Stomach issues - Thyroid?

[Rachel1989]

Hello,

I have suffered for over 15 years with stomach and digestive issues. I'm 27 years old and had a very nasty appendectomy when I was 13. For months prior I was vomitting everyday for more than 8 weeks.

Since then I have suffered with, what I am told is acid reflux. I have been on Lansoperazole for more than 12 years on and off and use aniseed peptac daily.

I have an under active thyroid and taken levothyroxine for more than 8 years but just recently have had my dosage lowered due to becoming over active!

I had an endoscopy in April 201and they discovered just dyspepsia and for me to continue with Lanz as required

But for the passed 8 months now, on and off, I have been experiencing terrible gnawing grumbling type pain in my upper abdomen. It wakes me up as if I am severely hungry but then the typical acid pain starts and I feel sick. Nothing is helping and I have a very healthy diet - been vegetarian since 14 and I dont smoke and rarely drink alcohol.

I have been referred back to the gastroenterologist but in the mean time my GP has stopped my lanz and replaced it with Ranitidine 150mg twice daily as well as Pantoprazole 40mg twice a day.

I have been having a very bland diet for the passed 3 weeks. Boiled veg, plain brown rice etc. I have stopped drinking milk and having any dairy. I've been a vegetarian for 15 years and I have never smoked. Yes I drink alcohol but on occasions and I havent in 3 weeks.

My GP thinks it is a duodenal ulcer this time but refuses to do a h.plyori test as I had an endoscopy 2 years ago and showed negative.

Things certainly can change in 2 years! And I know I'm not going to get better if the bacteria is the cause of the ulcer.

I'm at my wits end, I've suffered with acid reflux since I was 13 and im 28 now and know these symptoms are different.

Having anunderactive thyroid is a constant battle too, considering my medication is always different every 6 months, amongst being an endometriosis sufferer.

I wonder if this is gallbladder issues? But I had an ultrasound 6 months ago and found no issues.

Please any help is appreciated

Thank you.

[radd]

Rachel,

Gut issues are MASSIVE in people with low thyroid hormone.

Cortisol issues are also common with prolonged stress and chronic illness, and feelings of hunger in the night can be due to the liver lacking glycogen reserves that are required for conversion by the adrenals to keep blood glucose levels high throughout the night. (Snacking on a gluten free whole grain cracker/bread & peanut butter before bed or during the night will help as if allowed to continue, can result in blood sugar issues)..

The liver has several pathways through which it metabolises hormones, filters toxins, cleans the blood, and byproducts that are dumped into the gall bladder to help get them out of the body. Low thyroid function slows down this whole process, making the liver and gall bladder sluggish, congested and helping to make gallstones whilst bile becomes thick due to the inability to emulsify these fats.

Adequate bile is (indirectly) required for good thyroid hormone synthesis as are stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Inadequate amounts can inhibit digestion of essential fatty acids, the absorption of improperly digested fat globules, raising cholesterol levels and leading to deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A, E, K and the all important Vit D ! ! ..)

Bile is made in the liver, then stored and released by the gall bladder, and pancreatic enzymes (released by the pancreas) includes amylase, protease and lipase. Lipase is responsible for digesting fats and works with bile, breaking the fats down which can be absorbed into the blood stream and stored in the liver for energy.

You may benefit from supplementing Ox Bile taken in a cycle of 1 before each meal on day 1, 2 before each meal on day 2, 3 before each meal on day 3 and then repeating. I have previously supplemented Allergy Research Group Ox Bile but there are loads of others on the market. I also have and continue to supplement Taurine which is a major constituent of bile and Curcumin which has an anti-inflammatory effect in gastric conditions.

Low thyroid hormone can also result in low stomach acid that is required not only for good nutrient absorption but T4-T3 thyroid hormone conversion. When the stomach lining is thin through low (or non existent ) gastric acid, together with low biliary acids (bile) and low secretion of protective mucus, you are more prone to ulcers as the gut lining is so vulnerable.

Taking PPI’s longterm significantly changes the microbiome, increasing gut infection risk and vitamin deficiencies. Betaine HCI will help replace missing stomach acid and absorption issues but existing ulcers need to be healed before you can take it. H.pylori is extremely common in people with hypothyroidism due to low stomach acid and needs to be addressed if present.

Good gut flora helps us properly digest food, protects us from pathogens (harmful microorganisms), produces vitamins and other nutrients, keeps our guts healthy, and balances our immune systems. Supplementing probiotics will supply a culture of “good” bacteria. Also digestive enzymes.

Have you had thyroids antibodies checked as an elevation can make you suddenly go under or overactive ? ? ...