After eating in a restaurant I often suffer from cramps, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The same goes for a barbecue or a cozy gourmet: these always end with a visit to the toilet of at least twenty minutes. Once my symptoms are over, I feel empty. I have the feeling that my body is not full after such a meal. Will I still get the necessary nutrients?
Harriet
Suzan Tuinier, nutritionist
When you go out to eat or have a barbecue, you often don’t eat as you are used to. You often eat a bit more fatty and your meal contains less vegetables. You are also more likely to eat more food. Research has also shown this: if you sit together at the table, you eat more than you normally do. Seeing food makes eating! You don’t have to worry about a vitamin deficiency. That won’t happen in such a short time. With the tips below you will have fewer or no intestinal complaints at all next time.
- Try to limit the amount of fat in the meal. So not too many sauces and fatty meats.
- Choose vegetables if you can!
- Make sure you get fiber. Legumes and whole grain products are rich in fiber.
- Do not drink too much alcohol with food, as that can also cause intestinal complaints.
- Opt for a light dessert, such as fruit.
If the symptoms do not disappear, I advise you to discuss them with your doctor. You may also be hypersensitive or allergic to some foods.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. Nor do they make diagnoses. You can find the other conditions here.
Suzan Tuinier is a nutritionist and coordinator of the Vitamin Information Bureau. She has experience as a nutrition educator and researcher. You can contact Suzan with questions about vitamins and minerals.
