Severe intestinal cramps after eating are a concern that needs to be discussed with your doctor. If you notice that the severe cramping only occurs when you eat certain foods, you may have an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. If the pain occurs every time you eat, you may have irritable bowel syndrome. Food poisoning is a consideration if the pain develops as an isolated event. Because many possibilities may explain the cramping, you need to see a gastroenterologist to determine the cause.
Food Allergy or Intolerance
A severe food allergy or intolerance could cause severe intestinal cramps after you eat. The two conditions are different, but both can cause severe pain from specific foods. A food allergy is a malfunction of your immune system that causes various reactions in your respiratory system, digestive system and skin. Proteins found in fish, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat and peanuts are the most common food-related allergens. Food intolerance is the inability to digest certain sugars and proteins found in foods. Lactose, fructose, histamine and gluten are the most common substances not tolerated.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive condition where your immune system causes harm to your small intestines after you eat gluten. Gluten is a protein found in barely, rye and wheat. If you eat gluten, permanent damage occurs to the villi that line your small intestine. Villi are hair-like particles that help the body absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. If your villi are damaged, you can become malnourished and lose excessive amounts of weight. The only cure for celiac disease is to completely stop consuming gluten.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that affects about 20 percent of the American adult population, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The cause of IBS is still unclear, but it is suspected that a breakdown occurs in the communication between the brain and the nerves in the muscles of the colon. If you have IBS, you may experience cramping in your small intestine every time you eat, followed by chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Food Poisoning
If you've never had severe cramping in your intestines before, you may have food poisoning. Food poisoning will cause intestinal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas and bloating within a few hours of eating or drinking something that is contaminated. Food poisoning is treated with rest, diet modification and increased liquid intake. Symptoms may last for one to 10 days.
