Do you ever get stomachaches?  Well, join the 41 million people who, in the United States alone, visit their doctor with a chief complaint of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.  Most of the time, this is just a little stomachache, but many times, it can be indicative of a serious, even life-threatening GI disorder.  These conditions range from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gastric reflux problems to the life-threatening condition of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome.  The focus of this article will be on how to recognize the symptoms of three of the most common gastric problems and how to aid in relieving these symptoms through proper diet and exercise.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the most prominent of the GI disorders, but also the least understood.  It is a disorder of the large intestine and causes recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort and changes in the consistency and frequency of bowel movements.  No one knows the exact cause, but many expert think it is a manifestation of a hypersensitive GI tract that is easily pained and stimulated. This in turn can cause bloating, gas and cramping, particularly after a large, bulky meal. In order to diagnose this syndrome, a person must have pain or discomfort for a minimum of 12 weeks out of one year and will usually feel relief of pain during bowel movements, have looser or more frequent stools, or harder and more frequent stools.  Symptoms often worsen when eating large meals, taking certain medications, becoming emotionally upset or when ingesting milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages or fatty foods. 

High fiber foods such as broccoli, apples and whole grain cereals, along with probiotics found in yogurts, may help.  Minimizing stress, preferably with exercise, has also had a positive effect on IBS sufferers. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease results from stomach acids being pushed up into the esophagus due to relaxation of the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the acidic contents of the stomach.  Although we don’t know the exact cause, we do know that people who smoke or are obese tend to be at greater risk of developing GERD.  Typical symptoms include chest pain that is worse when lying down, difficulty swallowing, coughing and wheezing, and regurgitation of sour-tasting food.   

It is best to avoid alcohol, chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits and fatty foods in general.  Also, regular exercise is advised, especially in those who are overweight.  It is very important to seek medical treatment if your symptoms persist and if they are not relieved with dietary changes and over- the-counter drugs. 

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a sugar found in mostly in dairy products.  In order to break down lactose in digestion, one needs the enzyme lactase.  Almost all Native Americans and Asians don’t have enough lactase and most African Americans and Latinos are also lacking sufficient amounts this enzyme.  Approximately 15% of Caucasians are also deficient in this enzyme.  The two most common symptoms of Lactose Intolerance are watery diarrhea and excessive flatulence.  Life can be miserable for the Lactose Intolerant, with terrible abdominal pain and bloating preceding gas and diarrhea that accompany the consumption of milk products. 

Someone who is Lactose Intolerant doesn’t necessarily have to give up milk products entirely. Different people have different levels of tolerance for how much lactose they can consume.  Eating yogurt is not a problem because it contains lactase, and tends not to cause problems.   

Next week’s column will discuss the steps we can take to prevent common digestive ailments. Stay tuned! 

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER and a LIFESTYLE FITNESS COACH with over 14 years of professional experience. He is the co-director of the Jerusalem-based weight loss and stress reduction center Lose It! along with Linda Holtz M.Sc. and is available for private consultations, assessments and personalized workout programs. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops. He can be reached at 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or by email at [email protected]   

Check out the Lose It! website at www.loseit.co.il. US Line: 516-568-5027