Gut & digestion – Page 2

What your poo can tell you about your health

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

It may not be the most pleasant topic, but understanding your bowel movements better can improve your health, and even save your life! Your stools hold secrets and valuable clues to your health, through their texture, shape and smell. The ideal poop should be soft and easy to pass; not hard, dry or overly loose.

According to Dr Danie Pauw from Health24, one to three times per day is considered normal for some people, while others only go a few times a week. But it shouldn’t be less than three times a week.

What is poo and why should you pass it?

About half of your faeces are made of water. The rest is undigested solids, dead and live bacteria, mucous and fat. Through your poo you also get rid of unwanted metabolic waste products and toxins. It’s an important way for your body to eliminate what it no longer needs. That funky smell isn’t bad either; it’s a good sign.

Dr Ken Heaton of the University of Bristol in the UK created a charted that classifies the different forms of human faeces. The chart was first published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997.

Type 1: Is hard to pass; comes out in separate hard lumps, like nuts.
You need to drink more water and eat more fruit and vegetables.

Type 2: Lumpy and sausage-shaped.
You need to load up on fluids and fibre!

Type 3: Looks like sausage with cracks on its surface.
This is relatively normal, but your cracks indicate that you could do with more water.

Type 4: Is a snake- or sausage-shaped; smooth and long.
This is the best poop! You’re doing just fine.

Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges.
This is pretty normal.

Type 6: A mushy stool; with fluffy ragged pieces.
Your poop is on its way to becoming diarrhoea.

Type 7: Entirely liquid! Your poo has no solid pieces and is watery.
Diarrhoea!

The colour and smell of your poop matters too:

A healthy poop will have a foul odour but shouldn’t smell too strong; it should be mild and pass quickly. A potent smell could be a sign of a medical condition.
Black or red: A sign of potential bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Certain foods like liquorice could be the cause.
Green: You may be eating a lot of leafy greens and vegetables that turn your stools green. Or there’s bile pigment in the stool because of diarrhoea.
Yellow: Too much fat in your stool, or it’s a celiac disease; a disorder where your body doesn’t absorb nutrients well.
Pale, white or clay-coloured: This is caused by a lack of bile. People with liver and gallbladder problems may find this common.
Orange: This is caused by a compound found in vegetables, fruit and grains. Blocked bile ducts can also lead to orange stools.

Pooping 101

Research finds that squatting is better for your gut than sitting down. When you squat, you can pass stools completely and more naturally without straining. Also, your stools needs to sink. Floating stools are an indication of high fat content which can be a sign of malabsorption, a condition where you can’t absorb fat and other nutrients.

If you are worried about your stools, why not speak to one of our doctors? It’s best to pick up any underlying conditions before it gets too serious.

References:

There’s blood in my stool: what do I do?

January 5th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

When your poop waves red flags, it’s important to act fast. Normal stools can have various colours, ranging from shades of brown and even green. If you take a peek while doing your business and your stool is black or streaked with red, these could be warning signs of blood in your stool.

Blood in your stool is usually caused by bleeding in the upper or lower part of your gut.

Causes for black stools

Black, tarry stools could mean you’ve taken too many iron supplements or eaten too much black liquorice. On the more serious side, you may be bleeding in the upper part of your gut, like your stomach. The blood starts clotting before you pass the stool, which is why it is black in colour.

Causes for red stools

Food with red colouring like beetroot, cranberries, tomato juice and red gelatine could make your stool red or streaked with red. Red blood in your stool could also mean that you’re bleeding in your lower intestinal tract. This is often due to piles, which could be easily treated.

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Ibuprofen and naproxen over a long period can also cause ulcers which may lead to blood in stool.

Treatment:

Treatment for blood in stool first needs a doctor’s diagnosis, but it may include antibiotics, medication to suppress acid in the stomach and anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, you may need surgery to remove growths that could be a sign of colon damage.

Main causes:

Black blood

Abnormal blood vessels.
A tear in the oesophagus from severe vomitting.
A bleeding stomach ulcer.
Blood supply being cut off to part of the intestines.
Gastritis (stomach inflammation).
Widened, overgrown veins in the oesophagus and stomach.

Red blood

Abnormal blood vessels.
Anal fissures (small cuts or tears in your anus).
Bowel ischemia (when the blood flow through the major arteries that supply blood to your intestines slows down or stops).
Diverticulosis (a condition in which small, bulging pouches develop in the digestive tract).
Haemorrhoids (piles)
Infection in the intestines.

Keep an eye on your stool

If you see blood in your stool, take note of the colour and frequency because your doctor will ask about it to help with a diagnosis. Moderate or severe bleeding can quickly lead to symptoms of dizziness, fainting and other signs of low blood pressure.

If you’re bleeding excessively or have other symptoms like abdominal pain, a fever, weakness, vomitting and heart palpitations, see your doctor immediately.

References:

Treat IBS without medication

December 8th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your favourite treats have left you constipated and bloated with excruciating cramps and regret. “Why did I eat all those things?” you wonder.

Unfortunately, some foods just hit our digestive tracts the wrong way and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the price we pay. Understanding the triggers of tummy troubles will help you cope.

Irritable bowel syndrome, known as IBS or spastic colon, can be a major source of discomfort. Symptoms include irregular diarrhoea, stomach cramps, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain that intensify throughout the day.

Know your layers

The small intestine in your stomach makes up about 60% of your digestive tract. This is where all the nutrients and minerals from food are absorbed.

It is one layer away from the colon (the body sewer) where the final stage of digestion happens. When this lining becomes more permeable from excessive antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, an intestinal infection, a low-fibre and high-sugar diet and alcohol – foreign invaders from food bacteria will find a home in your immune system.

Your body reacts to this (badly!) and activates an immune response that will result in allergies, an irritable bowel, an irritable brain, arthritis, mood disorders and autoimmunity.

Eat gut-friendly foods

Before you rush for the pills, take a stab at treating IBS naturally. The FODMAP diet has been shown to improve symptoms for more than 80% of people who switch to this diet. At its core, FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in a variety of foods. These sugars (Fermentible Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides And Polyols) are not absorbed very well. They pass through the small intestine and enter the colon. Here they are fermented by bacteria, produce Gas, and can also cause water to move into the colon, leading to diarrhea, constipation or both.

You can either follow a strict FODMAP diet, or make sure to apply the following principles to your eating:

Be picky. Avoid sugary treats and sodas, caffeine, alcohol, and fried or processed foods. These are the main digestive tract stimulants and common triggers of IBS. Skip foods that produce gas, they may make you feel more pain from gas build-up.
Check your food combinations. These can directly influence how quickly and efficiently food is digested. To really get a handle on which foods trigger your IBS, keep a food diary. Simply writing down what you eat will help you get used to writing in the diary. Once you’re well practised, you can be more detailed and note times and quantities e.g. 250ml glass of water and half an orange at 8am. Make a note of when you experience IBS symptoms. After keeping a food diary for a while, you can look back to see which foods are your triggers. With this information, you and your dietician can work out a diet that will work best for you,
Chew, and chew again. Saliva helps break down food thoroughly in your mouth. This sets the digestive process in motion. Fluids may also dilute stomach acid, making digestion ineffective.

Stop the pain

Avocado is a good fat for digestion.
Aloe Vera juice is beneficial on an empty stomach as it soothes the digestive tract.
Glutamine (an essential amino acid)heals the gut lining.
Slippery elm powder soothes the lining of the stomach, intestines and reduces irritation.
Live probiotic cultures found in yoghurt are good bacteria that keep your gut healthy.
Digestive enzyme supplements will help break down complex fats and sugars, proteins so they can be made into amino acids and help with the digestion of starches and lactose.
Magnesium supplements will relax the colon muscles, help stomach movements and act as an antispasmodic to relax the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract.
Vitamin C powder with magnesium ascorbate and potassium will help bowel movements if passing of food through the digestive tract is slow.

Medication isn’t the only solution. If you can work on moderating your food choices, good digestion should be a breeze!

But if your IBS symptoms persist, chat to one of our doctors for some advice. They’re available 24 hours a day!

References:

Relief for irritable bowel syndrome

December 8th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the digestive system. You may have abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, or both. People who suffer from this disorder have a heightened sensitivity of the gut. More common in women, IBS causes spasms in the colon; with pain and wind in the stomach too.

Causes for IBS

Your digestive system has rhythmic muscular contractions. When these become irregular, it interferes with the normal movement of food and waste; which results in a build-up of mucus and toxins.

This process is not due to a single disease-process, though. According to research from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, IBS is an umbrella term that covers various underlying processes, and shouldn’t be treated as one disorder. It’s a complicated condition with different manifestations in each case. The better the understanding of the underlying disease to the conditions, the better and more effective treatment will be.

The pain in your stomach could be caused by:

Food intolerance
Bacteria in the colon
Gut inflammation due to chronic inflammation
Genetics
A mental disorder.

IBS symptoms include:

Bloating
Abdominal pain
Spasms
Diarrhoea and constipation
Mucus in stool
Nausea

Foods that trigger IBS

Excessive fibre: Especially the insoluble kind that you get in the skin of fruits and vegetables.
Food and drinks with chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fructose, or sorbitol: Your body may find it hard to break down large amounts of sugar.
Carbonated drinks: Will create a painful gas build-up. Vegetables like, onions, beans, broccoli and cabbage cause gas too.
Fried and fatty foods: Are common triggers of IBS.
Dairy products: For people who can’t digest the milk sugar, lactose.
Foods with wheat: Stay away especially if you have a bad reaction to gluten.
Alcohol: Is a toxic substance that acts an irritant on the bowel. Avoid it completely, or drink in moderation.

How to keep your symptoms at bay

Get enough sleep and try to go to bed at the same time each day.
Learn how to manage your stress. This cannot be emphasised enough. Activities that help with this include deep breathing, yoga or mindfulness meditation.
Try not to rely on over-the-counter medication for every ache and pain. Laxatives should be on a must-need basis, not a regular thing. The focus should rather be on lifestyle modification.
If you’re avoiding certain foods, make sure you still stick to a healthy diet that has all the basic nutrients your body needs to function.

See a doctor if…

Your symptoms get worse. He may refer you to a gastroenterologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. A nutritionist can help you follow a healthy diet that will help you ease and control your condition.

References:

How to treat diverticulitis

December 8th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your digestive system houses your colon, which is lined with small sacs called diverticula. These sacs can often become inflamed. This inflammation is called diverticulitis.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology says that insufficient fibre intake often causes diverticulitis. It can be extremely painful, change your bowel movements and even bring on blood or mucus in your stools. You may also lose your appetite.

The most common symptoms of an attack are:

abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
constipation
bloating
fever
fatigue

Leaving this condition untreated and hoping it’ll sort itself out is asking for trouble. It can lead to serious complications if the infection spreads. If you have any of these symptoms, have it checked out as soon as you can by a doctor.

Treating the condition

Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you don’t have severe stomach cramps, your symptoms aren’t too bad, and you’re able to hold down food and liquids, your doctor will most likely suggest:

A course of antibiotics and some antispasmodic drugs to relieve stomach cramps.
Changes to your diet; bland foods and clear liquids until you start feeling better.
An increase in your fibre intake as soon as your symptoms start to clear.

Sometimes, the symptoms can become so severe that you’re unable to hold down food and liquids. In that case, you will need an IV drip to receive medicine and liquids. This will also help your bowels and digestive tract to rest so you can heal faster.

Healing foods

As you recover, your doctor will recommend a liquid diet, followed by bland low-fibre food. Good examples of what to eat and drink when you have diverticulitis include:

Broths
Tea without milk
Clear fruit juice without pulp
Water
Refined white bread
White rice, pasta or noodles
Fruity ice lollies without pips or pulp

Foods that aggravate diverculitis:

Popcorn
Sesame and flaxseeds
Red meat
Processed or deep-fried foods
Spicy foods

When in doubt, talk to your doctor about what you should and shouldn’t be eating. If you find that any food makes your symptoms worse, it’s a good idea to cut that out.

Keep diverticulitis at bay

Eat more fibre as you recover. Fibre softens up the stools, helping them to pass through your intestines easily. You’ll also suffer less with cramps and constipation by upping your fibre intake. Doctors recommend:

Include more fruit, vegetables and wheat bran in your diet.
Drink at least six glasses of water a day.
Go to the doctor regularly to monitor your condition.
Take probiotics to regulate the bacteria in your gut and to help fight inflammation.
Maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that an unhealthy weight can make you more likely to suffer from diverticulitis.

References

What is Coeliac disease, and how is it treated?

October 31st, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Gluten-free diets have become very popular, and now it’s easier than ever to find gluten-free food. Is it necessary though? Probably not. Unless you actually have coeliac disease – a severe gluten allergy.

What Is Coeliac Disease?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. And for people who have coeliac disease, gluten damages their small intestine, which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from food and drink. Coeliac disease often goes undiagnosed, which is where the danger comes in, as it can damage organs. However, with the right treatment, it can be managed completely.

What are the Symptoms of Coeliac Disease?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are a few common symptoms. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms of coeliac disease:

Recurring diarrhoea
Bloated stomach – especially after eating
Heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux
Children that aren’t growing or developing normally
Unexplained or unintentional weight loss

Who’s at Risk for Coeliac Disease?

Even though you might not experience symptoms, there are certain factors which put you at risk of coeliac disease:

If you have another disease, for example Type 1 Diabetes, which often occurs together with coeliac disease
If you have a close relative such as a parent, sibling, or child with coeliac disease
If you have health problems like osteoporosis and iron deficiency, which can be caused by coeliac disease

If you have any of these risk factors, then speak to your doctor about screening for coeliac.

Healthy Living with Coeliac Disease

Naturally, the first major step is maintaining a gluten-free diet. It’s also important to:

Keep informed about your condition, and research quality websites and support groups
Focus on your overall health: commit to living gluten-free, eating well and exercise regularly
Find out which restaurants cater for gluten-free diners, ask when you’re making a reservation and make sure that they can accommodate your dietary requirements
If you have a child with coeliac disease, let friends’ parents know that your child can’t eat gluten.
Plan ahead – if you’re going to be travelling thing about what gluten-free food you can take with you, if your options are limited.

Gluten-Free Food Shopping

It’s not as difficult as it may seem. Just be sure to go for fresh, unprocessed foods that are naturally gluten-free. This includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy products and certain grains such as rice and pure oats. Corn, soy, millet, sorghum, buckwheat, and quinoa are also gluten-free grains.

It’s also important to get into the habit of checking nutritional labels on packaged foods, drinks, snacks and even medication.

What is Irritable Bowel syndrome?

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects your large intestine (colon), causing abdominal discomfort. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to your colon.

Causes and Triggers of IBS

Triggers for IBS can range from gas or pressure on your intestines to certain foods, medications or emotions. Many people find their symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods. For instance, chocolate, milk and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhoea. Likewise, fizzy drinks and certain fruit and vegetables can also lead to bloating and discomfort in some people who have IBS.

Most people with IBS find that their symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as a change in their daily routine. However, while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn’t cause them.

Symptoms of IBS

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person, and often resemble those of other diseases. The most common symptoms include:

Feeling bloated
Abdominal pain or cramping
Gas (flatulence)
Mucus in the stool
Diarrhoea or constipation — sometimes even alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea

Many people only have mild symptoms, but because these can occur alongside other more serious diseases, it’s best to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.

Diagnosis of IBS

Diagnosis of IBS requires a complete medical history and physical examination, often to rule out other possible causes. Abdominal pain, together with discomfort lasting more than 12 months, are the most important symptoms. After this, changes in the frequency or consistency of your stool, straining, urgency or a feeling that you can’t empty your bowels completely, mucus in your stool, bloating or abdominal distension are all considered.

Your doctor will assess how you fit these criteria, as well as whether you have any other signs or symptoms that might suggest another, more-serious condition. Red flag signs and symptoms include:

New onset after the age of 50
Rectal bleeding
Weight loss
Fever
Nausea or recurrent vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea that is persistent or awakens you from sleep

Treatment of IBS

Because it’s not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms. In most cases, you can successfully control mild symptoms of IBS by avoiding trigger foods, learning to manage stress, and making changes to your lifestyle.

Your doctor may also suggest taking certain supplements or prescription medications, depending on your symptoms and how severe they are. If you have more questions, why not ask one of our doctors? They’re available 24/7, 365 days a year!

Rotavirus – the Bug behind the Upset Stomach

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

There’s been another outbreak of runny tummies at your child’s aftercare – what’s causing it, and how do you prevent it from happening again and again?

Rotavirus is the most common cause of serious diarrhoea among babies and toddlers, so the chances are good that this is what’s triggering the runs. Rotavirus is highly contagious, and affects babies and young children, causing nasty bouts of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and tummy ache.

Rotavirus infections spring up quickly, especially where a lot of children are gathered together, for example at aftercare or crèche. The virus spreads quickly through contact with the stools from an infected child, even when people do their best to keep things hygienic and sanitary. The good news is there is there are a number of vaccines available to help protect against rotavirus, so speak to your paediatrician if it’s an ongoing issue with your child. Depending on the brand of vaccine, it can be administered from the age of 2 months, and an infant usually needs 2 or 3 doses.

What are the Symptoms of Rotavirus?

We spoke to Hello Doctor’s Dr Russell about the symptoms of rotavirus, as well as other important information you need to know about it. Here’s what he had to say:

“Vomiting is often the first symptom, usually followed by a fever and severe diarrhoea. Your child might have episodes of diarrhoea on and off for a week or so, or they could suffer from severe diarrhoea for up to 8 days. Either way, the most important thing here is to make sure your child stays hydrated, as children can become dehydrated very quickly. Keep your eyes on them!”

Is Rotavirus Dangerous?

Diarrhoea, especially when it occurs alongside vomiting and fever, is a huge risk factor, as babies and toddlers can become dehydrated very quickly. It’s important to keep feeding your baby breast milk or formula, and watch closely for signs of dehydration, such as having only 1 wet nappy in a 12-hour period.

Find Out More about Rotavirus

If you want to talk to a doctor about the rotavirus vaccine, or get trusted and professional medical advice, you can do it at any time! Simply sign up on our website. download the free Hello Doctor app from the Google Play or iTunes store. Then you can ask our doctors a question via text or call, anytime, anywhere!

How to Identify and Treat the Rotavirus Bug

Your doctor will diagnose rotavirus based on your child’s symptoms, and a test on a stool sample might also be done to confirm the diagnosis, although this is usually only done if your child has any other health conditions which make it necessary. Keeping your child hydrated and comfortable are the most important steps in treating rotavirus. Plain water won’t provide the right electrolytes or nutrients your child needs if they have diarrhoea or vomiting, and your doctor may recommend an oral rehydration drink especially for babies and children. Always check with your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medication, and don’t give children sports drinks as they don’t have the right balance of nutrients their bodies need.

Rotavirus Dehydration Danger Signs

Babies or young children need medical treatment in a hospital if they become severely dehydrated. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately if your baby has any of these signs of severe dehydration:

•    A lack of interest in playing and extreme sleepiness – hard to wake baby up
•    Sunken eyes without tears
•    A dry mouth and tongue.
•    A sunken soft spot on top of the head.
•    A rapid heartbeat and fast breathing
•    No wet nappies in more than 12 hours

Although it’s difficult to prevent children from catching rotavirus, the vaccine is a good start. Personal hygiene also plays an important role in protecting children from all sorts of germs – sterilising bottles and teats, washing your hands thoroughly and making sure that changing surfaces are cleaned properly.

How to find out if you have ulcers

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

How easy is it to get an ulcer? Do they just affect older people? Well, the answers are ‘easier than you think’, and ‘no’, but let’s look at the details.

What are ulcers?

Basically, an ulcer is an open wound. The most common kind are peptic ulcers which form in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.

What causes ulcers?

Previously, people used to believe that ulcers were caused by spicy food, alcohol or stress. Today we know that most peptic ulcers are caused by:

1. A certain group of bacteria. H. pylori is a group of bacteria that lives in the stomach and small intestine. This bacteria can cause an infection that leads to ulcers. They live and grow in the stomach, but not everyone with the bacteria gets ulcers. It seems that a combination of H. pylori infection and the level of acid in the stomach may be the cause.

2. Medications. Certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) painkillers (aspirin or ibuprofen) used to fight inflammation. If these are taken in high daily doses over a long period of time, they can cause ulcers in some people.

3. Smoking: Smoking increases ulcer risk because nicotine causes the stomach to produce more acid. Drinking a lot of alcohol each day for a period of time can also increase your chances of getting an ulcer. The reason? Over time alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and intestines.

4. Stress: In certain circumstances stress can help cause ulcers, but usually it’s the kind of stress triggered by serious illness.

How do I know if I have an ulcer?

Stomach pain is the most common symptom of an ulcer. It can feel like a series of sharp aches between your breastbone and belly button. While the pain often comes a few hours after eating, it can also happen during the night or early morning, when your stomach is empty. Taking an antacid medication or eating something may ease the pain for a while. Other symptoms of ulcers can include:

loss of appetite and weight loss
sudden, sharp stomach pains
nausea, frequent burping or bouts of hiccups
vomiting (if blood is in the vomit or the vomit looks like coffee grounds, call your doctor immediately)
bloody or blackish stool (this could indicate a serious problem, so see your doctor right away)

If you think you have an ulcer, see your doctor without delay. If left untreated, an ulcer can go from being a discomfort to becoming a serious problem.

Is your heartburn medication harming you?

July 28th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s easy to turn to your trusty antacid whenever heartburn kicks in, but relying on these popular pills may be hurting your health.

Studies show that long-term use of certain heart burn medication, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase your risk for:

Kidney damage

Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine discovered that taking PPIs for long periods can put you at risk of serious kidney damage, even if you have no history of kidney problems.. According to Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the senior author of the study, kidney problems can develop silently and gradually over time, impairing kidney function and leading to long-term kidney damage, and ultimately, renal failure.

Bacterial infections

In a study published in Gut, PPIs were found to alter your gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in the digestive tract), and increase your risk for gastrointestinal diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, obesity and fatty liver disease. Researchers found that regular users of PPIs had a 65% increase in Clostridium difficile (C.diff), a bacteria known to cause diarrhoea. What’s more, the study found the effects of PPIs were greater than antibiotics or other commonly used drugs.

Taking PPIs for longer than a year can increase your risk for hip fractures by an alarming 260%, says Dr. Murray, author of What the Drug Companies Won’t Tell You and Your Doctor Doesn’t Know. “Evidence suggests that PPIs may disrupt bone remodelling, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures.”

Heart attack

After examining over 16 million clinical documents on 2.9 million people, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine found that using PPIs can increase your risk for heart attack. This was especially true for patients who had already suffered a heart attack. Results from the study found a two-fold increase in dying from heart disease in those who regularly took PPIs compared to those who did not.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

PPIs interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12,. Vitamin B12 is important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. A vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies found in senior citizens, and has been linked to several health conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

How, then, do I beat the burn?

Never go to bed with a full stomach. Eat at least three hours before you lie down. This will give your food time to digest and empty from your stomach. It will also give acid levels a chance to simmer down.
If your heartburn worsens when you lie down, raise the head of your bed so your head and chest are higher than your feet. Use pillows to elevate your head at least 15cm above your feet.
Don’t overeat. Eat smaller portions or try to eat four to five small meals instead of three large ones.
Take your time when you eat. The faster you eat, the harder your stomach has to work and the more likely you are to suffer from heartburn. Chew your food slowly, and put down your fork between bites.
Onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, and spicy foods are known to bring on heartburn. Not sure which foods cause your symptoms? Keep a heartburn diary, and jot down when heartburn hits and the specific things you’re doing when it comes.
The nicotine in cigarettes can weaken your lower oesophageal sphincter. This muscle controls the opening between your oesophagus and stomach, and prevents acid and other stomach contents from going back up the oesophagus.
Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid, which can in turn, lead to heartburn.
Shed some weight. Losing that spare tyre can help relieve your symptoms.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothes that constrict your abdominal area can make digestion difficult, and heartburn more likely.
Constant stress can have a negative effect on your digestive system and raise acid levels in your stomach. Go for a walk, meditate or try yoga to help you relax.

References:

How to get rid of the big bad bloat

July 17th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Belly bloat. It just sounds awful. The good news is that it’s treatable, once you figure out what’s causing it.

Our digestive process is incredibly intricate. After a meal, acids in the body start digesting the food. Once the food has been chewed, it’s pushed by the tongue to the back of the mouth. From here, muscles move it further down the oesophagus and from there past a one-way valve, which is called the oesophageal sphincter. Once the food is in your stomach, it’s not supposed to move back up again, even if you are lying down, or if the stomach contracts.

Most commonly, bloat can be traced to food itself or issues with your digestive system. The types of food you eat can enable smooth or tricky digestion (and hence; bloating). Cape Town-based nutritional consultant Vanessa de Ascencao explains: “When foods are eaten in the “right” combinations, it moves through the digestive system with ease.”

For instance, she recommends that proteins and starches not be eaten together as these elements deactivate each other and prevent proper digestion of either food. It’s also not a good idea to mix too many fats together at one meal: heavy eating means that your digestive system takes a toll. “Imagine eating a handful of nuts, a teaspoon of olive oil and a slice of avocado all at the same time. Your system is taking in a bunch of fats and oils at one time. Choose one fat per meal,” recommends Ascencao.

When food is not your friend…

We get it! When you’re hungry, your lunch gets inhaled in a matter of seconds. Eating too fast is one of the main causes of bloating. As you wolf down your food, you’re also “wolfing down” large pockets of air that leads to ballooning. You’re also not giving your body enough time to digest the larger pieces of food, so you’re essentially just piling food on food without room and time to properly settle.

Drinking while eating is also asking for bloating trouble. Most carbonated drinks cause bloating, thanks to the carbon dioxide in the bubbles. Now if you pair this with food… just imagine. Rather, eat slowly, chewing your food into digestible morsels and sip your drink afterwards.

Love your salt? Your stomach doesn’t. Salt is a big culprit when it comes to bloating. High-sodium foods cause the body to retain water, which leads to a bloated feeling. Sodium can show up in some unlikely sources, especially in processed foods, so read your food labels. With this in mind, you may want to say no to your usual sandwich for lunch. A 2012 Centers for Disease Control study listed breads and rolls as the number-one source of sodium in the typical Western diet.

In fact, it’s a good idea to give everything you eat a good going-over. Keep a food diary. Particular bloating baddies include greasy, spicy and oily food. Dairy is also a difficult one for some tummies.

Other issues to consider

Food trickiness aside, bloating can also be caused by a malfunction in your digestive system.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent offender. If you have IBS, you might wake up with a flat tummy that distends and blows up as the day progresses. It starts when the normal rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated, interfering with the normal movement of food and waste. Symptoms include (besides bloating), spasms, gas and abdominal pain.
Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is common in people with IBS. Taking probiotics (“good microorganisms”) could make a significant difference. Ask your chemist or health shop for probiotic products to normalise your gut flora.
Diverticulitis; a painful digestive disease that happens when small pouches in the lining of the intestine become inflamed. Add wheat-bran and other fibre-rich foods to your diet and keep up your water intake.

It’s easy to dismiss bloating as a small issue, but if it persists and brings on pain, bowel problems, weight loss and blood in your stool – see your doctor immediately.

Ease the bloat

Eat more raw, fresh foods, especially sprouted foods like legumes and seeds.
Include other enzyme-rich foods like pineapple, mango, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, avocado, raw honey, bee pollen, extra virgin olive oil, and raw dairy products in your diet.
Don’t over-eat.
Chew your food thoroughly.
Stop chewing gum. Your body produces digestive enzymes unnecessarily because it’s tricked into believing it’s actually digesting something.
Some research suggests adding Vitamin D to your diet. It’s been found, in some trials, to soothe irritable bowel syndrome (which can cause bloating).

References

Why do we pass gas?

June 29th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

“Flatulence” is the medical term for releasing gas from the digestive system through the anus (farting). Each day, the intestines produce between 500ml and 2 liters of gas, which needs to be passed out at regular intervals to avoid discomfort.

What’s in the wind?
Gas produced in the intestines is made up of several different components:

The primary components of gas are 5 odourless gases: nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen.
The unpleasant smell comes from gases such as skatole, indole, and sulfur-containing compounds.
Your gas is flammable! This component is caused by hydrogen and methane gases.

Everyone has unique wind! The make-up of the wind that you pass will depend on the foods you eat and your specific digestive enzymes.

How is gas produced?

Gas production within the digestive system accumulates via:

Swallowed air – the mouth isn’t vacuum-sealed, so small quantities of air are swallowed along with food and liquid. Oxygen that is needed is absorbed into the bloodstream, any excess is left floating around!
Normal digestion – when foods hits the stomach, stomach acid mixes with digestive enzymes and produce gas (carbon dioxide) as a by-product.
Intestinal bacteria – helpful bacteria help digestion by fermenting certain foods. This fermentation creates gas as a by-product. Some of this gas is absorbed by the bloodstream and breathed out, the rest is pushed along the bowel.
High fibre foods – while fibre is essential to the health of the digestive system, it can create excessive gas. The small intestine can’t break down certain compounds, which means extra work for the gas-producing intestinal bacteria… and therefore, more gas!
Lactose intolerance – in those with lactose intolerance, the inability to digest certain sugars in cow’s milk produces excessive amounts of intestinal gas.
Intolerance of short-chain carbohydrates other than lactose – certain people may be susceptible to gas production from fermentation of other foods, including fructose, found in certain fruits.

What’s normal, what’s not?
The average person will pass gas around 14 times a day. “Increased flatulence” refers to passing gas more than 14 times a day. “Excessive flatulence” refers to passing gas more than 20 times per day.

Keeping your gas under control
Flatulence itself is not harmful and won’t cause you any long-term damage. The social impact of it, however, just might. Here are some tips of how to keep a lid on your gas:

Track your triggers. Keeping a food journal can help – logging down specific foods you eat and how your belly responds goes a long way in learning what to avoid
Chew slowly. Your mom was right! Eating and chewing slowly reduces the amount of air you swallow
Lay off the chewing gum. Every time you chew, you swallow little pockets of air
Stay away from fizzy drinks and drinking with a straw. Fizzy drinks are full of gas that will simply add to your internal stores! Drinking with a straw increases the amount of gas we swallow. Stick to plain water instead.
Eat your fruit, don’t drink them. Certain fruits contain products that your body has difficulty in breaking down. Fruit juices are highly concentrated, making gas production inevitable!

When to see your doctor
Occassional excess flatulence and bloating is normal. However, see your doctor if irregular flatulence is accompanied by

Abdominal pain or swelling
Vomiting/diarrhoea/ chronic constipation
Heartburn
Unintentional weight loss
Blood in stool

References
http://www.healthline.com/symptom/flatulence
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/flatulence_gas/article_em.htm
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/flatulence