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Can The Degradation Of Undigested Food Lead To Bloating And Belching?
Question: For the past few weeks, I have been having excessive stomach and intestinal gurgling, gas and bloating. Also some occasional upper abdominal burning on and off. I also get a gnawing hunger feeling combined with some slight nausea that comes and goes. I have gallbladder disease, but I am not thinking this is related as there is no pain and doesn’t feel like when I get a gallbladder attack. Thought maybe could be low stomach acid (I am 52). I did drink some tainted water accidentally 2 months ago, was an old water bottle and there was some algae in it. I had a thermography scan today that indicated upper abdominal inflammation and possible pancreas inflammation as well. Really need to figure this out. Getting worse and disrupting my sleep at night and quality of life.
Brief Answer:
Dyspepsia and indigestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces.
If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe causing a burning sensation and on the other hand, the bowel habits would not be proper.
Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation bloating and belching.Excess gas would compress intestines and would cause pain and inflammation
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
Start taking probiotic VSL#3 twice daily.
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Dyspepsia and indigestion.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces.
If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe causing a burning sensation and on the other hand, the bowel habits would not be proper.
Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation bloating and belching.Excess gas would compress intestines and would cause pain and inflammation
In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
Start taking probiotic VSL#3 twice daily.
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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