Chest pain after eating can be linked with a wide range of gastro-esophageal disorders. Obese, elderly or pregnant individuals are more likely to suffer from this complaint. The complaint requires a thorough examination since a common nerves network supplies to the heart and the esophagus and hence it is crucial to rule out heart conditions.
What Cause Chest Pain After Eating?
There are certain common causes that are linked with chest pain after eating. Some of these common causes include,
- Gastro-esophageal Reflux disease is the leading cause for chest pain after eating. This condition is characterized by movement of stomach contents from the stomach upwards to the throat. Other symptoms include burning sensation, bitter taste in the mouth and vomiting. These symptoms are aggravated on consumption of spicy, fatty foods or foods containing caffeine.
- Contraction disorders of the esophagus like uncoordinated muscular contractions or high pressure contractions are linked with chest pain after eating.
- Esophageal hypersensitivity is another common caused linked with the condition.
- Peptic ulcers i.e. ulcers along the lining of the stomach and the duodenum can also be associated with severe pain. While this condition is linked with H pylori infection or abuse of NSAIDs, the condition can worsen to cause ruptures or internal bleeding.
- Hiatus hernia is another common cause that can push the stomach upwards into the thoracic region. The symptoms of this condition worsen on lying down
- Other causes for chest pain after eating include gall bladder stones and pancreatitis.
How To Relieve Chest Pain After Eating Naturally?
Here are some useful tips that can help in management of chest pain after eating,
- Avoid the consumption of oily, spicy and fatty foods. Avoid heavy meals. Instead opt for small quantities of food at frequent duration of time. Reduce the intake of coffee, tea or aerated beverages.
- Add a tablespoon of raw honey to a glass of cold milk and consume it when the symptoms get aggravated. Raw honey and milk have a soothing effect on the esophagus and honey helps control bacterial/ H pylori infection.
- Don’t lie down for at least a couple of hours after a meal. Staying upright after a meal reduces the chances of the gastric content flowing back into the esophagus.
- Don’t skip a meal. Alternatively opt for fresh fruits or simple snacks when you can’t have a meal. Always follow a meal routine in order to avoid aggravation of symptoms, especially in individuals with hyper-acidity disorder.
- Nux Vomica is a potent homeopathic drug which can help alleviate the symptom of pain in chest after eating. Consult a homeopathic physician for an advice for appropriate dosage and duration based on the condition.
- Consume yoghurt regularly. Yoghurt improves peristaltic movements and also improves digestion of food.
- Avoid consuming any medications or nutritional supplements on an empty stomach (unless instructed by the physician). Ideally all medications should be taken after a meal.
- Simple yoga postures like ‘Virbhadrasana’ and ‘Gaumukhasana’ can help improve digestive functions and thereby reduce the chances of pain in the chest after eating.
- Consume a handful of carom seeds, especially when you feel pain in the chest after eating. Carom seeds are very useful to deal with bloating and help alleviate chest pain linked with gaseous distention.