Trembling, fatigue and headaches are common symptoms that may derive from a variety of causes. If your symptoms follow a snack or meal, they may be linked to a particular food or ingredient. Certain foods and eating habits may also trigger symptoms of an underlying health condition. If your symptoms are severe, recurrent or long-lasting, seek guidance from your doctor.
Food-Related Causes
If you experience shakiness three to four hours after eating, it may reflect hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, according to an "American Family Physician" report published in October 2003. Fatigue can worsen your symptoms. Although anyone can experience it, hypoglycemia is commonly associated with diabetes. Tremors, aches and fatigue may also stem from food poisoning, which occurs after eating contaminated food, or from consuming caffeine, alcohol or sugar in excess.
Medical Causes
In addition to diabetes, conditions associated with tremors include hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, according to MedlinePlus. Although foods don't cause these diseases, certain foods or eating habits may trigger symptom flare-ups. Consuming caffeinated coffee or a sugary soft drink, for example, may increase shakiness associated with hyperthyroidism. Shakiness, headaches and fatigue may also occur as side effects of certain medications. If you take medications with meals, which is common, your symptoms may follow soon after.
Emotional Factors
Stress and anxiety can also cause or worsen headaches, tremors and fatigue. If you eat in a stress-inducing environment or experience anxiety in regards to food or eating, your symptoms may peak during or following meals. If you also consume stimulating foods or beverages, such as sugar or caffeine, your meal may trigger anxiety, adding to these risks.
Suggestions
If your symptoms are related to low blood sugar, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends consuming a "quick fix" food, such as 4 oz. of fruit juice or a regular soft drink, 8 oz. milk, five or six hard candies, or 1 tbsp. of honey. Eating well-balanced meals at proper time intervals and limiting refined foods, such as white bread, potato chips and sweets, may guard against future flare-ups. Treatment for food poisoning typically involves staying well hydrated while your body works to rid itself of the contaminated food. Trembling, fatigue and headaches can also reflect non-diet-related conditions, so seek guidance from your doctor for ensured wellness and safety.
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