Stomach Issues

Diet and Nutrition
1

Hello all,
Some quick background:
Late in 2006 I had some acid refulx issues, which lasted about 2 months. Things were fine up until 2 months ago, when I started to incur GI issues again.

The thing is, I’m not quite sure if it’s reflux or not as the symptoms aren’t the same as before. The big thing is that I have a full feeling most of the day, and other days I’ll feel somewhat queasy (more in my stomach as opposed to feeling a gagging feeling in my throat) or like my food hasn’t fully digested. My stool is also smaller than usual.

I am taking Xanax XR for my anxiety issues and I know that does cause problems with one’s GI (I’m working my way off of Xanax).

Aside from taking some OTC medication, does anyone have any other tips for possibly relieving this issue?

I’ve kept a food log and it doesn’t seem to be triggered by any one food…although I have noticed that my problems occur more in the mornings after breakfast (where I do have dairy like milk or eggs) if that helps.

2

Well, I’m not going to pretend to have any expertise, but I can tell you what has worked for me.

I used to have serious stomach issues (gas, discomfort, the shits, poor digestion, heartburn, etc), and even went to see a doctor and was told to eat bran muffins (thanks, doc). But then I heard about hydrochloric acid supplements, and figured I had nothing to lose, since I had all of the symptoms.

It worked wonders, and I was finally digesting my food, I took all-star shits, and rarely had any food disagree with me. I also got my appetite back.

Since then I have weaned myself off the HCl, but pop one once in a while with food if my stomach starts acting up, and I have also started taking probiotics a couple of times a week, and have definitely noticed a difference since adding them.

You could also try simple things like ginger tea, pepsin, and apple cider vinegar. Basically, just experiment with things, and see what works.

Here is the Poliquin article about HCl:

http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1257805

And here is a thread I started awhile back, which is just the long version of this post:

http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=1584393

3

You might try adding some Manuka honey (which Ive heard nothing but good things about for a wide variety of GI-related problems…)

4

[quote]swordthrower wrote:
Well, I’m not going to pretend to have any expertise, but I can tell you what has worked for me.

I used to have serious stomach issues (gas, discomfort, the shits, poor digestion, heartburn, etc), and even went to see a doctor and was told to eat bran muffins (thanks, doc). But then I heard about hydrochloric acid supplements, and figured I had nothing to lose, since I had all of the symptoms.

It worked wonders, and I was finally digesting my food, I took all-star shits, and rarely had any food disagree with me. I also got my appetite back.

Since then I have weaned myself off the HCl, but pop one once in a while with food if my stomach starts acting up, and I have also started taking probiotics a couple of times a week, and have definitely noticed a difference since adding them.

You could also try simple things like ginger tea, pepsin, and apple cider vinegar. Basically, just experiment with things, and see what works.

Here is the Poliquin article about HCl:

http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1257805

And here is a thread I started awhile back, which is just the long version of this post:

http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=1584393 [/quote]

Thanks for the post, and the links. I’m going to give that a try and see how it goes. It definitely sounds like that’s what been bothering me.

5

Djwlfpack,

I too have been DX’d with Acid Reflux and going thru several different stomach meds, which caused nothing but constipation. The in February my whole digestive system shut down. With not much help from the doc’s I have been trying things on my own. I went off stomach meds, since doc’s couldn’t tell me whether it was high acid or low acid. I started working with digestive enzymes. The first ones I used, didn’t do much.

The second ones I tried, have been keeping things moving along. The are called Omegazymes by Garden of Life. They have twice to three times the enzymes of the first ones I tried. I even have my doc wanting to try for her husband. I also take a probiotic, but I take it with each meal. I also take 1 serving of Psyllium Husks.

I hope this helps.

fitnesslady

6

Most of the time “acid reflux” is actually the stomache having a lack of proper digestive enzymes. Some foods require base enzymes and others acid enzymes (proteins and starches are a incompatible mix for example). When too much of these incompatible foods are combined, the enzymes neutralize each other and leave the food to “rot” in the digestive tract (usually the base overpowers the acid and the food requiring the acid sits for several hours). You can eat smaller portions of the incompatible foods preferably, or you can take a couple teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to make up for the lack of acidic enzymes.

7

How much do HCl supplements cost, as well as probiotics?

8

Do your GI problems occur when you push through a plateau in your training? Is there anything in your emotional life that occurred back in 2006 that is occurring again?

I could go on and on about all my digestive problems. Basically lifting has given me an opportunity to work through some of the crap in my life. As I work through old injuries and areas that are damaged due to stress, my body fights back and I have digestive problems.

Might not be your issue, but it is something to consider.

9

[quote]Djwlfpack wrote:
How much do HCl supplements cost, as well as probiotics?[/quote]

Not too bad, about $15 for 180 (you will use anywhere from 1 to 6 per protein-rich meal):

And the probiotics I get (PB8) are something like $12 for 60.

10

Hi DJ,

you’re on the right track.
Here’s a stronger HCl for a better price:

www.easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./images/7540.jpg

you may want to take HCl pills WITHOUT pepsin between meals as well.

You don’t want to take pepsin on an empty stomach.

Also, fresh ginger juice is fantastic for reflux and low HCl.

It can actually work to rebuild the pyloric valve, if yours is damaged.

If you don’t have a juicer, just grate some fresh ginger and wring it out in a little scrap of t-shirt or even just your hand. You want about 1 tablespoon of juice 3 times a day.

11

[quote]Bujutsuka wrote:
Most of the time “acid reflux” is actually the stomache having a lack of proper digestive enzymes. Some foods require base enzymes and others acid enzymes (proteins and starches are a incompatible mix for example). When too much of these incompatible foods are combined, the enzymes neutralize each other and leave the food to “rot” in the digestive tract (usually the base overpowers the acid and the food requiring the acid sits for several hours). You can eat smaller portions of the incompatible foods preferably, or you can take a couple teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to make up for the lack of acidic enzymes.[/quote]

Really? Food combining?

Okay, food combining is based on a book called ‘Fit For Life’ that actually references the Weekly World News (re: the longevity effects of sweet potatoes).

FTL!

12

[quote]downwardog wrote:
Hi DJ,

you’re on the right track.
Here’s a stronger HCl for a better price:

www.easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./images/7540.jpg

you may want to take HCl pills WITHOUT pepsin between meals as well.

You don’t want to take pepsin on an empty stomach.

Also, fresh ginger juice is fantastic for reflux and low HCl.

It can actually work to rebuild the pyloric valve, if yours is damaged.

If you don’t have a juicer, just grate some fresh ginger and wring it out in a little scrap of t-shirt or even just your hand. You want about 1 tablespoon of juice 3 times a day. [/quote]

Thanks, girl. Do you have a link to where I could purchase said product?

13

oops! I sent the wrong link-y!

Here you go, scroll down a couple items:

http://tinyurl.com/6ceagm

Hope you’re feeling better.

14

[quote]swordthrower wrote:
Well, I’m not going to pretend to have any expertise, but I can tell you what has worked for me.

I used to have serious stomach issues (gas, discomfort, the shits, poor digestion, heartburn, etc), and even went to see a doctor and was told to eat bran muffins (thanks, doc). But then I heard about hydrochloric acid supplements, and figured I had nothing to lose, since I had all of the symptoms.

It worked wonders, and I was finally digesting my food, I took all-star shits, and rarely had any food disagree with me. I also got my appetite back.

Since then I have weaned myself off the HCl, but pop one once in a while with food if my stomach starts acting up, and I have also started taking probiotics a couple of times a week, and have definitely noticed a difference since adding them.

You could also try simple things like ginger tea, pepsin, and apple cider vinegar. Basically, just experiment with things, and see what works.

Here is the Poliquin article about HCl:

http://www.T-Nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1257805

And here is a thread I started awhile back, which is just the long version of this post:

http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=1584393 [/quote]

Even in the 50s-60s Vince Gironda made this a must use supplement because even in those days he knew most people were lacking in HCi production.

Amazing product, you get results from first use.

15

[quote]swordthrower wrote:
Well, I’m not going to pretend to have any expertise, but I can tell you what has worked for me.

I used to have serious stomach issues (gas, discomfort, the shits, poor digestion, heartburn, etc), and even went to see a doctor and was told to eat bran muffins (thanks, doc). But then I heard about hydrochloric acid supplements, and figured I had nothing to lose, since I had all of the symptoms.

It worked wonders, and I was finally digesting my food, I took all-star shits, and rarely had any food disagree with me. I also got my appetite back.

[/quote]

Bravo. I would say that HCL and mass quantities of probiotics. That is what I used to treat my acid reflux.

A couple of years ago, I had acid reflux, real bad (probably from a series of antibiotics I had taken). At first, I relied on my Kaiser doctor, who prescribed me one of those acid blockers (I can’t remember the name now). That worked at first, but eventually stopped. That’s when I decided to do my own research. I finally found this book, by Dr. Jonathon Wright, “Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You”: http://www.amazon.com/Why-Stomach-Acid-Good-You/dp/0871319314/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209516687&sr=1-1

And that is what turned me around. He says that most acid reflux is caused not by too much acid but too little.
So I tried the HCL and it worked…he has other suggestions as well. I also found that mastic gum soothes the stomach.

The only time you should NOT immediately take HCL is if you already have an ulcer. Anyway, I highly recommend that you get that book. It’ll be 10 dollars well spent.

16

I will give that book a read, for sure.

Can I find HCL in any stores or do I have to order it online?

17

You also might give ManukaHoney a shot. Their is a lot of great research on that and good feedback on its use for acid reflux/GERD and just overall general GI health.

18

My mom was taking Xanex when my grandfather passed away, and just recently when she messed up her shoulder. She was/is taking pain and anti-inflammatory medication for her shoulder and got some serious stomach issues. The doctor told her to start taking Prilosec OTC and ever since she’s been fine. I take it on occasion when I get stomach and acid problems, works like a charm.

19

[quote]wirewound wrote:
Bujutsuka wrote:
Most of the time “acid reflux” is actually the stomache having a lack of proper digestive enzymes. Some foods require base enzymes and others acid enzymes (proteins and starches are a incompatible mix for example). When too much of these incompatible foods are combined, the enzymes neutralize each other and leave the food to “rot” in the digestive tract (usually the base overpowers the acid and the food requiring the acid sits for several hours). You can eat smaller portions of the incompatible foods preferably, or you can take a couple teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to make up for the lack of acidic enzymes.

Really? Food combining?

Okay, food combining is based on a book called ‘Fit For Life’ that actually references the Weekly World News (re: the longevity effects of sweet potatoes).

FTL![/quote]

Actually that info has been around for a long time, much longer than that book. If you have serious acid reflux it’s something you might want to consider.

And really, do you have so much cash that you have no other choice than to blow it? Give vinegar a shot, it works wonders for a lot of people with your condition.

20

[quote]football061 wrote:
My mom was taking Xanex when my grandfather passed away, and just recently when she messed up her shoulder. She was/is taking pain and anti-inflammatory medication for her shoulder and got some serious stomach issues. The doctor told her to start taking Prilosec OTC and ever since she’s been fine. I take it on occasion when I get stomach and acid problems, works like a charm.[/quote]

Thanks for that post…glad to hear she’s doing better.