Have you experienced the comeback of food to your mouth after eating? But why does food come back up after eating? Well, it happens because of regurgitation, and you experience the comeback of food, liquid, and stomach acids into the mouth. However, you may not experience this condition until you taste the food or acid in your mouth. Regurgitation differs from vomiting and does not cause stomach pain, nausea, or cramping. 

The undigested food in your mouth is accompanied by liquid and yellowish-greenish stomach acid called bile. So why does the food I eat comes back up? It may happen due to eating faster or more than your appetite. Moreover, obesity and pregnancy can also cause regurgitation. 

However, the common cause of this condition includes gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease. In addition, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis can also cause this condition. So next time, if you wonder why does my food come back up after I eat, it could be due to these factors. 

The symptoms of regurgitation closely resemble the symptoms of other health conditions. It is because bile juice irritates your stomach, esophagus, and throat, resembling the symptoms of indigestion. 

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Causes 

• GERD

It is a condition that occurs due to the creation of a space between the esophagus and the stomach. As a result, the food flows upward, creating a burning sensation called heartburn. Regurgitation is a common problem in people with GERD. Almost 80% of people with GERD experience regurgitation. 

Acid reflux can occur while eating spicy food. Moreover, it may be caused by pregnancy and the side effects of certain medications. GERD symptoms overlap the symptoms of indigestion; hence, you may get confused about these two conditions. Fortunately, you can control acid reflux by taking medications and modifying your diet. So why does food come back up after eating? Again, it may be because of GERD. 

Symptoms of GERD

The symptoms include:

• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
• Throat or chest irritation
• Retching or nausea
• Acid reflux coming into the mouth 

Ask your doctor about different measures to control GERD. 

• Gastric distention

If you overeat food rapidly, you may develop gastric distention. Its symptoms may worsen when you eat spicy, greasy, and oily food. Moreover, drinking carbonated beverages and alcohol can also cause gastric distention. It may also occur due to pregnancy, obesity, taking certain medications, and eating in large quantities just before sleeping. 

If gastric distention occurs because of overeating, you must wait until you feel good. Moreover, try resting and walking to feel better. In addition, you may try antacids and over-the-counter medications to control gastric distention. The symptoms include bloating and feeling uncomfortably full. Gastric distention could be the reason why food comes back up after eating.

• Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcers may be why the food I eat comes back up. The ulcers are formed on the stomach and small intestine’s lining. Alcohol overuse, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and bacterial infection can cause these sores. Moreover, these also result from inflammation in your stomach. 

The stomach takes time to heal itself because during food digestion; it releases acids. The acid production can damage the stomach lining. To control inflammation and sores, your doctor prescribes medications for controlling acid production and protecting the stomach lining. In addition, you must avoid alcohol, tobacco, and spicy food to control inflammation. To self-diagnose your condition, you may look at the symptoms like bloating or belching, loss of appetite, nausea, and burning sensation in the upper abdomen. 

• Overweight or pregnancy

Pregnancy and being overweight can cause regurgitation. Due to excess weight, the food is pushed back to your mouth from the esophagus. Moreover, abnormal chewing of your food and eating and drinking in large quantities can cause this condition. Regurgitation caused by being overweight or pregnant makes you feel full after eating a small amount. Moreover, eating or drinking just before bedtime can worsen your condition. Therefore, you must try to consume food in small quantities. Furthermore, give importance to small meals. 

Why does my food come back up after I eat? First, visit your doctor to know if you are obese or pregnant. 

• Abnormal anatomy

The symptoms of abnormal anatomy include:

• Feeling like food sits in your stomach
• Feeling that the food moves backwards to your mouth
• A feeling of food getting stuck in the esophagus

Anatomical issues can hamper the swallowing and digestion process. These issues include:

• Esophageal stricture causes narrowing of the esophagus. It may be caused by genetic congenital disabilities, cancer, and inflammation from acid reflux. However, you can get relief when the esophagus gets wide. 
• Another anatomical issue includes a hiatal hernia. In this condition, your stomach is pushed to the chest cavity. However, you can manage this condition by reducing weight, taking certain medications, and undergoing surgery.
• Motility disorders can also cause issues in your gastrointestinal tract. The condition can be treated through diet changes and medications. It could be a reason why does food come back up after eating. 

You must see a doctor to treat anatomical issues causing backward movement of the consumed food. 

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• Rumination syndrome

Rumination syndrome causes the comeback of food to your mouth. However, it is a rare condition that affects infants and people with developmental disabilities. Involuntary muscle contractions can move food backwards to your mouth. Adopting proper feeding positions and avoiding distractions during feeding can control rumination syndrome in children. Likewise, behavioral therapy and biofeedback can prevent this condition in people with developmental disabilities. The symptoms of rumination syndrome include difficulty swallowing, bloating, and feeling that the food is trapped in your neck. 

• Other possible causes

Other health conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can also cause regurgitation. 

So if you think, “Why does my food come back up after I eat?” It may be caused by GERD, stomach ulcers, and health conditions like Parkinson’s disease. 

When to call the doctor?

You must call a doctor in the following conditions:

• If you develop symptoms frequently and if they hamper your activities.
• If you develop symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and a heavy sensation in the arms and legs. Moreover, you must visit your doctor if you develop blurry vision, numbness, or spasms, which indicate multiple sclerosis. 

These conditions require medical attention, and you must visit the doctor when you observe such abnormalities in your situation. You may call and schedule an appointment with a specialist at Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital.

For free teleconsultation with our doctor, call us at 88569-88569 or fill the form to share your problem.