bloat

[Alybubbles]

please please what can I do to stop bloating and feeling sick & tired & achy? Thanks

[e66--]

I think it's a bug of some sort. Had it for ages. Also caused acid reflux which I don't normally have. Also on and off tickly cough. Many friends seem to have the same. The exhaustion is just awful! Wish you better x

[lovelab in reply to e66--]

sounds like thyroid ... I had these symptoms plus many others before being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. They tested my TSH and I was 12. Had a ultrasound and it confirmed thyroiditis. Low thyroid leads to low acid in stomach which leads to acid reflux as food is not digested properly. Low thyroid leads to tiredness, bloating, muscle pain, joint pain, brain fog and the list goes on because the thyroid hormones go to every cell in the body. I am gluten free to help with my thyroiditis, as I have elevated anti bodies TPO and Tg. Worth getting blood test done. Pop on thyroid forum and ask what are the tests that need doing.

[Researchfan]

Well wishes.

Have you gone back to your gp? If it’s gotten worse needs investigating. Ibs symptoms are no fun. But you should also be checked to rule out other causes - possible infection, sibo, ibd, coeliac disease? you listed gluten intolerance? Other food allergy or intolerances?

Also and importantly being female bloating can also be related to hormones and reproductive organs.

Talking personally there’s ‘endometriosis related bloating’ called ‘endo belly’.

Also should rule out any ovarian issues. Can mimic ibs symptoms and vice versa.

Was you referred to a dietitian and been helped to follow the low FODMAP elimination diet to see if that helps?

Avoid all the usual suspects in the mean time especially any hidden added sugar and veg/seed oils. Eat basic whole (gluten free) food if you aren’t already. Vegetables (preferably low fodmap), low sugar fruit like berries, meat fish etc. unless vegetarian then more difficult as soya, beans and lentils can worsen ibs in some people. There’s odd varieties that might be ok and that’s why the fodmap diet a good one to do with the help of a dietitian as can really figure out what’s ok to eat for you personally.

Out of interest was you tested for lactose intolerance? There’s also fructose malabsorption that can be a cause. Similar symptoms and low fructose diet is less restrictive than the fodmap diet (low lactose, fructose, fructans, polyols, galactose etc.)

Hope that’s helpful.

[Alybubbles in reply to Researchfan]

That is SO helpful thank you. I have been GF for about 4 years, but I am still bloating. My gp said to eat Gluten for 6 weeks , so she could do more blood tests, which I am awaiting the results of. I’ve had colonoscopy & endoscopy, all clear, apart from ulcers in the stomach. That was 3 years ago. I can’t eat salads, some veg, some dairy. I still bloat & with it is the aches in my back & joints. I always feel sick on waking. I’m just not sure what to eat anymore. Xxxx

[Researchfan in reply to Alybubbles]

It’s tough but hang in there and keep asking and researching for answers.

Have you every been recommended a strict elimination diet for 2-4weeks?

Could do with the help of a dietician to make sure your nutrient needs are being met and your not deficient in anything?

Nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to symptoms. It’s a vicious cycle, as only as good as what can absorb.

Elaine Gottschall book ‘Breaking the viscous cycle intestinal health through diet…’ was a very practical and helpful read for me personally.

Another member on healthunlocked if I recall correctly described how miraculous the specific carbohydrate diet was for them as they followed it for a few years to heal and it worked.

Have you ever tried a strict dairy free diet to see whether dairy protein an issue? There’s also scientific case studies of people that dairy was the culprit and especially relating to aches and pains.

Also Casein and gluten are cross reactive in some people (actually 50% of coeliacs recognise casein as if gluten documented in the literature).

There’s other foods cross reactive too - corn/maize possible too (again there is published research showing about a third of coeliacs react to corn protein as if gluten).

When it comes to diet (especially a gluten free diet) one size does not fit all. Everyone’s different. But the pieces of the puzzle to figure out and advocate for health are there I believe we just have to find them.

Keep us updated.

X

[Researchfan in reply to Researchfan]

Great recording of Elaine Gottschall explaining about intestinal health through diet.

youtu.be/MppH1yloQUU(Not working as expected?)

[Sapphire10]

Sorry you feel like this. I'm just wondering if there have been any tests for Crohns Disease suggested? Just when you mentioned that you can't eat salads and some veg, in addition to the bloating and sick feeling - you were describing the same as a friend who has Crohns. She also struggles with gluten though never been diagnosed with CD. Like you, she often says there isn't much left she can eat. She does suffer with diarrhoea as well as pain if she eats foods that upset the Crohns, such as salads. It might not be linked at all but maybe worth asking?

[Alybubbles in reply to Sapphire10]

Never even been mentioned. Yes, terrible diarrhoea, with salads. Thanks x