abdominal bloating after eating is taking in too much fiber. Fiber is indigestible material found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and other plant foods. The material passes through your digestive system without being broken down, helping to support digestive regularity and promote a feeling of fullness after eating, according to Colorado State University. Fiber consumption may cause abdominal bloating and diarrhea if your body is used to a lower-fiber diet. You can help prevent this adverse effect of fiber consumption by increasing your fiber intake gradually, until you consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day.
Too Much Dairy
Eating a meal very high in dairy may also cause abdominal bloating in some individuals. Milk contains a special type of sugar called lactose that must be broken down during digestion, and East Carolina University explains that lactose-intolerant individuals lack the enzyme required to break down lactose. If you suffer from lactose intolerance, eating a meal that contains dairy products leads to uncomfortable bloating, as well as gas and diarrhea. You can help reduce your lactose consumption by choosing lactose-free milk and dairy products, or consuming lactose-containing pills before a meal.
