Do You Suffer From Frequent Bloating, Gas or Stomach Cramping?

Do You Suffer From Frequent Bloating, Gas or Stomach Cramping?
If you suffer from bloating, gas or stomach cramping, you may have an inflammatory-type bowel condition such as:

  • Chrohn’s
  • Celiac
  • IBS
These conditions can affect any part of the digestive system...from the stomach where food is broken down .... all the way to the small intestine where absorption of nutrients takes place. 

When inflammation is present then the possibility of malabsorption increases.  Malabsorption means nutritional deficiencies.  What are some of these and what contributes to the malabsorption?

Malabsorption = Nutritional Deficiencies
Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly used to reduce or manage inflammatory responses.  Prednisone can cause a deficiency of zinc and potassium.
  • Zinc
    • Loss of appetite
    • Hair loss
    • Diarrhea
  • Potassium
    • Muscles feel weak, twitch, cramp
    • Body feels heavy or weighted down
    • Abnormal heart rhythms
Calories are lost due to the malabsorption.  For someone who is trying to lost weight you might think this is not a bad thing. However, there is more to "lost" calories:
  • Carbohydrates
  • Protein
  • Fats
    • Vitamins A, D, E, K: these fat-soluble vitamins have no "fat" to dissolve in then the body is unable to absorb them
Some medications that are commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel conditions may sometimes prevent the absorption of Vitamin D and Folate:
  • Cholastyramine
    • Vitamin D
  • Sulfasalazine
    • Folate (inability to be metabolized)
      • Important for helping tissues grow and cells function.
      • Works with Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins.  
        • NOTE: "proteins"  are lost through calories not being absorbed AND through the use of this medication
      • Helps form red blood cells which helps prevent anemia
Steroids
  • Calcium
Chronic Diarrhea
  • Magnesium
    • Key mineral for bone growth & other body processes
Some symptoms of Malabsorption may include bloating, gas, stomach cramping, bulky or fatty stools and chronic diarrhea.

In severe cases fatigue or sudden weight loss may be noticed.

Be sure to check with your doctor if you have been experiencing any of these symptoms.

Did you enjoy this tip? If so, see what else may contribute to inflammation! Check it out here. 

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