Digestive System Questions and Answers - Experts advice and answers for all your digestion questions

I am bloated no matter what I eat. My stomach always feels like a balloon.

There are a variety of factors that may be involved here. Eating too quickly and neglecting to chew properly is one. Drinking with food is another.... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer from IBS and recently my symptoms have been burning stomach pain, bloating and terrible nausea. I don’t think these are the stomach issues usually associated with IBS. I gave up smoking 6 weeks ago so could this be causing these new symptoms?

There can be various reasons for burning stomach. I am not aware if smoking could be a contributory factor here. If you suffer from IBS this might be... Read the full answer 〉

What age do you stop having IBS?

Unfortunately, I am not aware of a specific age, as such, that IBS eases. IBS can be caused by different factors and can be tricky to treat. It is... Read the full answer 〉

I have a big stomach even though I am very active and most of my meals are home cooked. When I eat my stomach expands so I am wondering if it could be an underlying problem I am unaware of.

This sounds to me like it could be bloating related to poor digestion, rather than it being linked to weight. Therefore, I would focus on addressing... Read the full answer 〉

My gut flares up after certain foods and I often experience bloating and other symptoms. What will help?

Firstly, it would be useful to keep a food diary to help identify any food triggers. it may be worth avoiding certain foods whilst you focus on... Read the full answer 〉

I have a sandwich for lunch as don’t often have time to sit down, but I often experience a sore stomach mid afternoon – is it the wheat?

We know that how we eat can have just as big an impact as what we eat! My advice would be as follows: - Try and sit down and sit up straight before... Read the full answer 〉

Can corn cause problems with a IBS sufferer?

Most grains are capable of causing problems if your digestive system is under-powered, which tends to be the case if you are getting IBS... Read the full answer 〉

I'm very confused about sugars that are allowed...sugars are irritant to me but I was wondering if a fruit or vegetable is pureed does this mean it will be easier to digest even with high sugar content? Also I heard rice cakes are good for ibs... is this just white rice or wholegrain too? Thank you

When you say that sugars are irritant to you, do you mean that when you eat fruit or veggies they affect you? Even if cooked? Cooking fruit and veg... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve got Ibs and have been doing some research on red meat and was thinking about cutting it out of my diet as I eat a lot of it, but would like to know if it is ok to completely cut it out and just stick to white meat instead and do I need to take supplements instead?

The only problem you might find with cutting out red meat is a reduction in your sources of iron. However, with IBS you are unlikely to be absorbing... Read the full answer 〉

I have Ibs at the moment I have a very bad burning sensation in my stomach, usually worse after eating, also within an hour or so of eating I have to use the bathroom. My doctor prescribed mebeverine, I can not take it, as it makes me worse. Any help would be appreciated.

Firstly, it would be good if you implemented my General Eating Mechanics - rules for good digestion, which are listed here below. GEM •Always sit... Read the full answer 〉

I have IBS, my mum has it it too and possibly IBS-D since I suffer from diarrhoea. But I wondered if the diarrhoea could be from something else since my dad also suffers from diarrhoea but he doesn't have IBS.

Diarrhoea can be a feature of IBS or may be a stand-alone symptom that is due to something such as a food intolerance or food poisoning. It sounds as... Read the full answer 〉

I have been experiencing fatigue both mental and physical due to my IBS issues and it is quite distressing..I tend to develop a weird kind of brain fog which then triggers anxiety...it usually worsens if I don’t sleep well or if I have my periods. What do you suggest that I do? I’m very worried.

I suggest that you take a magnesium supplement - try Salus Haus's Floradix magnesium liquid, taken with your dinner in the evening. Also, take... Read the full answer 〉

I'm having intermittent gut and back pain that seem to get better after a bowel movement. I'm very constipated but once in a while loose stools. Is this a symptom of IBS? Thanks for your time.

IBS is a very loose 'diagnosis', that basically just means your gut is irritated - there are a large symptoms that get lumped under the... Read the full answer 〉

Can I eat sauerkraut or cabbage on a low FODMAP diet?

Yes to cabbage as this falls into the low FODMAP category. No to sauerkraut as this could potentially exacerbate symptoms initially. Best wishes, Ali Read the full answer 〉

What is the difference between indigestion and heartburn?

Indigestion basically means ‘poor digestion’ and describes some sort of disturbance in digestion in the initial stages of digestion (usually in... Read the full answer 〉

Do you have a remedy for heartburn?

Useful during a flare up of heartburn, try Silicol® gel. Silicol® gel is rich in silicic acid which coats the oesophagus, creating a protective... Read the full answer 〉

What foods should a person avoid if he or she has heartburn?

Eating habits are just as important as what you eat when it comes to heartburn. Try some of these top tips: Take your time and chew your food... Read the full answer 〉

How can I find out if I have low levels of stomach acid?

There are some simple tests you can carry out at home which can help determine if you aren’t producing enough stomach acid. These tests are not... Read the full answer 〉

When should I see my doctor if I have gastritis?

If the cause of your symptoms isn’t clear or if your symptoms are severe and fail to subside after a few days, a trip to your doctor may be... Read the full answer 〉

What are the symptoms of low stomach acid?

Often a cause for confusion - having too little stomach acid can actually produce symptoms similar to those of having too much. Some of these shared... Read the full answer 〉

Will Tormentil help my diarrhoea?

Tormentil can help to calm erratic contractions of the gut and maintain the normal, rhythmic contractions of the lower bowel. However, if your... Read the full answer 〉

How do I know if I have gastritis?

Symptoms of gastritis can vary in severity depending on the cause. Symptoms to look out for include: • Stomach pain... Read the full answer 〉

How long will my diarrhoea last?

How long your diarrhoea will last is dependent on the cause. Acute diarrhoea is the sudden onset of diarrhoea that typically doesn’t last any... Read the full answer 〉

Why is my stomach acid so important?

Your stomach acid is necessary for digestion. The parietal cells of the stomach produce hydrochloric acid, the main constituent of... Read the full answer 〉

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is the term used for inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. It is a fairly common condition with a range of causes: from eating... Read the full answer 〉

What should I do if I have diarrhoea?

If you suspect you have diarrhoea, keep an eye on your symptoms. If they last for more than four days or any warning signs are apparent such as... Read the full answer 〉

I keep getting acid reflux. Is there anything you can suggest to ease it?

Some of the most helpful ways of dealing with acid reflux are purely practical. Always sit down to eat but maintain good posture, keeping your... Read the full answer 〉

Whenever I eat something my tummy is really bloated. I am 63 and have had a lot of stress and colds.

Chew each mouthful very thoroughly – try to give each mouthful at least 20 chews. This may feel tortuous at first but if you bolt your food it is... Read the full answer 〉

Is there any particular bitter herb that can cure indigestion and bloating?

In my clinic I use Digestisan along with Good Eating Habits to get rid of indigestion and bloating. Digestisan should be taken before each meal where... Read the full answer 〉

I have had irritable bowel for as long as I can remember and now at 49 I am going through the change. I have been feeling so unwell. My tummy is constantly swollen like I am pregnant, I have lots of wind and discomfort (like cramps) and pain. I feel like someone has punched me in the stomach, it's that kind of ache. I have been to my doctor who sent me for endoscopy, transvaginal and lower abdominal scan and blood tests. I have regular smear tests yearly due to abnormal cells I had in 2005, hardly a day goes by that I don't feel unwell. Please help

Digestive problems are very common in the menopause and can be caused by several factors. Falling levels of oestrogen can affect the digestion... Read the full answer 〉

I have noticed since my menopause started my digestion is worse. What can I do?

Digestive problems are very common in the menopause and can be caused by several factors. Falling levels of oestrogen can affect the digestion... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer with IBS. For the past 10 days I have had a very bloated tummy. I have taken merbyntol daily. My diet is good - I drink lots of water and green tea, avoid bread etc when it is bad, as I know it can make my tummy worse. Could it be I need to change my medication? I have been on the same medication for years. I am going to the toilet regularly and it is normal.... What can you suggest?

Have you started your menopause yet? This often affects women’s digestion and adds to any problems they already had. It might be worth adding... Read the full answer 〉

What causes water retention? Can diet help?

Yes, you will find that avoiding caffeine and salty foods will reduce the tendency to fluid retention. It’s amazing how much salt is in foods that... Read the full answer 〉

Why do I get a bloated reaction when I eat any type of beef?

Beef is quite acid-forming and heavy on the human digestive system. Pork is the other meat that can cause this problem for people whose digestive... Read the full answer 〉

I have just had a colonoscopy and scope. All clear except for the start of an ulcer. I am so swollen I look pregnant. Everything I eat seems to make me swell. I have also done allergy testing. What can I do to get rid of this constant bloatedness?

If you have an ulcer starting then your digestive system is clearly not working very effectively. I suggest that to start with you read through my... Read the full answer 〉

I have been experiencing terrible bloating since birth of my second child. I am 51kgs and 156cm fit woman. What could be causing this awful bloating?

As I expect you know full well, having two children to run around after is very time consuming, and mothers in this position are rarely giving... Read the full answer 〉

I have recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol. How can I reduce?

To reduce cholesterol: 1. Cut high sugar foods and refined carbohydrates out of our diet, to stop them being converted into cholesterol.... Read the full answer 〉

What is the cause of acid reflux and what should I avoid eating

Tea and coffee can be culprits especially if you drink with or immediately after meals. Mixing fresh fruit with other foods can be a problem for... Read the full answer 〉

What are the best foods to eat to avoid bloating?

Chew each mouthful very thoroughly – try to give each mouthful at least 20 chews. This may feel tortuous at first but if you bolt your food it is... Read the full answer 〉

I get severe pain in my jaw whilst suffering from indigestion. What can I do?

This is often due to belated activity on the part of the glands in your jaw. They produce saliva, which contains digestive enzymes, and should... Read the full answer 〉

What would be a good pre-meal stomach stimulant to aid digestion and appetite?

Taking a herbal bitter is the best way to stimulate correct digestion. This is done on the Continent by eating a bitter green salad at the start of... Read the full answer 〉

What causes bloating?

There are a variety of factors that may be involved. Eating too quickly and neglecting to chew properly is one. Drinking with food is another, and... Read the full answer 〉

I have a really bloated stomach. What can I do to ease it?

How you treat bloating often depends on the cause of the problem, however in general, there are some self-help and lifestyle tips that can be helpful... Read the full answer 〉

What would be the best product for indigestion?

It depends what your symptoms are. For more information please visit my indigestion remedies page, where I look at some simple lifestyle and dietary... Read the full answer 〉

I’ve got indigestion and can’t shift it. What do you suggest?

It depends what your symptoms are. Many different things are meant by ‘indigestion’, so it might be best to check the pages that most relate to... Read the full answer 〉

Is there a herbal remedy to help Acid Reflux?

Try taking Centaurium tincture in a little water (5-10ml), before meals. Ensure that you are sitting up straight when eating and for at least 10... Read the full answer 〉

I suffer from Acid Reflux and can't work out what foods trigger it..

Tea and coffee can be culprits especially if you drink with or immediately after meals. Mixing fresh fruit with other foods can be a problem for... Read the full answer 〉

What can I eat to help avoid IBS?

It’s often not what you eat but how you eat it that is the issue. Eating on the run or when stressed is likely to contribute to IBS, as is drinking... Read the full answer 〉

I have IBS and was wondering will Tormentil help?

Tormentil helps with diarrhoea, but many people with IBS experience diarrhoea as part of a pattern of alternating constipation and diarrhoea, in... Read the full answer 〉

What is the best way to relieve constipation?

Drink at least 1.5 litres of still, plain water daily, at least 20 minutes away from food. Keep a high intake of warm, cooked vegetables in your... Read the full answer 〉

What should I eat to avoid constipation?

What you drink is actually equally important – dehydration is a prime contributor to constipation. Drink at least 1.5 litres of still, plain... Read the full answer 〉

Are there herbal remedies to help IBS?

Yes, but it depends what your symptoms are as to what remedy would best suit you. The herb Centaurium is one I find useful for people with acid... Read the full answer 〉

I have digestion problems - constant bloating and belching. What is the answer?

It’s really important to ensure that your bowel is moving at least once daily, as a sluggish bowel causes these problems. Separate your food from... Read the full answer 〉

I have stress related digestive problems. What can I do?

Consider using a stress-relieving herbal remedy such as AvenaCalm or Stress Relief Daytime. When you eat, sit down, relax, and take your time. Chew... Read the full answer 〉

I seem to react badly to more and more foods – how can I find out which ones are bad for me and how can I avoid all the possible problem foods?

If you seem to be reacting to many foods then strengthening your digestive function is a better approach than trying to avoid a steadily increasing... Read the full answer 〉

What exactly is silicon? Is it the same as silicone, the substance used in implants?

Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral substance and although seemingly similar in name, should not be confused with silicone. Silicon is denoted... Read the full answer 〉

What is reflux in babies?

Reflux, or gastric reflux, occurs when the contents of your stomach travel backwards and upwards into your gullet and sometimes, the mouth. This is... Read the full answer 〉

I am finding that I am allergic to wheat. My doctor has tested me and says that I do not have coeliac disease. What can I do?

This is quite a familiar story in the clinic. We find that many clients who have tested negative for coeliac disease still have a bewildering array... Read the full answer 〉

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