Gastric Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Your bowels are tasked with removing waste and toxins from your body, as well as absorbing salts, liquids, nutrients, indigestible vitamins. They do it to extract all possible nutrients that weren’t digested in the stomach and maintain the balance of electrolytes in your system.

When your bowels are not functioning well, they collect the waste and toxins they’re supposed to get rid of, resulting in various diseases and health issues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, obstructed bowels lead to kidney and liver-related health problems. In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about bowel obstruction, symptoms that should serve as warning signals, and the natural home remedies needed to fix and prevent it.

What causes gastric obstructions? 

The reasons for obstructed bowels are plentiful, such as hernias, cysts, tumors, etc. Another reason is overeating foods that are harmful to our bodies, such as food rich in preservatives and other chemicals. These chemicals lead to a buildup of mucus in the guts, which releases toxins that can damage the body. Another cause is a buildup of fecal matter or foreign bodies in the lower intestine. 

 

Bezoars can also cause gastric obstructions. Bezoars are a fibrous lump that forms in the stomach, and the most common type is formed of undigested pieces of food. They are mainly composed out of plant cellulose, most common in unripe fruit and persimmons. 

 

Men are in a higher risk group for contracting phytobezoars in their stomachs, with symptoms that include upper gastric pains, feeling full soon after beginning to eat, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and loss of weight. Symptoms only appear in 10-25% of the cases, making phytobezoars hard to diagnose, and can lead to gastric obstructions. 

 

What happens when your gastrointestinal system is obstructed? 

 

When the small intestine is blocked, it will begin contracting in order to move its content beyond the obstruction, which can lead to frequent diarrhea. In later stages, it will become less effective, causing a buildup of water and electrolytes that can lead to dehydration. The obstruction will also create pressure on the intestinal walls, and if left untreated – will only get worse. This can lead to venous drainage obstruction, a rising of the diaphragm, and a suppression of the lungs’ function. 

 

The obstruction itself will aid in the bacterial buildup, in particular, E-Coli, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus Faecalis. The bacteria colonies will grow very quickly, increasing the chances of gangrene and intestinal punctures. 

 

Patients lose their ability to pass feces and gasses along the intestine, causing swelling and increasing stomach pains. The large intestine will expand due to the buildup of bacterium, liquids, feces and gasses.

Which symptoms can indicate an obstruction? 

Symptoms can be evidence of obstruction caused be stomach cramping or phytobezoars. Once you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you pay a visit to your family doctor, to evaluate the nature of the obstruction. Not all symptoms may appear, but they will appear in these general groups: 

 

Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, lethargy and swelling. 

 

Headaches, memory loss, blurred vision. 

 

Burning sensation in the upper digestive system. 

 

Weight gain, lack of energy and indigestion. 

 

Ulcers in the stomach and Duodenum, ulcerative colitis and stomach inflammation. 

 

Urinary tract infections and inflammation of the kidneys. 

 

Constant colds, allergies, joint pains and chronic diseases.

Treatments: 

The most basic treatment is hooking the patient up to an IV, which can only be performed by a doctor. In some cases, the obstructions can be relieved by using a nasogastric tube, and in severe cases, an operation will be required. An enema may help in some cases, but if performed incorrectly – can lead to internal bleeding. 

 

The simplest, natural treatment for intestinal obstruction is eating 1-3 tablespoons of flax seeds, combined with 100-15ml of Kefir (a type of fermented milk drink) for three days. Flax seeds help the body dispose of fecal matter, mucus and parasites. Additionally, flax seeds can help prevent several forms of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and even help lower cholesterol levels. Kefir contains many probiotic bacteria, enzymes, vitamin B12 and proteins, all of which are good for your body. Kefir also helps in restoring the gastric biome and is lactose-free. 

 

To clear your intestines from obstructions, add kefir and flax seeds to your breakfast in this manner: 

 

1st week: 100ml of kefir and one tablespoon of flax seeds 

 

2nd week: 100ml of kefir and two tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

3rd week: 150ml of kefir and three tablespoons of flax seeds 

 

Additionally, drink at least two liters of water every day.

Prevention: 

The best way to unblock a phytobezoar obstruction is by eating food that is high in protein and low in fiber. Once the blockage is gone, follow these dietary tips to heal and prevent reoccurrences. 

 

 Beverages: It is advised that you keep your body well hydrated. Drink fruit-shakes, water, and sports drinks that are rich in electrolytes. Avoid high-fat dairy. 

 

Dairy: Stick to low-fat or fat-free products. 

 

Grains and bread: Fiber from whole grain tends to slow down the digestive process. Focus on plain white bread, pasta, and regular grain.

 

Fruits and vegetables: Boiled or canned fruits and vegetables are the way to go. Avoid eating the skin. Watermelon, melons, and bananas can be consumed fresh. Avoid high-fiber fruits and vegetables. 

 

Meat and meat substitutes: Protein is essential to the healing process. Stick to skinless chicken or turkey meat. Other kinds of lean meat, such as fish, eggs and tofu are also good. 

 

Other: Avoid fried foods and use as little butter as possible. Boiled or steamed foods are the most recommended. Minimize the use of seasoning and fatty sauces and dressings.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Health Benefits of Grape Fruits

Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit that is well known for its sweet and somewhat sour taste. This fruit is rich in nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits that you can consume. Research has shown that it has a host of health benefits, and 8 of these can be found below.

1. Helps Treat Influenza

Grapefruit is a good remedy for influenza as it helps to minimize the acidity in the body. The bitterness of grapefruits comes from an essence known as naringin, which is also a very powerful antioxidant. Due to the presence of this compound, grapefruits have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, making them excellent line of defense for the immune system, protecting against influenza and other serious conditions. 

 

2. Can Help Treat Malaria 

Grapefruits contain quinine which can help in the treatment of malaria, as well as arthritis, lupus, and nocturnal leg cramps. Quinine can be easily extracted from the fruit by boiling a quarter of a grapefruit and straining the pulp. 

 

3. Can Help Fight Fatigue 

Drinking equal amounts of grapefruit juice and lemon juice is a refreshing way to boost your energy levels. Nootkatone is a rare and important compound found in grapefruits, and it improves energy metabolism in the body through AMPK activation. This results in higher endurance and energy, a reduction in the chances of developing diabetes, and increased weight loss.

4. Helps promote sleep

A glass of grapefruit juice before bed can promote healthy sleep and alleviate the symptoms and repercussions of insomnia. This is due to the presence of tryptophan, the chemical that causes tiredness after meals. The levels of this chemical in grapefruit juice allows us to nod off peacefully. 

 

5. Helps to Eliminate Constipation  

A glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is a great remedy for constipation. The juice stimulates the colon and other parts of the body that are responsible for the digestion process. This is due to the stimulating effect fiber has on the secretion and stimulation of gastric juices that ease the constriction of the digestive tract, allowing a bowel movement.

6. Treats Urinary Disorders 

Grapefruits are rich in potassium and vitamin C, so it’s one of the best treatments available for dangerously reduced urination that is often caused by heart, liver, or kidney problems. Furthermore, the potassium works as a vasodilator, meaning that it helps blood vessels and arteries to relax, reducing blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. To add to this, increased consumption of potassium has been linked with higher cognitive function due to increased blood and oxygen flow to the brain. 

 

7. Helps Aid Weight Loss

Grapefruits are a bulky food that are extremely high in fiber. This means that they are filling and help prevent people from overeating. Furthermore, they help to stimulate the production of cholecystokinin, a hormone that regulates digestive juices and acts as a hunger suppressant. 

 

8. Helps to Remove Flatulence  

Just 10-20 drops of grapefruit juice, taken before meals, can work as an appropriate pro-biotic and digestive enzyme, relieving excess gas and stomach discomfort. Some Words of Warning Despite all these health benefits, you should not take medicine and consume grapefruits at the same time. The reason for this is that certain chemicals in this fruit, such as naringin, can interact negatively with various drugs and cause damage to your organs. Therefore, if you regularly consume grapefruits, you should consult your doctor before beginning any new treatments.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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How Much Fiber Is TOO Much? Signs of Excess Fiber Intake

Reduced blood pressure, a healthier immune system, a lower risk of constipation, and less inflammation - the benefits of fiber are pretty impressive. But can you go overboard with your daily fiber intake? It turns out that you can have too much of a good thing, especially if you’re taking fiber supplements or trying to increase your fiber intake. And let us tell you, the symptoms of too much fiber are not pleasant... Here’s what you need to know about the signs and treatment of excessive fiber intake.

THE BASICS OF FIBER

 

Fiber is defined as the edible parts of plants that cannot be digested or absorbed by the human body. Fiber doesn’t contain any nutrients that our body can turn into energy. Yet we are told that a diet rich in fiber is essential for our overall health, but why? It turns out that even the parts of plants we cannot digest play a big role in our digestive health, our immune system, cardiovascular health, blood sugar management, and even chronic disease prevention.

Fiber exists in two forms, and both of these forms are associated with their own health benefits: 

 

Soluble fiber from foods like oats, apples, nuts, seeds, oranges, and legumes, is called ‘soluble’ because it can mix with water, forming a gel-like substance. Soluble fiber serves as food for the beneficial gut bacteria, who help break down the food in the large intestine. As a result, the body gets more nutrients from the foods we eat. Soluble fiber helps the body break down food more gradually, which lowers the risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. It is important for weight loss, too, as it helps you feel full faster. 

 

Insoluble fiber, which is present in such foods as leafy greens, fruit skins, root vegetables, and whole grains adds bulk to bowel movements and balances the pH level in your intestine. It helps digested food pass through the GI tract more smoothly and quickly, which reduces gut inflammation and may prevent gut issues like colon cancer and diverticulitis. 

 

It’s evident that fiber does a lot for our health, but how much of it is ideal? 

 

 The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lists the following recommendations: 

 

 -25 g per day for adult women 

 

-38 g per day for adult men 

 

-less fiber for 50+ years: 21 g for women, 30 g for men.

It’s interesting that most American adults don’t meet these daily recommendations. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, over 97% of men and 90% of women do not reach the recommended fiber intake. Given that many Americans rely on processed and fast foods that contain very little fiber, this is hardly surprising. 

 

Still, this is not to say that overdoing it with fiber is uncommon or unnecessary to discuss. In fact, the symptoms of a rapid increase in fiber keep many people away from a healthier diet. If you’ve ever had too much chili or happened to overindulge on breakfast bean burritos one day, you’ll know what we mean.

Who is more likely to overdo it with the fiber and when?  

The majority of people experience the symptoms of getting too much fiber when they increase their fiber intake very rapidly or suddenly switch to a plant-based or vegan diet. It takes time for our digestive system to get used to that much fiber, so fluctuations in your fiber intake may cause a number of unpleasant digestive issues. 

 

Since most Americans don’t get enough fiber every day, it’s possible to experience symptoms of having too much fiber if you eat as little as 45g of fiber, although most scientific articles define the symptoms of excessive fiber intake when people have 70 g of fiber a day or more. Those symptoms are: 

 

-Feeling too full 

 

-Bloating and flatulence 

 

-Constipation or diarrhea 

 

-Dehydration 

 

-Stomach cramps 

 

-Nausea.

There is also some evidence suggesting that too much fiber can impair the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, namely magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. This, in turn, could potentially lead to a nutrient deficiency. But if you’re getting your fiber from whole foods and not fiber supplements, you needn’t worry about this according to research. This is because plant-based foods are naturally much richer in these minerals, so you’ll have your bases covered. Generally speaking, you don’t need to worry about excessive fiber consumption, unless you experience many unpleasant symptoms.

In a statement to Huffington Post, nutritionist Alyssa Northrop pointed out the following, “People in some cultures eat much more fiber than the average American, and they tend to have less chronic disease. So the issue isn’t really about eating too much fiber ― it’s about eating more fiber than your body is used to. It takes time for your digestive system and the bacteria in your gut to adjust to a higher fiber diet.” 

 

To reduce your risk of experiencing constipation and flatulence as you try and meet your daily fiber needs, reintroduce fiber-rich foods slowly and gradually. Finding how much fiber you can tolerate is a delicate balance, so start small and increase the amount every week or two. If the unpleasant symptoms reappear, reduce the dose again for another week or two. In time, you’ll be able to meet the recommended daily fiber requirements without feeling pain or discomfort. 

 

Lastly, it’s important to vary your sources of fiber. If you’re only eating oatmeal and legumes to meet your fiber needs, add in some cooked vegetables that are easier to absorb for the body, or some fresh fruit and nuts. Diversifying your fiber sources is able to reduce the likelihood of getting unpleasant symptoms. 

 

All in all, the fiber content of plant foods shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods. If you’re experiencing discomfort when you try to include more plant foods, we listed a few useful tips for you to consider.

What can you do if you had too much fiber? 

 

If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort and you suspect that too much fiber is the cause, there are several things that can help.

1. Increase Fluid Consumption 

Drink more water or any other liquid to hydrate your body. As we’ve mentioned above, soluble fiber can actually absorb water, which can actually slow down digestion and may contribute to constipation, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to counter that effect.

2. Light exercise 

Take a walk, clean the house, or do any type of physical activity you enjoy as often as possible to get your GI tract moving, too. 3. Avoid foods that increase bloating If you experience gas and indigestion when you eat fiber-rich foods, it’s likely because your gut microbiome isn’t accustomed to the fiber. To reduce the likelihood of bloating and flatulence, avoid foods that trap air in the digestive system, such as chewing gum or carbonated beverages. 

 

 

3. Reduce your fiber consumption 

If you’re taking a fiber supplement, stop taking it temporarily to ease your symptoms. Try to eat a more bland diet until your symptoms get better. 

 

Following these tips should have you feeling better in a few days. If this doesn’t happen, your symptoms are likely caused by something different. Conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), and other ailments have very similar symptoms. It’s safest to see your doctor and get a proper diagnosis.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Lactose Intolerance - Symptoms and Treatments

Did you know that more than half of the world population has lactose intolerance? A 2017 review article published in The Lancet states that 68% of all people are lactose intolerant. Even more astonishing is the fact that many people don’t realize that they have lactose intolerance, and simply accept the constant bloating, pain, and nausea as a part of life. 

 

Although it’s not life-threatening, lactose intolerance can be quite a bothersome health condition and one that can take the fun out of any family meal or restaurant outing. Get to understand this health condition better and learn how to reduce or even fully eliminate symptoms here.  

 

What is Lactose Intolerance?

Lactose intolerance and milk allergy - many use these terms interchangeably although they refer to different conditions. So let’s begin by differentiating between these diagnoses. 

 

Lactose intolerance is not an allergy. Instead, it’s a digestive condition where the body is unable to effectively break down a type of sugar called lactose. Naturally found in dairy products, lactose is a disaccharide, or a molecule consisting of two sugars - glucose and galactose. Disaccharides cannot be readily absorbed by the body and must be broken down into their basic components. When the body is lacking lactase, the enzyme that dissolves lactose, consuming dairy irritates the GI tract and triggers unpleasant symptoms. 

 

Lactose intolerance should be distinguished from a milk allergy, which is an immune condition that can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction. Milk allergies are typically triggered by the proteins in dairy. Compared to lactose intolerance which typically develops later in life, milk allergy is a lifelong condition.  

 

Causes and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

One can develop this condition for a variety of reasons. The most common cause lies in one’s genetics. Although most infants can digest lactose, the genes responsible for making lactase can “turn off” with age. This is why lactose intolerance is more likely to be diagnosed in adulthood - the older we get, the less lactase the body produces. 

 

This type of lactose intolerance is called primary lactase deficiency, or lactase non-persistence, and it disproportionately affects certain ethnic groups. Scientists believe that the ability to digest lactose is a genetic mutation acquired by some groups of humans in response to dairy farming. In the US, Asian Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, and Native Americans are all more likely to suffer from lactose intolerance. 

 

Another cause of lactose intolerance is an injury to the small intestine. GI infections, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease damage the intestines and diminish the ability to break down lactose. 

 

So what happens when undigested lactose ends up in the small intestine? Fluid and gas start to build up, producing many uncomfortable symptoms, namely: 

 

Bloating and flatulence 

 

Abdominal pain 

 

Nausea and vomiting 

 

Diarrhea and watery stools 

 

 Which Foods Trigger Lactose Intolerance?

Many people don’t realize that they are lactose intolerant because this condition varies in a case-by-case scenario. Some people can safely consume certain dairy products. For others, the dose makes the poison, and they can tolerate a moderate amount of any dairy. Generally speaking, milk products with higher sugar content, such as milk, heavy cream, ice cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and soft cheeses like mozzarella are more likely to trigger symptoms. 

 

Fermented dairy products, on the other hand, such as yogurt, butter, and hard cheeses have lower amounts of lactose and some even contain bacteria that break down lactose, so they may be better tolerated. 

 

In addition, please remember that lactose isn’t only present in dairy. It’s also a common additive in packaged foods, instant soup, salad dressings, pancake mix, chocolate, desserts, baked foods, and infant formula. If you notice that a specific food hurts your stomach, check the ingredients list for names like whey, curds, lactose, milk, cheese, cream, and butter.

 

How Lactose Intolerance is Diagnosed  

If you notice unpleasant symptoms after eating milk and dairy, you may have lactose intolerance. Your doctor may help you diagnose lactose intolerance and rule out other, more serious conditions, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

During the doctor’s visit, your physician will ask about your symptoms, examine your medical history, inquire about eating habits, and finally conduct a physical exam. A few weeks prior to the doctor’s visit, it would be great to keep track of the food you eat, especially dairy, and how it affects your well-being. You may also want to try excluding dairy from your diet for a few days and write down if you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Your doctor may also conduct one of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis: 

 

Hydrogen breath test - lactose intolerance creates higher levels of hydrogen in the breath. During this test, you’ll be asked to drink milk. After a few hours, you’ll need to breathe into a container a few times. Higher concentrations of hydrogen in your breath indicate that you have lactose intolerance.  

 

Lactose tolerance test - a blood test can also help diagnose lactose intolerance. During this test, you’ll be asked to drink milk. After 2 hours, you'll undergo a blood glucose test. If your glucose levels don't rise after consuming the milk, your body isn't properly breaking down and absorbing lactose.  

 

Stool acidity test - those who have trouble digesting lactose have higher levels of lactic acid and glucose in the stool. A stool acidity test can help diagnose the condition, although it is mostly used in infants and small children.  

 

Treatments of Lactose Intolerance 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for lactose intolerance. However, lactose intolerance is quite easy to manage with simple dietary changes and supplements. In fact, many lactose intolerance sufferers may not have to eliminate dairy completely. 

 

1. Lactose elimination diet

Dietary adjustments are the first step to combatting lactose intolerance. Start by eating different dairy products one at a time and observing your symptoms. Begin with small amounts, and if you don’t see any response, add a little more. Once you know which products trigger your symptoms the most, it would be wise to eliminate them completely or replace them with something else. For example, milk is generally the strongest irritant, so replacing it with lactose-reduced milk or plant milk alternative alone may improve your symptoms. 

 

Some people also find that mixing dairy with other foods - such as yogurt and granola or cheese and bread - makes these foods more tolerable. 

 

If you’re eliminating dairy products from your diet, it’s also advised to be mindful of your calcium intake. Dairy contains a lot of calcium, but you can also get it from green leafy vegetables, squash, almonds, pumpkin seeds, onions, sardines, and asparagus. Avoid taking a calcium supplement without your doctor’s advice, as these can be harmful to the kidneys.

 

2. Lactase supplements

So what do you do if you’re really craving ice cream but can’t have any due to your lactose intolerance? You don’t have to suffer the consequences. There is a magic pill, and it’s called a lactase supplement. These are pills or drops that contain synthetic lactase enzymes. If you take them right before you consume dairy, they will help break down the lactose for you and either reduce or completely eliminate the unpleasant symptoms. 

 

However, these supplements are not advised for children or pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. And there might be other restrictions too, so make sure to check with your doctor before you start taking these supplements. 

 

3. Probiotic supplements

You’re surely familiar with probiotics. If not, we have a whole article on the subject available here, but here’s a brief explanation too. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed, work to improve our gut microbiome. 

 

An increasing body of research suggests that consuming certain strains of probiotics found in fermented and non-fermented dairy can improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, it’s not yet known if these probiotics work for everyone, so take this last suggestion with a grain of salt. Of course, we’ll keep you posted if any new developments emerge on that front. 

 

All in all, lactose intolerance is certainly an unpleasant condition. It can mess with your day-to-day life, as eliminating dairy can get tricky, especially if you don’t cook or can’t prepare your own food at work, school, or when traveling. However, with a little trial and error, you will be able to find a diet that works for you and stop the uncomfortable gut symptoms once and for all.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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