Persistent Hunger After Eating: Digestive Issues and Remedies

Q: Persistent Hunger After Eating: Digestive Issues and Remedies

Hello： If you frequently experience hunger, it may indicate rapid gastrointestinal motility. <br>It is advisable to review your medications to see if any promote motility or are laxatives. <br>If you feel nauseous after eating, you should avoid foods that trigger immediate reflux

Persistent hunger sensation, feeling hungry even after eating?

About a month ago, I ate some very hard-to-digest rice noodles, and that night I vomited, bringing up the undigested noodles along with bile.
Since that incident, I have experienced a persistent feeling of hunger throughout the day, even while eating.
If I continue to eat, my stomach becomes bloated, yet I still feel hungry.
I took some medication, and it improved for a while, but after a week, the same symptoms returned and lasted for over a week.
I later tried traditional Chinese medicine, and I’m not sure if that was the reason my symptoms disappeared.
Now, less than two weeks later, I coincidentally ate rice noodles again, and the same symptoms have returned: a noticeable feeling of hunger throughout the day, except in the morning right after I wake up.
As soon as I start eating, about half an hour later, the hunger sensation returns and can sometimes become so intense that I feel like vomiting.
I eat three meals on schedule, but the food I vomit is still undigested.
A year ago, I had an endoscopy that showed a very mild gastric ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux, but the doctor did not recommend any specific treatment.
I would like to know what might be causing these symptoms.
The medications prescribed at the clinic have not been effective.
There is no pain, just a strong feeling of hunger, especially shortly after eating.
The only time I feel better is right after I wake up and have not eaten anything.

Vicky, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/01

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If you frequently experience hunger, it may indicate rapid gastrointestinal motility.
It is advisable to review your medications to see if any promote motility or are laxatives.
If you feel nauseous after eating, you should avoid foods that trigger immediate reflux.
Additionally, it is recommended to adopt a small, frequent meal approach to see if your symptoms improve.
If there is no improvement, you should consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2015/10/01

More Info

Persistent hunger after eating can be a perplexing and distressing symptom, especially when accompanied by feelings of bloating and nausea. Based on your description, it seems that your digestive system may be struggling to process certain foods, particularly the rice noodles, which could be contributing to your ongoing discomfort.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the sensation of hunger is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, gastric emptying, and the composition of the food consumed. When you eat, your stomach stretches and sends signals to your brain indicating fullness. However, if your stomach is not emptying properly or if the food is difficult to digest, you may experience a disconnect between these signals, leading to persistent feelings of hunger.

Given your history of mild gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it’s possible that certain foods, especially those that are heavy or difficult to digest, could exacerbate your symptoms. Rice noodles, for instance, can be high in carbohydrates and may not provide the necessary fiber to aid digestion, leading to feelings of fullness without adequate nutrient absorption.

Here are some potential reasons for your symptoms and suggestions for managing them:
1. Delayed Gastric Emptying: If your stomach is slow to empty, you may feel full but still experience hunger. This can happen due to various factors, including dietary choices, stress, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions. To help with this, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals that are easier to digest. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help regulate digestion.

2. Food Sensitivities: It’s possible that you may have a sensitivity to certain ingredients in the rice noodles or other foods you consume. Keeping a food diary can help identify any patterns between what you eat and your symptoms. If you notice that certain foods consistently trigger your symptoms, it may be best to avoid them.

3. Hydration: Sometimes, feelings of hunger can be confused with thirst. Ensure you are adequately hydrated throughout the day, as dehydration can lead to increased hunger signals.

4. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional factors can significantly impact digestion and appetite. Stress can lead to increased gastric acid production and exacerbate symptoms of GERD, which may contribute to feelings of hunger. Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises may help alleviate some of these symptoms.

5. Consultation with a Specialist: Since your symptoms have persisted and have not improved with over-the-counter medications, it may be beneficial to consult a gastroenterologist. They can perform further evaluations, such as an endoscopy, to assess the state of your stomach and esophagus and determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

6. Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoiding highly processed foods, excessive sugars, and fatty meals can also help. Incorporating probiotics through yogurt or supplements may improve gut health and digestion.

7. Medication Review: If you are taking any medications, including herbal supplements, it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. Some medications can affect digestion and appetite, and a review may help identify any potential interactions or side effects.

In summary, persistent hunger after eating can stem from various factors, including digestive issues, food sensitivities, and emotional stress. By making dietary adjustments, staying hydrated, and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms and improving your overall digestive health.

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