Re: HIV/ Meds associated abdominal Bloating

[Guest guest]

What do you take to reduce the bloating that follows a meal? I've been taking Ultrase MT 20 with good results for a long time, but lately I feel like the bloating is getting worse. I also take Nexium along with all the other meds in the AM.Any thoughts or suggestions?

I have this problem a lot myself.

This is what seems to work sometimes for me:

1- Lose weight. When I am at 200-205, I usually have more bloating (my better weight is 190-195)

2- Eat smaller meals

3- Like you, I take digestive enzymes. They help some

4- Ginger tea seems to help a little

5- Aerobic exercise (elliptical training) seems to make me feel better and I am not as puffy

6- Try to drink your body weight in pounds divided by two as ounces of water a day

This is more, from GMHC

Gas and Bloating

GMHC'S Nutrition & Wellness Program

Everyone has gas and produces about 1-3 pints per day. Fortunately most gas is odorless - less than 1% smells. However, medications tend to increase this amount, as well as the bloating associated with it, causing discomfort and pain. CAUSES OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CHANGES IN THE HIV+ POPULATION

Direct effect by the virus itself on GI tract Medications, especially protease inhibitors Long term antibiotic use can reduce the amount of good bacteria in the gut

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF GAS & BLOATING

Physical Changes in the stomach/intestines Emotional Stress Food Choices Medications

EMOTIONAL STRESS

Try to make eating a pleasant and relaxed situation. Eating and drinking while stressed may cause you to swallow air and may interfere with digestion. Close your mouth while eating. Eat slowly and chew foods well. Drink slowly, sipping liquids rather than gulping, especially when taking multiple pills with water. Avoid smoking.

TIPS WHEN MAKING FOOD CHOICES:

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Lactose intolerance occurs when you have reduced amounts of lactase, an enzyme found in the gut that is needed to breakdown lactose, the sugar found in milk (including low-fat and skim) and dairy products (including cheese and ice cream.) The following tips may help prevent gas and bloating due to lactose intolerance:

Lactase-treated milk (Lactaid is the most common brand), or Lactaid pills or drops may be purchased. Yogurt may be digested easier than milk since some of the lactose is already broken down. Hard cheeses such as parmesan may be better tolerated than soft cheeses, but this varies depending on the severity of the lactose intolerance. Read labels on supplements or medicines if you are extremely lactose intolerant to make sure milk or lactose is not part of the ingredients.

BEANS

Beans, while nutritious and tasty, can be produce gas. When cooking beans from scratch, drain the soaking water, rinse the beans well, and cook in clean water. Epazote, a Mexican and Caribbean cooking herb, is used in bean dished to reduce gas. Try cooking beans with a washed, unpeeled, whole orange. Add the orange to the pot with the beans, cook the beans, and remove and discard the orange when the beans have finished cooking. If you are just starting to eat beans, eat small amounts until your body adjusts. Beano, an over-the-counter product, contains a food enzyme that breaks down the complex sugars in beans and can be purchased to make beans more digestible and thus less gas-producing.

CRUCIFEROUS & OTHER VEGETABLES

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts) as well as other vegetables (onions and sweet green peppers) can cause gas and should be eaten in small amounts. Beano can be purchased to make these vegetables more digestible and thus less gas-producing.

BEVERAGES

Avoid using straws when drinking beverages. Carbonated beverages such as mineral water, sparkling juices, and soda should be consumed in moderation.

CHEWING GUM

Chewing gum and sucking on candy may cause you to swallow air which can cause gas. Sugarless gums containing sorbitol can cause diarrhea and gas when fermented in the colon.

LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS

Taking antibiotics, even for a short period of time, can upset the favorable bacterial balance in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria you can buy in a liquid or powder form to help restore the balance. Purchase only acidophilus that has been stored in the refrigerated section. This is the best bet that you are getting live acidophilus cultures. Take the acidophilus 1-3 hours before or after taking the antibiotic. Yogurt is a good source of acidophilus, but not all brands contain acidiophilus (look for words like "contains live cultures"); try Brown Cow or Stonyfield brands.

OTHER REMEDIES FOR GAS & BLOATING

Eating a low-fat diet may help speed stomach emptying, allowing gases to move along the digestive tract. This may also help with reducing the bloat and discomfort. Herbal remedies may provide relief. A tea made with boiling water, honey and one of the following may be helpful: lemon, fennel seed, mint leaves, fresh ginger (crushed), or oregano. Burnt toast may also provide relief. Unfortunately, reducing gas is somewhat trial and error. Having a good idea of the most likely causes, and paying close attention to the foods you have eaten when more gas seems to occur, is usually the most effective way. Keeping a food diary is helpful for many people. Papaya enzymes may help relief gas and bloating.

Common Gas Producing Foods

Keep in mind that each person is unique, not all foods have the same gas/bloating affects.

Vegetables

BeetsBroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCarrotsCauliflowerChicoryCornCucumberLeeksLettuceOnionsParsleyParsnipsPepper, sweet greenPumpkinSalsify, blackSpinachSquash

Grains and Cereals AmaranthBarleyCornMillet, prosoOat branOat flourRice branRyeSorghum, grainWheat branWheat flour, whiteWhole wheat flour

Nuts and Seeds

Cottonseed flourPistachiosSesame flourSunflower flour

Legumes

Adzuki beansAlfalfaBlack-eyed peasBlack mung beansBroadbeansChickpeasCommon beansCow peasField beansGarden peasGreen beansGreen mung beansHorse gramLentilsLima beansLupinsMung beansPeanutsPigeonpeasPole beansRed kidney beansSplit peasSoybeansSoyflourWinged beans

Revised 2/03

© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis

VergelDirectorProgram for Wellness Restoration, PoWeRA 501 © 3 non profit national organization"Only what we are not giving can be lacking in any situation"The Course of MiraclesLinks to our web sites:www.nelsonvergel.comwww.powerusa.orgwww.facialwasting.orgwww.salvagetherapies.orgJoin our free listservers by sending a blank email to:pozhealth-subscribe fuzeonsupport-subscribe

[Guest guest]

I used to have the same problem after increasing my fiber intake, regular

exercise, once a day L-Glutamine, Citrucel or Metamucel and digestive enzyme the

problem dissappeared. Hope this will help you too.

Elias, Wash-DC

What do you take to reduce the bloating that follows a meal? I've been taking Ultrase MT 20 with good results for a long time, but lately I feel like the bloating is getting worse. I also take Nexium along with all the other meds in the AM.Any thoughts or suggestions?

I have this problem a lot myself.

This is what seems to work sometimes for me:

1- Lose weight. When I am at 200-205, I usually have more bloating (my better weight is 190-195)

2- Eat smaller meals

3- Like you, I take digestive enzymes. They help some

4- Ginger tea seems to help a little

5- Aerobic exercise (elliptical training) seems to make me feel better and I am not as puffy

6- Try to drink your body weight in pounds divided by two as ounces of water a day

This is more, from GMHC

Gas and Bloating

GMHC'S Nutrition & Wellness Program

Everyone has gas and produces about 1-3 pints per day. Fortunately most gas is odorless - less than 1% smells. However, medications tend to increase this amount, as well as the bloating associated with it, causing discomfort and pain. CAUSES OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CHANGES IN THE HIV+ POPULATION

Direct effect by the virus itself on GI tract Medications, especially protease inhibitors Long term antibiotic use can reduce the amount of good bacteria in the gut

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF GAS & BLOATING

Physical Changes in the stomach/intestines Emotional Stress Food Choices Medications

EMOTIONAL STRESS

Try to make eating a pleasant and relaxed situation. Eating and drinking while stressed may cause you to swallow air and may interfere with digestion. Close your mouth while eating. Eat slowly and chew foods well. Drink slowly, sipping liquids rather than gulping, especially when taking multiple pills with water. Avoid smoking.

TIPS WHEN MAKING FOOD CHOICES:

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Lactose intolerance occurs when you have reduced amounts of lactase, an enzyme found in the gut that is needed to breakdown lactose, the sugar found in milk (including low-fat and skim) and dairy products (including cheese and ice cream.) The following tips may help prevent gas and bloating due to lactose intolerance:

Lactase-treated milk (Lactaid is the most common brand), or Lactaid pills or drops may be purchased. Yogurt may be digested easier than milk since some of the lactose is already broken down. Hard cheeses such as parmesan may be better tolerated than soft cheeses, but this varies depending on the severity of the lactose intolerance. Read labels on supplements or medicines if you are extremely lactose intolerant to make sure milk or lactose is not part of the ingredients.

BEANS

Beans, while nutritious and tasty, can be produce gas. When cooking beans from scratch, drain the soaking water, rinse the beans well, and cook in clean water. Epazote, a Mexican and Caribbean cooking herb, is used in bean dished to reduce gas. Try cooking beans with a washed, unpeeled, whole orange. Add the orange to the pot with the beans, cook the beans, and remove and discard the orange when the beans have finished cooking. If you are just starting to eat beans, eat small amounts until your body adjusts. Beano, an over-the-counter product, contains a food enzyme that breaks down the complex sugars in beans and can be purchased to make beans more digestible and thus less gas-producing.

CRUCIFEROUS & OTHER VEGETABLES

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts) as well as other vegetables (onions and sweet green peppers) can cause gas and should be eaten in small amounts. Beano can be purchased to make these vegetables more digestible and thus less gas-producing.

BEVERAGES

Avoid using straws when drinking beverages. Carbonated beverages such as mineral water, sparkling juices, and soda should be consumed in moderation.

CHEWING GUM

Chewing gum and sucking on candy may cause you to swallow air which can cause gas. Sugarless gums containing sorbitol can cause diarrhea and gas when fermented in the colon.

LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS

Taking antibiotics, even for a short period of time, can upset the favorable bacterial balance in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria you can buy in a liquid or powder form to help restore the balance. Purchase only acidophilus that has been stored in the refrigerated section. This is the best bet that you are getting live acidophilus cultures. Take the acidophilus 1-3 hours before or after taking the antibiotic. Yogurt is a good source of acidophilus, but not all brands contain acidiophilus (look for words like "contains live cultures"); try Brown Cow or Stonyfield brands.

OTHER REMEDIES FOR GAS & BLOATING

Eating a low-fat diet may help speed stomach emptying, allowing gases to move along the digestive tract. This may also help with reducing the bloat and discomfort. Herbal remedies may provide relief. A tea made with boiling water, honey and one of the following may be helpful: lemon, fennel seed, mint leaves, fresh ginger (crushed), or oregano. Burnt toast may also provide relief. Unfortunately, reducing gas is somewhat trial and error. Having a good idea of the most likely causes, and paying close attention to the foods you have eaten when more gas seems to occur, is usually the most effective way. Keeping a food diary is helpful for many people. Papaya enzymes may help relief gas and bloating.

Common Gas Producing Foods

Keep in mind that each person is unique, not all foods have the same gas/bloating affects.

Vegetables

BeetsBroccoliBrussels sproutsCabbageCarrotsCauliflowerChicoryCornCucumberLeeksLettuceOnionsParsleyParsnipsPepper, sweet greenPumpkinSalsify, blackSpinachSquash

Grains and Cereals AmaranthBarleyCornMillet, prosoOat branOat flourRice branRyeSorghum, grainWheat branWheat flour, whiteWhole wheat flour

Nuts and Seeds

Cottonseed flourPistachiosSesame flourSunflower flour

Legumes

Adzuki beansAlfalfaBlack-eyed peasBlack mung beansBroadbeansChickpeasCommon beansCow peasField beansGarden peasGreen beansGreen mung beansHorse gramLentilsLima beansLupinsMung beansPeanutsPigeonpeasPole beansRed kidney beansSplit peasSoybeansSoyflourWinged beans

Revised 2/03

© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis

VergelDirectorProgram for Wellness Restoration, PoWeRA 501 © 3 non profit national organization"Only what we are not giving can be lacking in any situation"The Course of MiraclesLinks to our web sites:www.nelsonvergel.comwww.powerusa.orgwww.facialwasting.orgwww.salvagetherapies.orgJoin our free listservers by sending a blank email to:pozhealth-subscribe fuzeonsupport-subscribe

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[Guest guest]

You can also eliminate all the carbonated soft drinks

in you diet.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Folic acid 1-2 mg daily is excellent

Ivan Melendez

Ponce, PR

>From: PoWeRTX@...

>To: re_sullivan@..., PozHealth

>Subject: Re: HIV/ Meds associated abdominal Bloating

>Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2004 10:58:09 EST

>

>

>

>In a message dated 12/11/2004 9:45:26 P.M. Central Standard Time,

>re_sullivan@... writes:

>

>What do you take to reduce the bloating that follows a meal? I've

>been taking Ultrase MT 20 with good results for a long time, but

>lately I feel like the bloating is getting worse. I also take

>Nexium along with all the other meds in the AM.

>

>Any thoughts or suggestions?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>I have this problem a lot myself.

>

>This is what seems to work sometimes for me:

>

>1- Lose weight. When I am at 200-205, I usually have more bloating (my

>better weight is 190-195)

>2- Eat smaller meals

>3- Like you, I take digestive enzymes. They help some

>4- Ginger tea seems to help a little

>5- Aerobic exercise (elliptical training) seems to make me feel better and I

>am not as puffy

>6- Try to drink your body weight in pounds divided by two as ounces of water

>a day

> This is more, from GMHC

>

>

>Gas and Bloating

>GMHC'S Nutrition & Wellness Program

>Everyone has gas and produces about 1-3 pints per day. Fortunately most gas

>is odorless - less than 1% smells. However, medications tend to increase this

>amount, as well as the bloating associated with it, causing discomfort and

>pain.

>CAUSES OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CHANGES IN THE HIV+ POPULATION

> * Direct effect by the virus itself on GI tract

> * Medications, especially protease inhibitors

> * Long term antibiotic use can reduce the amount of good bacteria in

>the gut

>POSSIBLE CAUSES OF GAS & BLOATING

> * Physical Changes in the stomach/intestines

> * Emotional Stress

> * Food Choices

> * Medications

>EMOTIONAL STRESS

> * Try to make eating a pleasant and relaxed situation. Eating and

>drinking while stressed may cause you to swallow air and may interfere with

>digestion.

> * Close your mouth while eating. Eat slowly and chew foods well.

> * Drink slowly, sipping liquids rather than gulping, especially when

>taking multiple pills with water.

> * Avoid smoking.

>TIPS WHEN MAKING FOOD CHOICES:

>LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

>Lactose intolerance occurs when you have reduced amounts of lactase, an

>enzyme found in the gut that is needed to breakdown lactose, the sugar found in

>milk (including low-fat and skim) and dairy products (including cheese and ice

>cream.) The following tips may help prevent gas and bloating due to lactose

>intolerance:

> * Lactase-treated milk (Lactaid is the most common brand), or Lactaid

>pills or drops may be purchased.

> * Yogurt may be digested easier than milk since some of the lactose is

>already broken down.

> * Hard cheeses such as parmesan may be better tolerated than soft

>cheeses, but this varies depending on the severity of the lactose intolerance.

> * Read labels on supplements or medicines if you are extremely lactose

>intolerant to make sure milk or lactose is not part of the ingredients.

>BEANS

> * Beans, while nutritious and tasty, can be produce gas.

> * When cooking beans from scratch, drain the soaking water, rinse the

>beans well, and cook in clean water.

> * Epazote, a Mexican and Caribbean cooking herb, is used in bean dished

>to reduce gas.

> * Try cooking beans with a washed, unpeeled, whole orange. Add the

>orange to the pot with the beans, cook the beans, and remove and discard the

>orange when the beans have finished cooking.

> * If you are just starting to eat beans, eat small amounts until your

>body adjusts.

> * Beano, an over-the-counter product, contains a food enzyme that

>breaks down the complex sugars in beans and can be purchased to make beans more

>digestible and thus less gas-producing.

>CRUCIFEROUS & OTHER VEGETABLES

> * Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels

>sprouts) as well as other vegetables (onions and sweet green peppers) can

>cause gas and should be eaten in small amounts.

> * Beano can be purchased to make these vegetables more digestible and

>thus less gas-producing.

>BEVERAGES

> * Avoid using straws when drinking beverages.

> * Carbonated beverages such as mineral water, sparkling juices, and

>soda should be consumed in moderation.

>CHEWING GUM

> * Chewing gum and sucking on candy may cause you to swallow air which

>can cause gas.

> * Sugarless gums containing sorbitol can cause diarrhea and gas when

>fermented in the colon.

>LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS

> * Taking antibiotics, even for a short period of time, can upset the

>favorable bacterial balance in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a

>friendly bacteria you can buy in a liquid or powder form to help restore the

>balance.

> * Purchase only acidophilus that has been stored in the refrigerated

>section. This is the best bet that you are getting live acidophilus cultures.

> * Take the acidophilus 1-3 hours before or after taking the antibiotic.

>

> * Yogurt is a good source of acidophilus, but not all brands contain

>acidiophilus (look for words like "contains live cultures"); try Brown Cow or

>Stonyfield brands.

>OTHER REMEDIES FOR GAS & BLOATING

> * Eating a low-fat diet may help speed stomach emptying, allowing gases

>to move along the digestive tract. This may also help with reducing the

>bloat and discomfort.

> * Herbal remedies may provide relief. A tea made with boiling water,

>honey and one of the following may be helpful: lemon, fennel seed, mint leaves,

> fresh ginger (crushed), or oregano.

> * Burnt toast may also provide relief.

> * Unfortunately, reducing gas is somewhat trial and error. Having a

>good idea of the most likely causes, and paying close attention to the foods you

> have eaten when more gas seems to occur, is usually the most effective way.

>Keeping a food diary is helpful for many people.

> * Papaya enzymes may help relief gas and bloating.

>Common Gas Producing Foods

>Keep in mind that each person is unique, not all foods have the same

>gas/bloating affects.

>Vegetables

>Beets

>Broccoli

>Brussels sprouts

>Cabbage

>Carrots

>Cauliflower

>Chicory

>Corn

>Cucumber

>Leeks

>Lettuce

>Onions

>Parsley

>Parsnips

>Pepper, sweet green

>Pumpkin

>Salsify, black

>Spinach

>Squash

>Grains and Cereals

>Amaranth

>Barley

>Corn

>Millet, proso

>Oat bran

>Oat flour

>Rice bran

>Rye

>Sorghum, grain

>Wheat bran

>Wheat flour, white

>Whole wheat flour

>Nuts and Seeds

>Cottonseed flour

>Pistachios

>Sesame flour

>Sunflower flour

>Legumes

>Adzuki beans

>Alfalfa

>Black-eyed peas

>Black mung beans

>Broadbeans

>Chickpeas

>Common beans

>Cow peas

>Field beans

>Garden peas

>Green beans

>Green mung beans

>Horse gram

>Lentils

>Lima beans

>Lupins

>Mung beans

>Peanuts

>Pigeonpeas

>Pole beans

>Red kidney beans

>Split peas

>Soybeans

>Soyflour

>Winged beans

>Revised 2/03

>

>© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis

>

> Vergel

>Director

>Program for Wellness Restoration, PoWeR

>A 501 © 3 non profit national organization

>

>"Only what we are not giving can be lacking in any situation"

>

>The Course of Miracles

>

>

>Links to our web sites:

>_www.nelsonvergel.com_ (http://www.nelsonvergel.com/)

>_www.powerusa.org_ (http://www.powerusa.org/)

>_www.facialwasting.org_ (http://www.facialwasting.org/)

>_www.salvagetherapies.org_ (http://www.salvagetherapies.org/)

>

>Join our free listservers by sending a blank email to:

>

>pozhealth-subscribe

>fuzeonsupport-subscribe