Heaviness in your stomach: Nutritionist's insights

30.11.2023 19:40
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22

If you constantly feel heaviness in your stomach after you eat, then it's a serious sign that it's time to change something about your diet.

It's not always about how much you eat, but it can be about what exactly you eat, and how you do it.

Here are a few reasons for that unpleasant feeling.

Digestion Process

When you eat, your body begins the process of breaking down the food you consumed. 

Your stomach produces digestive juices, including acids and enzymes, to help break down the food into smaller particles. 

stomach
Photo:Pixabay

This process requires energy and can make your stomach feel heavy.

Portion Size

Eating a large meal or consuming a lot of food in one sitting can put a significant amount of pressure on your stomach. 

Your stomach expands to accommodate the food, and this expansion can cause a sensation of fullness and heaviness.

Slow Digestion

Some foods take longer to digest than others. 

Foods that are high in fat, fiber, or protein, such as fried foods, fatty meats, or beans, may take more time to break down in your stomach. 

As a result, you may feel a sense of heaviness as your body works to digest these foods.

Overeating

Eating more food than your body needs can overload your digestive system. 

When you consume excessive amounts of food, your stomach has to work harder to process it all. 

This can lead to feelings of bloating, discomfort, and heaviness.

Indigestion or Heartburn

Certain foods or eating habits can trigger indigestion or heartburn, which can cause a heavy feeling in your stomach. 

Spicy or fatty foods, eating too quickly, or lying down immediately after a meal can contribute to these symptoms.

Food Intolerances

Some individuals may have difficulty digesting certain foods due to intolerances or sensitivities. 

For example, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, or sensitivity to certain food additives can cause digestive discomfort, including a heavy feeling in the stomach.
 

Kate Yakimchuk Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource


Content
  1. Digestion Process
  2. Portion Size
  3. Slow Digestion
  4. Overeating
  5. Indigestion or Heartburn
  6. Food Intolerances