Healthy Digestion

AwMyLoLo

For months and months now I have been having stomach/digestive problems. I have been to my family doctor for tests and have seen a specialist. They have done blood work, stool sample, CT Scan, strong laxatives, Colonic Transit Test... So far everything has come back normal, and I started to feel a little better for about a week but now I am back to :sick: :sad: :sick: all the time! I am extremely bloated, do not have regular bowel movements - if any - I feel drained, weak, nauseous at times. The specialist says I should avoid any type of laxative if I am having any sort of movement. And use Miralax for up to 3 weeks if I stop having movements. The next test would be a colonoscopy but they believe it will come back normal, as I am very young to have any serious colon problems. I started on a probiotic pill about a week and a half ago and am waiting to see if that makes any difference. I'm wondering what else I can do to help my stomach feel better... I know I am feeling worse the past few days because I was on vacation last week and didn't eat like I normally do. I normally eat minimal to no processed foods, fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and try to avoid bread, oats, wheat, dairy, etc... I try to make my meals and stacks include only a meat, and a fruit or veggie or almonds for fat. So, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO to work towards a healthy, normal, digestive system???

elmct57

have you been tested for food allergies?

BethTucker

Check this out: http://www.greattastenopain.com/ I had similar problems and this program helps me to stay on track. In the interest of full disclosure, Sherry is a friend and fellow martial artist of mine. But that doesn't dimish the effectiveness of her program. I follow the food "rules" only and I don't take any pills, other than a multi-vitamin. When I stick with it I am pain and constipation free.

Let me know what you think.

stacyhoffman

ciliac disease? You really should have a colonoscopy done, they can do a biopsy to see if you have ciliac disease. With celiac disease you are allergic to gluten. What makes me say this is a possiblity is b/c you said while on vacation your eating habits were different from your normal eating habits and now you dod feel good b/c of your diet while on vacation. People who are allergic to gluten have to be a on a apecial diet. You should do some research on ciliac disease and see if your symptoms match. It is worth looking into.

noneya2010

If you are eating a lot of protein -- that could be your culprit too.

Good luck - I know that is no fun.

leavinglasvegas

I agree with food allergy testing. Or at least try an elimination diet, but you may be too far into the symptoms to have the patience for that. This was the best thing I have ever done for myself, for reals! I discovered I had a gluten intollerance, not allergy. What a world of difference I have come to since then!

Another thought that comes to mind is this. You said you eat meat. Have you considered trying a vegetarian diet? I ask because I've had digestive problems my whole life and have discovered that meat is a huge culprit! I can do everything right and eat just one serving of chicken and thats it for me. I've been through all the tests and have a normal system except for a large colon and appendix. That was discovered by a colonoscopy. My surgeon told me that there are people who simply cannot process meat. He said if I can follow a vegetarian diet thats great, but usually what happens is that people want to continue eating meat. He said some people would rather take medicines than change their diet.

It is easy for me because I became vegetarian at age 11. Over the years I was off and on about it because of peer pressure, family pressure, and other stuff. I'm completely Vegan now, as when I learned about my gluten intollerance I also learned of a pretty severe dairy allergy. Looking back, I can see the pattern. When I was feeling my worst was when I was not sticking to a vegetarian diet. I have gone 4 entire weeks without a BM. Talk about uncomfortable. I'd rather be protien deficient than ever experience that again.

OK, sorry for rambling. But just thought I'd throw that out there. I don't want it to sound like I'm pushing my lifestyle on you. But I understand what you are going through right now, its not fun. I hope you find something that works for you:flowerforyou:

AwMyLoLo

have you been tested for food allergies?

No, neither doctor mentioned that...:ohwell:

AwMyLoLo

Check this out: http://www.greattastenopain.com/ I had similar problems and this program helps me to stay on track. In the interest of full disclosure, Sherry is a friend and fellow martial artist of mine. But that doesn't dimish the effectiveness of her program. I follow the food "rules" only and I don't take any pills, other than a multi-vitamin. When I stick with it I am pain and constipation free.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out!

kickitlarson

Learn about food combining. If you don't combine your food properly then you digestive system has a hard time figuring out what is going on and this cause candida to explode.
Here is a pretty little chart you can print off & keep on your fridge:
http://www.momssoapbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/food_combining.jpg

Daisy80

Hi

I don't have any medical knowledge but as I have the problem sometimes too I did some reading. I came across Psyllium Husk. It is a natuaral fibre and apparently it is very good. Maybe try and googleit you'll find loads online and have a look if you think it'll be the right thing for you..

all the best

daisy