A Little Worried

[Macmuireadhaigh]

Lately, I've been noticing various things going undigested in my stool that I didn't have in it before. I know we don't digest corn, and that's why it comes out the way it does, but last week I noticed peas are starting to come out whole as well. And, I had rice last night and this morning there's a few pieces of rice in my stool. I know this isn't normal, but what can I do to help myself? Should I just not eat vegatables?

I have seen a doctor about my digestive disorder, but I haven't been able to get my tests done yet due to my insurance lapsing and I'm waiting until next month so I can resign up for it. I did, however, get one test done with my gastroenterologist and he said I'm only absorbing about 70 percent of my daily fats. However, we don't know why yet and I can't see him again until next month. Any advice would be helpful.

[1desperateladysaved]

ONly a comment from my own experience. Meat is digesting best with me and veggies really aren't. Not knowing what is really going well for you, I would continue a varied diet.

I have had stuff coming through unchanged. I am taking digestive enzymes and soon a product to help heal my gut. I also take quality supplements which are easier to digest then food, I guess. It is too early for me to say these are working.

I hope you will be healing and have good care soon.

[Pegleg84]

Digestive enzymes! I was having a lot of trouble with this as well recently, (and pain and all the other leaky gut fun) and started taking digestive enzymes and huge difference! I still have trouble digesting some things, but as long as I take enzymes with every meal, it's going good.

A few other questions though: are you Celiac? eating a gluten-free diet? If yes, for how long? If you're still healing, or getting into cross-contamination, that could be making things worse, or at least preventing your gut from healing (hence the malabsorption).

If you are sticking to a gluten-free diet, then maybe something else is the cause (dairy? soy? corn?). Are you having pain or other problems as well?

But definitely get yourself some decent digestive enzymes. Digest Gold is mentioned a lot here, but I've used Trophic "Supreme Digestive Enzymes" and Udo's Choice with good success.

A probiotic might also help.

Good luck!

[mushroom]

I agree with the digestive enzyme recommendation until you can get your testing, and after your testing as well, because it is going to take your body a while to heal. You will note that I am assuming you will trial the gluten free diet regardless of your test results because you may be non-celiac gluten intolerant if not celiac.

[Juliebove]

I take digestive enzymes too but have to be careful not to get the ones with Bromelain in them because that gives me an upset stomach. The cheapest ones I've seen are from Swanson online. They're called HCL. You may need a different form or something stronger. In the meantime, try to chew your food very well and eat slowly. You might also consider eating as many pureed foods as you can or drinking stuff like smoothies. Or having things like mashed potatoes and refried beans.

[GFinDC]

Hi Mac,

You could also try taking Betaine HCL before your meals. It raises the stomach acidity. So if you have low stomach acid it will help with digestion. You are still in pre-diagnosis and still eating gluten right? Another thing that may help is eliminating dairy from your diet. Many of us can't digest dairy at first. Cutting out soy might help too. And sticking with whole foods versus processed foods.

[Macmuireadhaigh]

All of this has helped. I will try ordering some enzymes and see what it does over time. I can't afford the Creon my doctor perscribed me because its astronomically high, but hopefully these other suggestions will help. Yes, I'm still having gluten as well.

[janpell]

You can also try a couple drops of bitters (homeopathic) on your tongue to try to get your digestive system working before you start eating. Chew and chew your food (I personally have a hard with this - I tend to wolf it down like the animal I am). I also take a digestive enzyme when I go to bed on top of the ones with meals (when I remember).

[frieze]

just a nit picking little comment....neither corn nor peas are vegetables....