AF issues Stressed because of Passing gas

[Chasemenow]

I agree that stress can make AF worse. I am 75 and worry about everything. Trying to control my thoughts and deep breathing helps. I have a gastric problem in which I pass a lot of gas every time I eat. This is very embarrassing which in turn make me very anxious. Has anyone else had this problem? It controls my life. I know this sounds silly but trust me it is real

[mjames1]

In addition to stress, excessive gas can trigger afib in some of us. Several here, including myself, have benefited from a low FODMAP diet which can decrease gas production. A GI doctor would be a good person to consult on this.

Jim

[Chasemenow in reply to mjames1]

Thank you I will like into this. My GP just shrugs it off and dose not help me

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Chasemenow]

I agree with Jim, try the Low Fodmap diet.

Jean

[Chasemenow in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I just got the book Fodmap Diet. Thank you

[Singwell]

It's not a thing to shrug off - its a digestive problem! FODMAPS give off a lot of carbon dioxide as a byproduct during digestion and can cause gas. Check out a reliable source of info re FODMAPS - don't get too faddy - you may find you can eat them if tinned. A lot of legumes- lentils and beans - are in this food group. Definitely worth a shot.

[secondtry]

It might be quite a simple solution of adding something or taking something away from your regular diet. It certainly needs dealing with asap as gas pressure can push the Vagus Nerve contributing to a possible AF episode but more importantly you need the stress and embarrassment removed.

I would consult an experienced Alternative Practitioner, maybe two - Naturopath, Medical Herbalist or similar. The next time I have a significant issue I will be tracking down an Integrated Practitioner ie medical doctor and alternative combined as I have lost confidence in the NHS for anything but the run of the mill niggles.

[Chasemenow in reply to secondtry]

Thanks you for your advise. I was always to Embarrassed to as another Dr. after my first doctor just made me feel it was just a normal thing.

[Ppiman]

Have you had any investigations to show why you produce the excessive intestinal gas? The usual cause, if I recall my reading on this, is that the food in the bowel is, for some reason., passing through rather slowly ("slow transit") and so is able to ferment more while inside and produces methane gas as a result. I have an over-long "redundant colon" that also causes slow transit and constipation. I was told it is of little consequence, but I have found that it does impact on life in various ways, not least by pressing on the bladder.

I've read also that another cause can be from swallowed air which, instead of being removed through the mouth, passes through the intestines. Anxiety can increase the amount of air swallowed, I gather, as it creates a drier mouth. The anxiety you feel must add to your discomfort a great deal, too. Life can be very difficult, for sure. You have my sympathies.

Steve

[Chasemenow in reply to Ppiman]

Sad to say I have suffers for years and never got any help.

[Ppiman in reply to Chasemenow]

I think there’s nothing at all that can help generally apart from avoiding any foods that ferment (although these are all good for you in other ways) and moving things along with a daily glass of decent quality prune juice (the Sunsweet brand is the only one that works for me - pricey as it is, I couldn’t be without it).

Steve

[Chasemenow in reply to Ppiman]

Ok Thanks

[Chasemenow in reply to Ppiman]

Going to consult a natural path. The strange this is it starts 15min exactly after I eat And thankless no odour. Sorry I know too much information

[Ppiman in reply to Chasemenow]

I guess what is happening after you eat is that the food is strong off a natural process called peristalsis. This is a rhythmic pulsation that travels along the digestive tract to move food along - but in your case it’s moving gas along, too. You might have an excessive sensitivity.

I wonder if a naturopath will know more than a GP but it’s a thought, depending on their education and training. It will cost quite a bit for a few sessions so I wonder if it might not be better to spend the money in one go on seeing a gastroenterologist privately?

Steve

[Chasemenow]

Thank for the advice. The natural path is highly educated but I see what you’re saying.