Nausea after Eating

Table of Contents

Not medical advice.

Nausea after eating can have many potential causes, and if you’re suspecting an ulcer, that’s one of the more common gastrointestinal reasons. Here’s a breakdown of likely causes, starting with ulcers:

Most Likely Causes of Nausea After Eating

1. Peptic Ulcer (Stomach or Duodenal)

Description: Open sore in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or upper small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
Symptoms:
Nausea, especially after meals
Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
Bloating
Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
Pain may improve or worsen with food (depends on ulcer location)
Causes:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Long-term NSAID use (ibuprofen, aspirin)
Stress, smoking, alcohol

2. Gastritis

Description: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often co-occurs with ulcers.
Symptoms: Nausea, pain after eating, indigestion, appetite loss
Causes: H. pylori, NSAIDs, alcohol, stress

3. Gallbladder Disease (e.g., Gallstones, Cholecystitis)

Symptoms: Nausea after fatty meals, upper right abdominal pain, bloating
Risk: Worse after heavy or greasy meals

4. GERD (Acid Reflux)

Symptoms: Nausea, heartburn, regurgitation, worse when lying down
Cause: Weak esophageal sphincter allows acid into the esophagus

5. Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis)

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting undigested food, fullness after small meals
Common in: Diabetics, people with vagus nerve damage

6. Food Intolerances / Sensitivities

Examples: Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity
Symptoms: Nausea, bloating, cramping, diarrhea after specific foods

Less Common but Possible Causes

Pancreatitis
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer indigestion)
Anxiety or stress-related nausea
Medication side effects

What to Do Next

Test for H. pylori: Breath, stool, or blood test
Endoscopy: To confirm presence of ulcers or gastritis
Ultrasound: For gallbladder check
Elimination diet: To rule out food-related causes

Here are natural treatments for nausea after eating, especially when related to ulcers, gastritis, or mild digestive dysfunction:

Natural Treatments for Nausea After Eating (Ulcer-Focused)

1. Slippery Elm

What it does: Coats the stomach lining and reduces irritation.
How to use: Mix 1 tsp of slippery elm powder in warm water after meals.
Best for: Ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux.

2. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

What it does: Soothes the stomach lining, reduces acid, promotes healing.
How to use: Chewable tablets 20 minutes before meals.
Avoid: If you have high blood pressure unless it’s the deglycyrrhizinated form.

3. Aloe Vera Juice (Inner Leaf Only)

What it does: Anti-inflammatory, soothes mucosal tissues.
How to use: 1/4 cup on an empty stomach, twice daily.
Note: Must be food-grade and free of latex (the outer leaf component which can irritate bowels).

4. Ginger Root

What it does: Classic anti-nausea remedy, helps with motility.
How to use: Ginger tea (fresh slices steeped 10+ min), or 500mg capsule 1–2x/day.

5. Chamomile Tea

What it does: Calms nerves and the digestive tract.
Best for: Stress-related gastritis or nausea, helps sleep too.

6. Marshmallow Root

What it does: Similar to slippery elm; coats and protects the stomach lining.
How to use: Cold infusion (soak overnight) or capsules.

7. Manuka Honey (UMF 10+ or higher)

What it does: Natural antibacterial (especially helpful for H. pylori), wound-healing.
How to use: 1 tsp on an empty stomach in the morning and before bed.

Foods to Avoid

Caffeine
Alcohol
NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
Fried/fatty foods
Spicy foods
Carbonated beverages

Supportive Lifestyle Measures

Eat small, frequent meals
Elevate head while sleeping (if reflux is present)
Don’t lie down right after eating
Quit smoking (if applicable)
Stress management: yoga, walking, meditation

Here is a detailed natural protocol for eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the primary cause of ulcers, chronic gastritis, and often nausea after eating — without antibiotics:

Natural H. pylori Eradication Protocol

Main Anti-H. pylori Agents

1. Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus)

Action: Kills H. pylori, heals mucosa.
Dose: 500–1000 mg twice daily on an empty stomach.
Duration: 4–8 weeks minimum.
Study-backed: Proven effective in reducing H. pylori populations.

2. Manuka Honey (UMF 10+ or higher)

Action: Antibacterial, wound healing.
Dose: 1 tsp 2–3x/day on empty stomach.
Tip: Take first thing in morning and before bed.

3. Broccoli Sprout Extract (Sulforaphane)

Action: Detoxifier, potent H. pylori suppressant.
Forms: Capsules, powders, or fresh sprouts.
Dose: 1–2 tsp/day of powder, or 60–120 mg sulforaphane.
Duration: 4–6 weeks.
Study: Sulforaphane shown to suppress H. pylori and protect gastric lining.

4. Berberine

Action: Antimicrobial, especially effective on GI pathogens.
Dose: 500 mg 2–3x/day with meals.
Sources: Goldenseal, Oregon grape root, barberry.

5. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

Action: Mucosal healing, protective barrier.
Dose: 380 mg chewable 20 minutes before meals.
Duration: 4–6 weeks.
Important: Use DGL form to avoid blood pressure issues.

Biofilm Disruptors (Enhance Effectiveness)

H. pylori hides in biofilms, making it hard to eradicate.

Options:

N-acetylcysteine (NAC): 600 mg 1–2x/day
InterFase Plus (a professional-grade enzyme complex)

These can be taken 30–60 minutes before antimicrobials to weaken biofilm defenses.

Optional Additions

Propolis Extract: Natural antibiotic. 500 mg 2x/day.
Garlic (allicin extract): 600–1200 mg/day standardized allicin.
Zinc-Carnosine: Helps heal stomach lining. 75 mg 2x/day.
Lactobacillus reuteri: A probiotic shown to reduce H. pylori adhesion to stomach lining.

Sample Daily Protocol

Time	Supplement
AM (fasted)	Mastic Gum + Manuka Honey + NAC
Breakfast	Berberine + Sulforaphane + Probiotic
Lunch	Berberine + Sulforaphane + Zinc-Carnosine
20 min pre-dinner	DGL chewable
Dinner	Berberine + Sulforaphane + Probiotic
Bedtime	Mastic Gum + Manuka Honey + NAC

Duration

Minimum: 30 days
Ideal: 6–8 weeks
Some do 3–4 week “cycles” with breaks.

Diet Recommendations

Avoid sugar, dairy, alcohol, refined carbs
Emphasize:
Cabbage juice (raw, ½ cup daily)
Bone broth
Wild blueberries
Garlic, ginger, turmeric
Fermented foods (unless sensitive)