Why do I feel irritable whenever I eat?

Generally, feeling irritable during meals may be caused by poor emotional state, unbalanced diet, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor emotional state: Negative emotions such as anxiety or irritability during meals can activate the sympathetic nervous system, disrupting gastrointestinal motility and causing physical discomfort that worsens feelings of irritability. Emotional regulation before meals—such as taking a walk or listening to soothing music—can help. Maintaining regular daily routines and avoiding prolonged mental stress is also beneficial.

2. Unbalanced diet: Long-term consumption of spicy, stimulating, greasy, or heavy foods increases the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to bloating and discomfort during meals, which may trigger irritability. Adjusting the diet to include light, easily digestible whole grains and vegetables, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding overeating or consuming raw/cold foods can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Functional dyspepsia: Caused by factors such as insufficient gastrointestinal motility or visceral hypersensitivity, this condition often leads to post-meal bloating and belching, indirectly causing irritability. Medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate capsules, or compound digestive enzyme capsules may be used under medical supervision. Additionally, chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly can reduce gastrointestinal strain.

4. Chronic gastritis: Often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or drug-induced irritation, inflammation of the gastric mucosa can lead to dull pain or acid reflux during meals, triggering irritability. Treatment may include medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets, or sucralfate suspension, as directed by a physician. For those with positive H. pylori infection, antibiotic therapy is also required.

5. Peptic ulcer: Ulcers form due to damage in the gastric mucosa; gastric acid刺激 during meals irritates the lesion, causing pain and subsequent irritability. Treatments may include omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, famotidine tablets, or colloidal bismuth citrate capsules, as prescribed. In severe cases, partial gastrectomy may be performed to remove diseased tissue and reduce ulcer recurrence and pain.

During daily meals, it is important to create a relaxed atmosphere and avoid working or arguing while eating. Keep the abdomen warm to prevent worsening gastrointestinal discomfort from cold exposure, and reduce intake of stimulants such as coffee and strong tea.