22/05/2021
FAINTING IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING đŞ
This problem is related to the body's inability to respond to sudden changes in blood pressure. To understand this problem, first, lets know some basics of blood circulation and digestion process.
[a little disclaimer here â the text provided here is only for informational and educational, not for diagnostic pupose]
Arterioles as blood flow regulators -
The large arteries subdivide like the major branches of a tree. Their terminal branches, which like the major arterial branches still have muscle tissue, are called arterioles. After flowing through the arterioles, the blood enters vessels which have no muscle. These are called the capillaries. The manner in which the blood flow is distributed to the organs and tissues is determined by the state of their arterioles. We may look at the arterial circulation as a reservoir, whose pressure is determined by the output of the left ventricle (one of four chambers of the heart) and the resistance of the arterioles. The arterioles and smallest arteries are like faucets (controls the flow of water) connected to the reservoir. Since the arterioles are not necessarily all open to the same degree at any time, some organs (those whose arterioles are open) will receive a large flow of blood. Others (whose arterioles are closed) will receive small amounts of blood. To illustrate how arterioles can control the manner in which the blood flow is distributed, consider a man swimming under water. In such a case, the arterioles of the skin, the kidneys, and the digestive organs constrict (become tighter and narrower). The arterioles of the brain, muscles, and the heart itself dilate (open). As a result, the blood flow to the skin, kidneys, and digestive organs is reduced; while the blood flow to the brain, muscles, and heart is increased. The flow of blood is, therefore, changed so that it perfuses the active organs and is directed away from the inactive ones.
Digestion process (and BP) -
Blood circulates throughout the body, but there is usually an increase in blood flow in an area of the body where there is greatest activity. The digestive process starts immediately when one starts chewing food in the mouth. Digestion is a complicated biochemical process, which requires a lot of blood flow to the organs performing the task, and this involves the stomach and intestines. To bring more blood to these large organs, the heart must pump faster and divert the blood flow from other parts of the body to the abdominal organs (gastrointestinal tract). As this happens, the blood vessels in other parts of the body normally contract to reduce blood flow, which is redirected to the intestines. In other words, in order for âblood diversionâ to occur, the other body organs have to âcalm downâ just a little bit with their blood supply needs. So, vessels to those other organs, which are not directly involved with the digestive process, may need to narrow themselves in preference to the widening of the vessels supplying the gut. This is to aid digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients to the body cells where they are needed. This narrowing of some vessels and widening of some other vessels, which in need of more blood, is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). itâs a well-tuned coordination between the circulatory system and the nervous system. This is the usual way the body maintains normal blood pressure.
Causes of Dizziness after Eating -
There are a wide variety of other underlying causes that can trigger this condition, including overall health conditions, potential diseases, foods that one have eaten and medicine which one have taken. Only a few are given here.
1. Postprandial Hypotension
There are many possible causes for dizziness especially in the elderly, of which the most common is postprandial hypotension. Hypotension means low blood pressure. Post prandial hypotension means âafter eating low blood pressureâ. This condition indicates a drop of blood pressure after eating a meal. In some people, especially the elderly, the heart is not able to increase its rate during digestion; sometimes the blood vessels in other parts of the body fail to constrict while blood flow is being diverted to the abdominal organs.These cause a fall in blood pressure after eating meals, which is known as postprandial hypotension. The sudden drop in blood pressure is felt as lightheadedness or dizziness after eating a meal, which may lead to a sudden loss of consciousness in severe cases. Dizziness when eating first bite may seem premature, but it happens because of low blood pressure triggered by the food being chewed and ingested (the process of absorbing nutrients). When there is poor coordination between the nervous system and the circulatory systems for whatever reason, blood pressure will not be maintained as it should. This condition is usually associated with other medical conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, or Parkinson's disease) which Affect the body's ability to maintain normal blood pressure, Postprandial hypotension announces itself as dizziness, faint (a sudden spontaneous loss of consciousness), and lightheadedness. It can trigger chest pain, disturb vision, or cause nausea. In most people, postprandial hypotension stems from aging-related changes that interfere with the body's ability to respond to sudden changes in blood pressure.
2. Gastritis
The inflammation of the lining of the stomach is called gastritis. Dizziness and fatigue after eating meals are common symptoms of gastritis. This condition may be caused by irregularity in eating meals, consuming improperly cooked food, excessive eating of oily foods, overeating, alcohol intake, and drinking strong coffee or tea.
3. Disorders of the Labyrinth
The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear, which provides the individual a sense of balance. Any disorder that disturbs the labyrinth affects its function in maintaining balance, which may lead to dizziness after eating. Disorders of the labyrinth include labyrinthitis, benign positional vertigo, and Meniere's disease.
4. Atherosclerosis
The blood vessels in older people often harden due to the formation of plaque or cholesterol deposits. This condition, also known as atherosclerosis, affects blood pressure maintenance, which may make people feel dizzy after eating.
5. Heart Disease
A healthy heart is needed to pump blood faster during digestion. Certain heart conditions can lead to its inability to send enough blood to the abdominal organs, which may lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness and sometimes, nausea (involuntary urge to vomit).
6. Thyroid Gland Disorders
Certain thyroid gland disorders such as thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid) may lead to dizziness after meal. Under activity of the thyroid or hypothyroidism may also cause one to feel dizzy and tired after eating.
7. Kidney Disorders
Renal diseases affect the body's ability to maintain normal blood pressure and may manifest in symptoms that include dizziness after eating. Eating processed foods and other spicy and salty food often can worsen kidney disease and lead to symptoms like lightheadedness and fatigue.
8. Emotional Factors
Certain emotional conditions such as worry, stress, tension, grief, and depression can lead to symptoms like dizziness after meals. The symptoms may be worse in certain eating disorders like anorexia.
9. Foods That Cause Dizziness
There are foods that can cause one to feel dizzy after eating, such as:
Fatty foods like milk, meat, cheese
Raw food
Seafood containing toxins like certain shellfish
Fried junk foods, spices
Salty food like chips
Some salad dressings or sauces with a high salt content, such as soy sauce
Canned foods
Pickled vegetables
Baking powder
Alcoholic beverages
10. Medications
Some medicines can make dizzy after eating, and these include diuretics, muscle relaxants antihistamines, and medications for controlling blood pressure control.
Conclusion -
Feeling dizzy after eating meals is common in the elderly, affecting about one-third of older men and women. It is not so common in younger people. This condition, also known as "postprandial hypotension", can cause a dizzy feeling, or lightheadedness, which may lead to fainting or falling. Experiencing dizziness and fatigue occasionally after eating meals may not be a cause for concern, but if one is experiencing more often, it is important to consult the doctor.
Along with proper medical treatment, one can follow some daily self-care measures to manage health, such as:
Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast.
Eat meals on time.
Eat dinner at least two hours before bedtime.
Avoid eating large meals in one sitting. It is advisable to eat small, regularly spaced-out meals.
Avoid drinking soda and other carbonated drinks with meals. Drink water or other healthy beverages such as lime juice, coconut water, or fresh fruit juice.
Stay well hydrated with water by drinking at regular intervals.
If suffering from gastritis, avoid fatty foods and eat only fruits and vegetables for a few days, followed by a balanced diet after symptoms subside.
Avoid doing strenuous activities after eating.
