Bloating and some constipation

[Laura P.]

Let me preface this by saying I tried a green drink, and it caused bloating.  Prior to that at the beginning of January, I have had some bloating problems.  I'd been wanting to diet, as I was about 40 pounds overweight.  I have had around 6 or 7 bouts of this, and also, some constipation.  I have been on probiotics for over a week, and I just got some digestive enzymes yesterday.

I have for the past few weeks cut out 100% processed food & sugar, all restaurant & fast food, too.  Still, I have a flare-up, from mild to moderate in intensity as far as bloating and discomfort go.  I've never had these kinds of problems before in my life.  I am 59 years old.  I am going to see a gynecologist tomorrow, but my pap test was negative (but the another place wanted me to do a more invasive test), but I want to rule the more serious things out, so I'll see her tomorrow.  My g.i. doctor said he didn't think it was anything serious, and I was tested negative for celiac disease, but 4 out the 5 last days of minor to moderate bouts I do not consider "normal".

I'm exercising 5 days/week now regularly, and eating cooked vegetables & lean organic chicken, meat & fish with gluten free oatmeal for breakfast.  I would like to add a green drink in that is mild.

Have any of you experienced these symptoms?  What would you recommend??  And, is there hope??  

[Ten]

Yes I have. I am 38 and fit and not overweight at all. I have been 90% raw for 9mths now. 

I did have a period of about 2 months that my stomach was as hard as a rock sticking out like I was 6mths pregnant. I too was worried. My GP said its just all the fiber dont worry.

Anyway i seem to have found the problem. I was adding starchy veges to all my green smoothies. I was having 2 smoothies a day and I was blending things like brocoli and cabbage and carrots all with greens and fruit. 

I stopped doing that and the problems just went away. Occasionaly my stomach bloats a bit more than I would like but I just put it down to so much raw veges and fibre  etc. It seems to settle after a while. 

Cut out all natural sugar and see if that helps. I know I consume alot of natural sugars in my raw treats. Things like too many dates and raw honey can sometimes affect people.

[nathalie carles]

 I have a question: do you drink a lot of water?

For constipation drink a liter of water on waking up (before breakfast) it is extremely efficient. And all day long drink....drink...drink..water. Have you also tried steamed green vegetables (leeks, brocolis, cabbage, etc....) ? Very helpful too.

Also, put some dried prunes in water before you go to bed and drink the juice on waking up....(then the  liter of water).

Water is the best weapon against constipation. But you have to drink a lot of it.

[Laura P.]

Yes, I've increased my water to 8 cups/day to 16 cups/day, as much as I can.  My constipation is improved.  I am on the anti-fungal diet to get rid of any built-up yeast problems.  I didn't know that broccoli and brussel sprouts cause gas/bloating, or at least exacerbate the problem, so I'll cut some of those out.  I'm supposed to add greens like spinach, etc. instead.  But, I can't juice right now, as I get bloated.  I need to heal my stomach problem FIRST, then try juicing.  

I read way too much on the Internet and it scared the crap out of me~~regarding could I have cancer? Is this ovarian cancer?  Or is it something else, even a GI bleed.  Well, I'm going to my gynecologist for testing on Mon., but it is worrisome.  My GI nurse said cancer is not typically associated with bloating, or vv. I mean.  So, I hope and pray she is right in my case.  Ovarian symptoms are bloating, frequent urination, constipation, and back pain.  Bloating, she said, can be many things.  I have bloating now.  And, my age is also a factor at 59 for G.I. symptoms and problems.

[Jane W Smith]

I think the trick, and you're half way there, is to ease up even on the leafy greens and let your system adjust to the increase in fiber.  It's the fiber that can cause the bloating when your system isn't used to it.  And the point about not mixing starchy vegetables in your smoothies is a good one.  Bad combo, sometimes.  Victoria Boutenko (Green for Life --an excellent read)  recommends using just some fruit and leafy greens. Don't get fancy with other vegetables.  (On the other hand, cukes and peppers count as fruits. )  Good luck!

[Laura P.]

Thanks girls!

[kelley etzel]

Blazin Jane, how did the appointment go? i read your post and was concerned for you and hoping that things are okay! Kelley

[Laura P.]

My appointment went fine with the gynecologist.  She is a very fine & thorough doctor, and she said I didn't have ovarian cancer, as apparently when you do, it is similar to a tumor or mass that increases in size.  

But, I am still worried about my digestive system~~wherever I'm not sure is the problem, so I probably am going to have to go back to my G.I. specialist.  What's happened is this.  I am on 2 probiotic pills in the am; then,for lunch and dinner I take 2 digestive enzyme pills with my larger meals.  I have found I have a reaction to red meat, so I'm cutting that out completely now.  I eat chicken & fish, and it seems to be more agreeable, BUT, I still have minor inflammation problems sometimes at night.  I woke up feeling something at 2 am night before last.  THIS IS SCARY.  Last night I felt "something" like low level inflammation, turned on my left side, then, eventually it went away and I was able to sleep till 5:15 am, but it would have been nice to sleep longer.  So, thanks for asking, though. 

I'm wondering if I should do a gall bladder/liver flush cleanse.  What do you or anybody think of those??

[Danielle R.]

Hi Laura,

I'm so sorry you are going through this. It must be very frustrating.

Has your doctor done a blood test on you called a CA-125?

My mom was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer just over a year ago, but this was after several years of 'mysterious' gastrointestinal symptoms: bloating, intermittent pain, elimination changes. The cancer wasn't discovered until her gynecologist recommended that she get this CA-125 blood test. Please, please ask your doctor for it.

Regarding the gall bladder flush, a mother of my mom's friend followed the Gerson diet 100%, including flushes, and had great success with it. I think they were coffee enemas that worked to help flush the gall bladder/liver, I would check with the Gerson site.

You are very wise to try to get as much information as possible, from many different sources, including conventional as well as holistic.

I wish you the best, you seem like a strong and determined woman.

Warm regards,

Danielle