If you have stomach pain after eating cereal, several factors can contribute, such as overeating. If it only happens occasionally, it’s likely not a cause for concern. But, if it happens consistently, a digestive condition could be to blame, especially if you have it with milk. For example, the inability to digest a sugar found in milk called lactose – a condition known as lactose intolerance – is a common cause of stomach pain. It’s also possible that something in your cereal, such as wheat or gluten, is the source of the problem if you have an allergy or intolerance. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem on your own, so if it occurs consistently see your doctor to help determine the underlying cause. Here are four possible causes of stomach pain after eating cereal and milk.
1. Lactose Intolerance Cow’s milk contains a sugar called lactose, according to Mayo Clinic . Breaking it down in the digestive system requires the presence of an enzyme in the small intestine called lactase, which some people don’t have. If the lactase enzyme is missing, the lactose has to be broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, which can cause gas and stomach pain – as well as bloating or diarrhea – in some people. Not everyone will have the same symptoms, and stomach pain may be the only symptom of lactose intolerance. Up to 50 million people in the United States have lactose intolerance, according to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago .
2. Milk Allergy The proteins in cow’s milk are a common allergen, particularly for young children and infants, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology . Many children outgrow it, but it can occur through adulthood. Unlike lactose intolerance, an allergy to milk can be life-threatening. The symptoms of a milk allergy, such as stomach upset, may be similar to those of lactose intolerance but could be accompanied by other symptoms typical of allergies, including: Itchy skin or hives Vomiting Blood in stool, especially in infants Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing and can cause the body to go into shock Seek emergency care immediately if you or your child have difficulty breathing after drinking milk.
3. Too Much Fiber in One Sitting Your cereal could be causing stomach pain as well. Fiber, a common ingredient in cereals, is important for digestive health, according to Mayo Clinic . But, it can cause gas, bloating, and stomach pains if you eat a lot of it in one sitting, particularly if you’re not used to eating that much fiber on a regular basis. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans , adults should try to eat 28 to 34 grams of fiber each day. If you’d like to increase how much fiber you eat, go slowly and drink plenty of water. Doing so can help your body adjust and minimize side effects like gas.
4. Intolerance or Allergy to Ingredients in Cereal Other ingredients in cereal could potentially be causing problems, too, either in the form of a food intolerance – similar to lactose intolerance – or an allergy. Wheat, for example, is found in many cereals and is a common cause of food allergies, according to Cleveland Clinic . An intolerance to gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – can also cause stomach pain in some people, according to Cleveland Clinic . Other symptoms of a gluten intolerance may include: Gas or bloating Constipation or diarrhea Fatigue or brain fog Headache Joint pain Nausea or vomiting Rash on the skin Another digestive condition linked to gluten consumption is celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten causes damage to the small intestine. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation , some common symptoms include: Stomach pain Constipation or diarrhea Nausea or vomiting Fatigue Headache or migraine An itchy skin rash with blisters Joint pain Nausea or vomiting Unintentional weight loss Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have any of these conditions. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and rule out other health conditions.
Should You See a Doctor? Stomach pain that occurs once or twice after eating cereal and milk could be due to overeating. As mentioned, an isolated incident like that is not generally cause for concern. If the problem occurs consistently, however, it’s best to get checked by a doctor, even if the symptoms are mild. Your doctor can run tests to possibly determine if you are lactose-intolerant or have a more serious allergy to milk or one of the ingredients commonly found in cereal. In some cases, a previously undiagnosed digestive problem, such as celiac disease, may be to blame.
The Takeaway Occasional discomfort might be due to factors such as overeating or consuming too much fiber in one sitting; try gradually adjusting your dietary habits accordingly. If you frequently experience stomach pain after eating cereal, consider consulting a healthcare professional to rule out conditions like lactose intolerance, milk allergy, celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. Be attentive to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis after dairy consumption, which requires immediate medical attention.
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