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Eating triggers the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that stimulates the flow of various bodily fluids. Those include not just saliva and stomach acid, which aid digestion, but also nasal mucus and sometimes even tears. While the extent of the reaction varies among people, spicier foods tend to worsen it, and it seems to increase with age.

If the running is causing embarrassment or annoyance, you could try taking one of the following drugs before you eat (all available generically as well): an oral antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor) or loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), or a decongestant nasal spray containing oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine)—though the sprays generally shouldn’t be used for more than a few days in a row. For severe cases, the prescription nasal spray ipratropium (Atrovent) may help, though it can cause bothersome side effects including headache; nasal dryness, irritation or bleeding; and sore throat.