Post-Meal Vomiting: High Protein and Rich Broth Issues

Postprandial vomiting discomfort after high-protein and thick broth consumption?

Hello, Dr.
Sun! For the past two years, I have experienced severe gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting 2-3 hours after consuming broth (such as the thick chicken soup from Ji Yuan in Taipei, which is simmered for over 10 hours).
Recently, I have noticed that even after eating greasy foods or high-protein items like seafood, I experience several hours of digestive discomfort, and sometimes I even break into a cold sweat (but after enduring this discomfort for three to five hours, I feel completely normal again).

Upon careful analysis, I found that these episodes occur after consuming: 1.
Monosodium glutamate and various seasonings (which I suspect, as I never use them at home), 2.
High-protein foods, and 3.
Thick, fatty soups.

Could there be any suspicious gastrointestinal or liver/gallbladder conditions causing this phenomenon? How should I adjust my diet, or what tests should I undergo? Thank you very much for your guidance!

Lian Laoshi, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/10/11

Dr. Sun Yizhen reply Internal Medicine

It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2009/10/11

More Info

Understanding post-meal vomiting, especially after consuming high-protein foods or rich broths, can be complex and may involve several physiological factors. Based on your description, it seems that you experience gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting after consuming certain types of food, particularly those that are high in protein or fat. This could indicate an underlying issue with your digestive system, and it’s essential to explore this further.

Potential Causes
1. Gastric Emptying Issues: One possibility is that you may have delayed gastric emptying, also known as gastroparesis. This condition can cause food to remain in the stomach longer than normal, leading to discomfort, nausea, and vomiting after meals. High-protein and high-fat foods can exacerbate this issue because they take longer to digest.

2. Food Intolerances or Allergies: You mentioned that you experience discomfort after consuming rich broths and high-protein foods. It’s possible that you may have an intolerance or sensitivity to certain ingredients, such as glutamate (found in MSG) or specific proteins in seafood. This could lead to gastrointestinal distress.

3. Bile Acid Malabsorption: If your body has difficulty absorbing bile acids, it can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea after eating fatty foods. This condition can occur after gallbladder removal or due to other gastrointestinal disorders.

4. Gastritis or Peptic Ulcers: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or the presence of ulcers can also cause nausea and vomiting after meals, particularly after consuming rich or spicy foods.

5. Pancreatic Insufficiency: If your pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes, it can lead to difficulty digesting high-protein foods, resulting in discomfort and vomiting.

Recommended Actions
1. Dietary Adjustments: Consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and your symptoms. This can help identify specific foods that trigger your discomfort. You may want to avoid high-fat and high-protein meals for a while and see if your symptoms improve.

2. Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions more frequently can help reduce the burden on your digestive system and may alleviate symptoms.

3. Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially if you experience vomiting. Dehydration can exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a gastroenterologist. They may recommend tests such as an upper endoscopy, gastric emptying study, or imaging studies to evaluate your digestive system further.

5. Consider Food Sensitivity Testing: If you suspect food intolerances, you might consider undergoing testing to identify any specific sensitivities.

6. Avoid Triggers: Since you suspect that MSG and certain high-protein foods trigger your symptoms, it may be beneficial to avoid these until you can determine the underlying cause.

Conclusion
Post-meal vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort can stem from various causes, including dietary factors, digestive disorders, or food intolerances. By adjusting your diet, keeping a detailed food diary, and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can better understand your symptoms and find effective management strategies. It’s crucial to address these symptoms, as they can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health.

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