Indigestion

[_sophie_]

I think my gut and somtach are really bad! It's a bit embarrasing but my stomach just seems to rumble ALL the time, and more when I'm under pressure or nervous. When I was younger I was constipated for quite a while and I don't know why but I have a feeling this has something to do with it. Sorry I know this is really digusting but it gets worse, I get quite burpy after I've ate tea! I just want to know why?! Like today it just won't shut up, and half the time I'm not even hungry. What is it? I'm really getting sick of it and this is going to sound really stupid and weird (this is why I love how this is anonymous!) but it's got to the point where I feel as though if I go to the toilet at the wrong time or sleep on my front to quickly then it will rumble because this is generally what happens. When I lie on my back it doesn't seem to rumble as much but it takes longer to get to sleep and I get really tired. I'm really embarrased and self-concious about it and it's generally getting me down. It's not even rumbling, it's more like churning. My diet is ok, not amazingly good but it's not bad. I know this is horrible but it had to be asked what I can do to help this get better?!

[237SJ]

I`m no expert but the interesting point you made was that your problems are worse when you`re under pressure or nervous. At times like that you tend to eat too quickly and `gulp` your food. In that instance, you take too much air down, or you eat so quickly that your system can`t process the food efficiently. There maybe some truth in the advice to chew and eat slowly.

[Eve]

Are you normal when you go? If there has been any distinct change in bowel habits without any other good reason, this should always be checked out.

Peppermint capsules might help along with keeping an eye on your diet to see if anything in particular sets it off such as dairy or wheat a food diary maybe?

Intolerences can make you feel empty and lead to funny noises and such.

Do you keep properly hydrated as your brain can sometimes mix up the signals for hunger and thirst.

Don't underestimate the power of stress on your tummy either.

[Androcles]

Sophie,

I do sympathise with you - it can be really embarrassing. There may be many causes, and you need to get some advice from your doctor if is is upsetting you that much, to try and identify what is the cause - is it nervous indigestion or something more physical.

At this stage, diagnosis is the key!

[carmalee]

Sophie - there's probably nothing too radical wrong with you - sounds like a you haven't sorted out how to manage your digestive system. You say your diet is 'quite good' - this is the key thing to everything you've described - think about it logically... if your diet is 'quite good 'and you have these probs then it maybe is not quite 'good enough'. Go see a dietician at your local doctors surgery and get some advice. The symtoms you describe are typical of stress and an incomplete diet. The mere fact that they cause you worry only makes the problem worse. Hope you sort the problem.

[coccinelle]

With any change in how your body is functioning digestion-wise, especially if there are hereditary problems along the intestine with say parents or grandparents, they must be checked out. Better safe than sorry.

[dothawkes31]

if you eat alot of white bread you could be wheat intolerant you know, cut out white bread for a week and see what happens

[_sophie_]

Ok, maybe it is just be being stupid.. I mean, everyones tummy rumbles a bit!
I'm fine when I go... haha! Completely normal, very rarely get constipation or the runs..