Stomach bloating after eating is most likely related to food intolerance. Bloating and gas are two primary symptoms of food intolerance that can be managed with proper testing and diagnosis. Food intolerance is common and can be confused for a food allergy. Food intolerance is a digestive complication; a food allergy is an immune system reaction, according to MayoClinic.com Any symptoms that you consistently develop after eating should be assessed by your doctor. Do not diagnose your condition based solely on your symptoms.
Food Intolerance
Most food intolerances are caused by a deficiency in your digestive tract. Every time you eat or drink, your intestines must produce certain enzymes to break down complex proteins and sugars. If your body doesn't produce the right enzymes or doesn't produce enough of the enzymes, the sugar or protein can't be absorbed into the body. The undigested portion of the food or beverage remains in your digestive system until bacteria can break it down, causing excessive bloating and gas, according to the American Academy of Gastroenterology.
Common Foods
Common foods that cause stomach bloating from intolerance are lactose and gluten. Lactose is a complex sugar found in milk. After drinking or eating dairy products, you can become bloated, gassy, experience stomach cramping and diarrhea within 20 to 30 minutes, according to DrWilson.com. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that can damage the cilia in the small intestines. This condition is called celiac disease; the exact cause is still unknown. After eating products that contain gluten, you can develop bloating, pain and diarrhea.
Uncommon Intolerance
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, histamine-containing foods and chocolate may cause intolerance in the body that causes bloating. MSG is a food additive that has been known to cause an intolerance in some people. Histamine-containing foods such as eggplant, spinach, cheese, red wine and yeast all contain histamine, a chemical that causes common allergy symptoms. Chocolate can trigger certain food intolerance symptoms, such as bloating and headaches. If you notice that you always develop bloating after you consume certain foods, consult your doctor for further testing.
Consideration
A food allergy also causes bloating but causes more symptoms than just digestive complications. If you develop shortness of breath, skin rashes, facial swelling, tingling in the mouth, nasal congestion, watery eyes, vomiting and nausea along with bloating, ask your doctor to participate in allergy testing.
