Malabsorbtion (warning way tmi)

[verseaurainbows]

So i think ive discovered the cause behind my symptoms-my very bloated tummy, especially after eating, my paleness and hair falling out and becoming brittle, my irritability...

So i was told i have deficiencies in iron and B12. But now i know for a fact ive been having TONS more iron than most people, packing in so many leafy greens and seeds along with high vit C fruits, plus a suppliment at one point, but there was no change for a whole year, i just got worse. I also have a B12 suppliment, but nothing...

Well i dont make a habit of looking into the toilet bowl (and this is where it gets nasty-skip if sensitive!) but the other day i happened to glance and...well...this is embarassing and gross. Ok, what came out basically wasnt too much different from what i put in. I mean you could see what id had for dinner. Which made me think my body isnt digesting foods right...which could explain the deficiencies?

Ive told my doctor, but he insists its my diet. I KNOW this isnt true, its my body not absorbing the nutrients, so is there anything, anything at all that i could do to help it out? Is this really serious? Im kind of worried

Should i be eating more to put more nutrients in or less so my body has time to digest at its slow pace? Should i be fasting or cleansing? Im confused! Has anyone else had this problem?

Thank you so much guys, i know its nasty
Just this has been ruining my life for a whole year and
I want it gone. Lifted. I want a new, raw, healthy happy me
Not a bloated up, balding, pale faced depressed girl who snaps out at her husband

Thank you:)

[mtraezme]

Hi and I don't think that was TMI! I've seen some real TMI stories on the Celiac/gluten intolerance board I also go to.

I used to have the same problems that you're having. And, my doctor laughed in my face when I asked about being tested for things. Nice, huh? So I went about figuring it out on my own. I cut out wheat, rye, barley, and oats yet was still not feeling 100%. I kept a food diary, which you might want to do, and figured out what else was causing bloating, pain, and my bad attitude. For me, it takes about 6 hours after eating something for the symptoms to kick in. I figured out that I have problems with fructose malabsorption. Apples and asparagus cause me great pain if I eat normal to large quantities. You might want to look into that, but I would really recommend keeping a food and symptom diary to see if there isn't a specific food that is causing these problems for you.

Ezme

[justinesmith]

I agree with your assumption that you aren't digesting what you need to. I take enzymes, HCL and flora to support my digestion. There are people that say when you are eating all raw you shouldn't need to take anything but IMHO I've been cooked a WHOLE LOT longer than raw so my body needs that support right now. Stress can inhibit digestion as well and meditation has been working great for me lately. Without the proper enzymes, it is not possible to digest your food properly. Alissa's enzymes are my favorite. Best of luck to you.... I know how frustrating this journey can be. :)

[kristi7mark]

Digestive issues are what led me to raw food. Enzymes are a must, as well as probiotics. This will increase your body's ability to digest food properly.

Green smoothies and/or blended salads will help immensely also. The blender will have already done most of the work for you and with the addition of enzymes your body should be able to rest and begin the healing process.

I hope this helps and your health returns in full meausure.

[GlimR]

You've gotten some good ideas here....I don't mean to sound ovely simplistic but are you chewing your food well? You should not be swallowing it until it is totally liquified...digestion does start in the mouth with your saliva breaking down the foods. Just a thought~

[verseaurainbows]

Thanx guys!

Yeah, ive read worse "tmi" situations too, but i dont know, i just didnt want to make anyone think "ew":) hehe

Enzymes-brilliant! So my plan of action is to make plenty more green smoothies, blend as much of my food as possible and take enzymes and pro-bios. Also i will try and relax more. Stress HAS been a factor in the past year. Ill also try keeping that food diary for a while. I do hope all this helps!

And yes, i thought about food chewing so for the past few months ive been chewing and chewing like crazy until my jaw hurts but it didnt help! It totally makes sense that it should do, but it didnt

I hope this isnt some deeper underlying problem. I cant help worrying, especially when my doctors working against me. Sorry to hear some of you have had the same experience

Anymore suggestions?

Thanx for the GREAT advice everyone:)

[Coonlie]

One more piece of advice - Find a new doctor! Truly, there are those that will support what you're doing for yourself by eating a healthful diet. If your doctor is blaming your problems on your diet, then he/she is completely closed minded and is not a good doctor for you, imho. I'd find a doctor who would at least work with me, not oppose me.

[maui_butterfly]

i found the master cleanse VERY useful for my similar problem. it makes sense that cleansing to colon (getting rid of any placque lining the intestines) would allow you to better absorb the nutrients from your food.

following the master cleanse i started taking the ayurvedic herb triphala, which is actually a blend of 3 herbs that has been used in India for centuries to strengthen the digestive system. it actually does more than that, its an all around system toner...

interesting note: malabsorbtion shows up on your tongue as scalloped edges on the sides of your tongue when you stick it out. my ayurvedic practioner pointed that out to me, my tongue had very rough and bumpy edges. and now after a master cleanse, 5 months raw, and triphala the sides of my tongue are smooth as a baby's butt! and i FEEL nourished at a really deep level.

[Hannah]

I just wanted to second the green smoothies - they will really give you full the full nutritional of whole fruit while making your blender do the work, rather than your belly. Best of luck to you - I look forward to hearing more about your progress! :)

[RawWealth]

Let me be the third to say that green smoothies will definately help and a few colon cleanses from the Master Cleanse diet will aid as well.