Potential Causes of Runny Nose After Eating

A runny nose can prove a real pain, especially while talking to others, or you find yourself in a situation with both hands busy doing something. Wiping on a sleeve is not an acceptable solution. But a runny nose after eating could prove just as embarrassing and sudden. Wiping your nose continuously could become quite awkward. And you can’t help it!

So, why do you have a runny nose after eating, and can you do something to stop this situation from happening?

The answer is yes, you can. And it may prove easier than you think. But first, we must examine the possible reasons for this situation.

Reasons for A Runny Nose After Eating

You could develop a runny nose after eating for many reasons. Besides a runny discharge, breathing may also become difficult. This may result from an inflamed, swollen membrane in the nose. The inflammation may occur due to a buildup of histamines in your bloodstream because of food sensitivity, allergy, or even something in your environment.

Medically, the term for a runny nose is rhinitis¹. The most common symptoms include the following:

• A runny nose
• An itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Phlegm buildup in the throat
• Nasal congestion

Nonallergic Rhinitis

This type of rhinitis is the most common cause of a runny nose after eating. This type of rhinitis does not result from an immune response. Common nonallergic rhinitis triggers include:

• Cigarette smoke
• Certain smells
• Certain foods
• Changes in the weather

The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are very similar to those in people who suffer from seasonal or regular allergies.

Allergic Rhinitis

The most common form of rhinitis, allergic rhinitis refers to specific and seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis is associated with inflammation of the inside of the nose. The main causes of seasonal symptoms include pollen, dust, and mold exposure. Many people also have allergic responses to pets, such as after inhaling pet dander. Having a runny nose after eating is not uncommon in such a situation.

Food allergies or food intolerances may also cause this issue. Examples of common foods people with this issue have an allergy or sensitivity to include dairy products, gluten, eggs, seafood, and certain nuts, especially peanuts.

Besides a runny nose after eating, they may also experience the following symptoms:

• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the tongue

Vasomotor Rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis is remarkably similar to seasonal rhinitis. The condition may also show added symptoms like coughing, regularly clearing your throat, a postnasal drip, and facial pressure. Common triggers include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle
• Chilly weather
• Certain smells
• Air pressure changes
• Psychological stress
• Eating certain foods
• Certain medications
• Exercise

Your risk of vasomotor rhinitis increases if you have damage to your nose or suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, i.e., GERD.

Gustatory Rhinitis

Food is the trigger for this type of rhinitis. In this case, many experience a runny nose after eating without having any other allergic reactions. The following trigger the two typical symptoms of gustatory arthritis, i.e., a runny nose and postnasal drip:

• Spicy foods, like curries
• Hot peppers or chili powder
• Onions
• Hot sauce
• Horseradish

We do not associate this type of rhinitis with either inflammation or allergies².

Inflammation and The Rhinitis Response

The different types of rhinitis, except gustatory rhinitis, involve an element of inflammation. Inflammation directly results from your immune system’s response to a stressor. In the case of rhinitis, the stressor could be the foods you eat and the many other potential causes listed above. In the case of vasomotor rhinitis, psychological stress could also prove to be a factor.

Any stressor can kick-start your body’s NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response. This response to stress includes activating your immune system and the resulting inflammation. While rhinitis is one of the many symptoms of this inflammatory response, other symptoms not typically associated with rhinitis may also manifest. This is especially true when your body’s stress response stays active over time. Eventually, you may end up with a chronic inflammatory dysfunction. Food sensitivities and allergies are common inflammation triggers.

Chronic inflammation may contribute to adrenal fatigue due to the body’s consistently elevated cortisol levels, which are common in a continuous inflammatory response. Adrenal fatigue may then contribute to more inflammation in the body and a worsening cycle of inflammation and stress.

The Immune System and A Runny Nose After Eating

People with low immunity may prove more at risk than those with a robust immune system. Low immunity is associated with adrenal fatigue. It describes a body struggling to defend itself against internal or external threats with less success than in someone with a healthy immune response. Furthermore, avoiding certain foods may help address your rhinitis issues and support adrenal health.³

Do note that although a strong immune system may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with rhinitis, it may not reduce your susceptibility. You may still get a runny nose after eating, but with less severity.

Leaky Gut and A Runny Nose After Eating

The gut and respiratory tract are very similar. Both block outside invaders from entering the body. Leaky gut is a condition where the walls of the intestine have increased permeability. This allows pathogens to move into the bloodstream and thus enter your entire body. This is also how you could get sensitivities to certain foods, the biggest culprits being gluten, dairy, and sugar. Your immune system may attack these pathogens, thereby creating inflammation. This inflammation could manifest in different ways. Examples include autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, digestive issues, impaired brain function, and, in many people, rhinitis. Leaky gut shares a strong link with adrenal fatigue.

Medical Factors that May Contribute to Runny Nose After Eating

Numerous medical conditions may promote a runny nose after eating.

Genes

Research suggests that rhinitis may have a genetic component4. Genes may trigger an inflammatory response to certain common triggers. However, lifestyle factors and exposure to triggers may play a more significant role than a genetic propensity alone in developing a runny nose after eating.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women may develop a runny nose after eating, even though this has never happened before. This is because of the negative effect progesterone has on the nasal turbinates. These tiny structures in the nose cleanse, humidify, and heat air as it moves into the lungs. High progesterone in pregnancy can affect these turbinates.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when you have low thyroid hormone levels. We find thyroid hormone receptors on the mucous membranes of the sinuses. Low thyroid hormone levels may cause the mucous glands to swell. They may also produce more mucus. Additionally, we associated hypothyroidism with increased histamine production. A high histamine count may contribute to inflammation. Swollen mucus glands, increased histamine production, and thus increased mucus production may lead to a post-nasal drip and rhinitis.

Diabetes

Diabetes may contribute to incidents of rhinitis due to inflammation. Diabetics, with their higher-than-normal sugar levels, are particularly susceptible to incidents of rhinitis because their bodies have higher blood sugar levels than non-diabetics. High blood sugar levels promote inflammation in the body, including in the nasal passage.

Adenoidal Hypertrophy

Adenoidal hypertrophy, which refers to increased adenoid size, is often found in children. It is often connected to acute or chronic adenoid infection. Common symptoms of adenoidal hypertrophy include snoring, ear problems, sinusitis, changes in voice quality, breathing through the mouth, nasal congestion, ear issues, and a runny nose.

Other Conditions that May Cause a Runny Nose After Eating

A few rare conditions may also cause rhinitis. These include the following:

• Rhinoscleroma – a condition of the upper respiratory system.
• Wegener's granulomatosis – inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea – a tear in the membrane around the brain and spinal cord that causes cerebrospinal fluid to leak, often from the nose.
• Sarcoidosis –an overreaction of the immune system characterized by the formation of lumps called granulomas.

Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to A Runny Nose After Eating

Many lifestyle factors can also contribute to developing rhinitis and a runny nose after eating. The main one is diet.

If you are allergic or sensitive to certain foods, avoid them.

Also, focus on foods with strong antioxidant properties that can fight free radicals. Examples of free radical sources include cigarette smoke, environmental toxins, and the ingredients in certain foods we eat. Examples of foods that contain free radicals that may cause rhinitis and a postnasal drip include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Carbonated, sweetened soft drinks
• Cooking oil, especially when reheated for use a second time
• Processed foods
• Foods high in the glycemic index, like carbohydrates and refined sugar
• Dairy - milk and cheese
• Gluten-containing foods

Certain drugs may also have a free radical effect.

On the other hand, good food choices high in antioxidants include the following:

• Vegetables, especially those with bright colors, have a high antioxidant content. Examples include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, sweet potatoes, beetroot, kale, and squash.
• Fruits include blackberries, goji berries, strawberries, pomegranates, and apples.
• Legumes, e.g., kidney, red, pinto, and black beans.
• Green tea
• Nuts have healthy fatty acids that fight inflammation while lowering your risk for certain chronic health issues.
• Herbs and spices may flavor foods but also contain strong antioxidant properties. Good choices include turmeric, ginger, ginkgo, and rosemary.

You can also mitigate your rhinitis susceptibility by:

• Regular vacuuming and dusting
• Wearing a face mask while mowing the lawn or working in the garden
• Regularly washing your bedding in hot water
• Bathing pets regularly
• Regularly changing your air conditioning or heating filters
• Using air purifiers with HEPA filters
• Performing daily saline nasal rinse

You can also try a supplement like Allerdim to help stop a runny nose quickly after eating. The quercetin and bromelain in Allerdim may help alleviate some mild allergy symptoms.

Runny Nose After Eating: In Closing

Many factors can cause a runny nose after eating. The most common causes include food sensitivities, food allergies, and a sensitivity to environmental factors. Although you cannot cure rhinitis, you can do a few things to help you better deal with the situation, such as eating a diet high in antioxidants, avoiding allergens, and avoiding trigger foods. Taking a natural supplement like Allerdim may help.

For many people, rhinitis is a symptom of adrenal health issues. If you would like to improve your adrenal function and overall health, The Nutritional Adrenal Fatigue Recovery Program may help you. The program has many tips on promoting adrenal health and provides a comprehensive guide on how to go about your journey to recovery.