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Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining
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Please bear with the following lengthy information. I'm at my wit's end and crying out for help. I posted this in the Tri Forum, but, thought a women's only forum would be helpful, too.

I've seen multiple specialists over the last two years. Been tested for:
  • Crohn's
  • Celiac
  • Wheat & gluten allergies
  • B12 deficiency
  • Thyroid
  • Testosterone
  • Diabetes

I've had other tests, but can't remember them now. All of them, though, came back normal. The physicians had nothing to report that would explain what I'm about to share.

I'm 42, male, 5'8" and 165. I've been active my entire life (except for periodic lay offs for a broken foot and sprained ankle and shoulder). I got into triathlons in 2002. Laid off for several years, then, finished the Branson 70.3 event in 2010 and 2012. Had to pull the plug on 2011 because of plantar fasciitis in my left foot.

Six months after turning 40, I noticed a gradual unsettled feeling in my gut. I also noticed that I wasn't getting as lean with the same amount of exercise. Recovery took a lot longer despite a vegan diet since 1995 (with supplements, such as, B12, multi-vitamin, probiotic, enzymes and green superfoods) and getting quality sleep.

During the last year, my gut issues have gradually worsened. Even the last two months has been worse still. No matter what I eat or drink, my belly bloats like a woman that is six months pregnant. Even when my last meal is 4 or 5 p.m., and go to bed between 9 and 10 p.m., I go to sleep with a pot belly and wake up that way. Although, my rest isn't as restful compared to three years ago. I wake up every morning with overall body stiffness (mainly legs and back) that feels like I've played tackle football all night.

I have to constantly hawk up this white phlegm during exercise and sometimes at rest. When I eat, I feel like I'm suffocating. I have regular bowel movements, but, after them, my belly swells up like I'm pregnant. I've also experienced issues with plantar fasciitis in my left foot that caused tightness in my left hip. This year, I'm having sharp tightness in my right heel and both hamstrings.

Exercise efforts, in swim, bike and run, are very difficult. Even when I'm doing an hour at conversational effort, I struggle a lot compared to three years ago. My bloated belly gets in the way of breathing. I get a constricted feeling in the left part of my chest that travels up the side of my neck and the back of my head. Sometimes it's there during exercise, sometimes it's not there at all. But, then I would get a terrible side stitch on my right side during a run. The left side constriction is sometimes present when I'm at rest and trying to eat. Thirty minutes after eating, I feel my pulse racing, but, my heart rate isn't high.

I've had a history of an binge eating disorder for many years, on again, off again. I would only put on 10 or 15 pounds at the most, but, when I would get back on a regular schedule and exercise program, I would drop that weight gradually and lean out at 150-155. After IM Branson 2010, I dropped to 145. Three years ago, I would hover around 150-155 with minimal effort. Even when I wasn't training for triathlon events (just rode the bike and lifted weights), my weight and body mass would remain low. When I changed to a vegan diet in 1995, I dropped to 145 with minimal exercise (cycled three times a week, circuit routine with free weights twice a week). But, lately, I remain at 165 and have to really be diligent about the exercise, sleep and diet. I dropped to 155 after IM Branson last year, but, I noticed I was a lot thicker and had less raw power compared to 2010 (even though I was 12 minutes faster overall last year compared to 2010).

I wonder if long distance exercise can cause gut issues, weight gain and some of the other symptoms I described above. It feels like I have IBS, but, I don't know. Like I said, all the tests I've had so far have been normal. I have no strength or endurance like I did three years ago. Along with that is the swollen belly and colon and extra fat around my midsection that won't go away despite my efforts with exercise and nutrition. I've tried eliminating "offending foods," but, I have gurgling and periodic pain in my intestinal area no matter what I eat or drink (I don't drink with my meals).

Tonight, after cycling home from swimming in the lap pool at my local gym, my belly was severely pregnant (could it be an allergic reaction to chlorine?). Some parts were painful when I would suck in my gut. I have a lot of gas that I need to expel from the colon, but, when that's gone, I still have a bloated belly. The rest of my body is relatively thin. I think I look like one of those malnourished kids in Africa you might have seen in photos.

If anyone has anything to offer, I'm all ears. I'm at a loss as to where to go for help because I've been to many physicians and had many tests with no success. Thanks. :)
Last edited by: Recoverie: Feb 2, 13 12:56
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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Hi,
well it certainly sounds like you've seen the medics to rule out any really nasty things. Have you seen a dietitian? I had similar gut issues, had endoscopy and other tests for coeliac etc but all negative. I finally saw a dietitian and did a food elimiation test diet. Essentially you eat pears and white rice (very bland but generally non irritating to everyone) for weeks then gradually introduce other foods and see what causes the issues. it's hard and boring and energy sapping but worth it in the end for me. ... Turns out i can't eat the entire Oligo-saccharide food group!
The elimination diet is based on the FODMaP approach which stands for Fermentables, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols... essentially you are finding out what ferments certain ways in your gut and is or isn't digested effectively and therefore produces gas and all your other symptoms. Some or all of the FODMaP groups might irritate you more than others. Find a good sports dietitian who knows their stuff and they should be able to guide you through this. If anything, it won't hurt to try.
good luck!
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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i forgot to add this: http://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/...5/TheLowFODMAPsDiet/ might have some other useful info for you :)
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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What jumped out at me from your post was the "vegan" and the "with supplements".

Have you changed your diet or supplementation regimen recently or have any of your go-to foods or supplements re-tooled their formulas? The bloating sounds like what happened to my husband when we tried taking supplements (simple multi-vitamins). We finally gave up and decided to compensate with diet instead because the vitamins made him miserable. Maybe you could try to compensate for one supplement at a time in your diet and see if any of those changes help?

I get the bloating/gas also and found that avoiding wheat (I tested negative for gluten allergy, but had a very low reaction to certain wheat proteins) and decreasing my water intake has helped a lot. With the whole "drink before you are thirsty" idea, I was drinking ridiculous amounts of water, which caused me severe GI distress (diarrhea, gas, bloating, etc). Drinking to thirst is working a lot better for me. Please also note, however, that gluten-free is not the same as good-for-you. We went out for pizza the other night and the gluten-free dough, while it had no wheat, was 2x more calories and 3-4x more fat (to which my GI is also sensitive) than the regular wheat crust.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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My only advice is to read the book Clean by Alejandro Junger. I'm currently on Day 4 of the cleanse that he recommends in the book. Pretty easy to do and I really think it will help you.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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I dont know what your calorie intake is like, but I found when I dropped too low in calories I started getting a really uncomfortably bloated belly and put on some weight. I of course reacted in the wrong way and though I was eating too much and lowered them more and energy started to drop off. Also what is your fat intake like?

I started working with a dietician and he increased my calories pretty significantly, while being at a small 200 cal deficit and I actually lost about 4 pounds and that bloated feeling in about a month. It was my body producing cortisol in response to the stress on my body of not getting enough calories. For 12 hours of training a week he had me averaging 2200 cal/day and I'm 5'6 120. Prior I was eating about 16-1700. It was about 30-35% fat diet, which again was a surprise but did wonders.

Seems totally counter-intuitive but it got my body fat and weight back down, and energy was soaring.

http://www.jennacaer.com
Instagram @jennacaer
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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that sounds miserable & I'm sorry you've had to travel such a long road. So many things should be so much easier. I have no really sound advice or knowledge here, just wanted to tell you I hope you get relief or find some answers in the not-too-distant future. My first inclination was that there may be some sort of low-grade lurking allergy or intolerance, like Noodlecat mentioned. That may be a reasonable course of action, along with a dietician visit - possible to combine those into one person??

I've picked up about 5lbs from somewhere & am having a time trying to get them to go away. That said, I'm running a very high stress quotient with a lot of disruption in my life causing less than stellar eating habits & lacking discipline in that arena, so I'm partially aware of why they're not going away!

I hope you get some relief soon.

AW
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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Can't tell from your post-are you female? If so, request an ultrasound of your ovaries. Orarian cysts can cause many of your symptoms; bloating, weakness, abdominal pain, etc. If you're a dude, sorry...

Good luck! I hope you figure it out.




"A merry heart doeth good like medicine." (Proverbs 17:22)
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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Wow. Except for the vegan part, I am in virtually the same situation as you. I mean "I could have written that post" exactly the same situation. I feel slightly better now knowing I'm not alone ;-)

Here's what I've learned so far:
- Not wheat: I did a 3 week exclusion trial and I felt better but not significantly to conclude that I cannot eat wheat (I just try to eat less of it)
- Not dairy: Ditto above. In fact I did WORSE on the lower GI side when I removed dairy esp. yogurt from my diet.
- I did have two fibroids removed about a year ago which made a dramatic improvement in the massive pain & bloating during my period. I thought it would solve the bloated belly but it hasn't - only during my period.
- The coughing up phlegm - yep I have that too - and I have been told there's a few possible causes: upper GI acid reflux; food allergy/reaction; post-nasal drip. The latter is most likely for me. The dairy exclusion did not help with this as my doc thought it might. I also have problems with my eustachian tubes which is why she first thought "dairy".
- I have a bloated belly no matter what I do and am now going to see a lower GI specialist (hopefully within the next month) as they are now worried about a possible parasite (!)
- I too have been 5-10lbs over where I was even a year ago and I am running a silly amount these days and can't drop the weight.
- I tried B12 supplementing which didn't help a lick with energy levels.

I have hypothyroidism, and my energy levels are OK - some days they're through the roof and other days pretty damn low, where I have to drag my ass through some runs that's for sure. My TSH levels are good (with meds). I've been tested for all the same things as you. Oh and I turned 40 5 months ago as well :-)

The only advice I can offer is to keep at it. If I learn anything new from the lower GI doc, I'll pass it on.

AP

------------------------
"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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are you taking a probiotic supplement?
are you eating a ton of fruits/veggies? (too much fiber?)
How committed are you to veganism? (yogurt and keifer can fix so many tummy issues)

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [AndyPants] [ In reply to ]
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Recoverie and AndyPants -

Of course the disclaimer: I am not an MD.
What struck me about both your stories is the bloat...AP - you mentioned you are being tested for a parasite...that is what I was wondering too...especially with Recoverie's description of malnourished kids. Here's the other piece of that...maybe you ARE malnourished. I have a friend who is going through some VERY similar symptoms and as she is working through it, a stool sample has revealed that she likely is malnourished. It is not about diet (good vs. bad) it is about what your body can actually digest.

I would pull on that string - and see what comes up. I know it is unpleasant, but I would suggest a stool sample.

For me my brain goes to: possible parasite (more or less likely with where you live/travel); or under/malnourishment based on what your body can/can't digest.

Good luck -keep us posted!

________________________________________________
Don't Just Live, Thrive!
Thrive Kinematics Physical Therapy - http://www.facebook.com/...8178667572974?ref=hl
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [noodlecat77] [ In reply to ]
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noodlecat77 wrote:
Hi,
well it certainly sounds like you've seen the medics to rule out any really nasty things. Have you seen a dietitian? I had similar gut issues, had endoscopy and other tests for coeliac etc but all negative. I finally saw a dietitian and did a food elimiation test diet. Essentially you eat pears and white rice (very bland but generally non irritating to everyone) for weeks then gradually introduce other foods and see what causes the issues. it's hard and boring and energy sapping but worth it in the end for me. ... Turns out i can't eat the entire Oligo-saccharide food group!
The elimination diet is based on the FODMaP approach which stands for Fermentables, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols... essentially you are finding out what ferments certain ways in your gut and is or isn't digested effectively and therefore produces gas and all your other symptoms. Some or all of the FODMaP groups might irritate you more than others. Find a good sports dietitian who knows their stuff and they should be able to guide you through this. If anything, it won't hurt to try.
good luck!

Thanks for the info and website. I have not seen a dietician. Based on my experiments, it doesn't matter what I drink or eat and when, I still have the severe bloating, some days worse than others. I had a colonic last March that expelled a lot of gas. No candida present. I followed that up with a charcoal drink, then hours later, probiotics.


I've looked into this FODMAP diet. I've even tried eliminating all grains and nuts and seeds. My hunch is it's not the food, but something in me has changed. I don't know if it's just time and age. Though, I can't imagine just because you turn 40, things just fall apart in a bad way. I'll keep you posted.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [tridana] [ In reply to ]
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I had a major bout of the trots in NZ about 18-20 months ago - I mean 10 straight days of it - and I recall doing a bunch of thermal pool swimming. So... beaver fever? giardasis (sp?)? this is what we're going to check on.

AP

------------------------
"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [AndyPants] [ In reply to ]
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I would think these could be two options, but there are lots of parasites, and lots of ways to pick them up...just thinking out loud.

________________________________________________
Don't Just Live, Thrive!
Thrive Kinematics Physical Therapy - http://www.facebook.com/...8178667572974?ref=hl
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [StephB] [ In reply to ]
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StephB wrote:
What jumped out at me from your post was the "vegan" and the "with supplements".

Have you changed your diet or supplementation regimen recently or have any of your go-to foods or supplements re-tooled their formulas? I've kept the same vegan diet since 1995, though, I've had bouts of binge eating where I would go weeks on a schedule, then overeat of sugary foods, then eat salty, back and forth for a few days, then get back on a schedule. Went through counseling for it, knowing it's not about the food (but have to not get too low on calories), but some family issues (some used food for comfort, weight issues on both sides of family). I've changed different supplements over the years. Sometimes I use the same ones, then switch to a different formula based on different ingredients. Sometimes I can't tell if they help as well as getting quality sleep and hydration. My best sleep time is in bed by 8:30 p.m., up around 5:30 a.m. But, I have not been as consistent over the years as I should have been. So, I've gone off supplements for a season just to see if they help. I don't know if the companies have changed their formulas.

The bloating sounds like what happened to my husband when we tried taking supplements (simple multi-vitamins). We finally gave up and decided to compensate with diet instead because the vitamins made him miserable. Maybe you could try to compensate for one supplement at a time in your diet and see if any of those changes help? Right. I'm trying that now. Going off of them, then add them back one by one. So far, I can't tell that any of the ones I take have a positive or negative effect compared to getting live foods (lots of organic fruits and veggies, some in solid form, some juiced). I try to keep the food and supplements as simple as possible, ensuring the supplements are more "food based."

I get the bloating/gas also and found that avoiding wheat (I tested negative for gluten allergy, but had a very low reaction to certain wheat proteins) and decreasing my water intake has helped a lot. With the whole "drink before you are thirsty" idea, I was drinking ridiculous amounts of water, which caused me severe GI distress (diarrhea, gas, bloating, etc). Drinking to thirst is working a lot better for me. Please also note, however, that gluten-free is not the same as good-for-you. We went out for pizza the other night and the gluten-free dough, while it had no wheat, was 2x more calories and 3-4x more fat (to which my GI is also sensitive) than the regular wheat crust.

I hear you on the "drink when thirsty" model. I thought about this when during Branson 70.3 on Sun, Sept 19, 2010 when I was pounding the water, but not enough electrolytes. I diluted my sodium levels so much that I went to the medical tent after the finish and was given two bags of an IV solution. I had hyponatremia (they didn't say that, but, read about it later). My blood pressure was crazy low (maybe 80 or 60 over 40, I can't remember, but it was LOW). It was in the upper 90's that day, I pushed the bike too hard, didn't drink enough electrolytes. After the IV, I felt reborn. My bloating and nausea went away, I didn't feel as sore, and my appetite returned. I truly felt like a million bucks. The next day, I wasn't that sore, so, went out for a low effort hour bike ride. Felt great during the rest of that week. But, that Saturday night back in WA, I had a binge episode, but got back on board after one day. Though, still had episodes again a week later.


Thanks for your input.

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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [DawnT] [ In reply to ]
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DawnT wrote:
My only advice is to read the book Clean by Alejandro Junger. I'm currently on Day 4 of the cleanse that he recommends in the book. Pretty easy to do and I really think it will help you.

Thanks for the info about Clean. I checked out some excerpts from the book online yesterday. Will continue to investigate.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [jennacaer] [ In reply to ]
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jennacaer wrote:
I dont know what your calorie intake is like, but I found when I dropped too low in calories I started getting a really uncomfortably bloated belly and put on some weight. I of course reacted in the wrong way and though I was eating too much and lowered them more and energy started to drop off. Also what is your fat intake like?


I don't know how many calories I'm getting a day (I'm male, btw). Sometimes I wonder if I'm not getting enough calories because of the binge episodes that crop up every couple of weeks during heavy training. For fat intake, here's what I eat every day:
  • Avocados first, then black olives if the avocados are not ripe yet.
  • Nuts and seeds, in whole form or butters (almonds always first, then cashews, walnuts, coconut or peanuts; or pumpkin, sunflower, flax or hemp seeds.
  • Vegenaise (dairy free, grape seed oil based dressing) at my savory lunch meal.
  • I eat two meals a day, a third if I need it. I aim for not eating right before bedtime (which means my last meal of the day is around 4 p.m., if I'm going to bed by 8:30 p.m.). My fruit and grain breakfast is my biggest meal of the day. Then five or six hours later, my vegetable-legume-grain based lunch. If I need something in the evening, it's something light that will digest quickly, like fresh fruit or a vegan based protein shake with almond, coconut, rice or soy milk. However, during a heavy training week (I operate on a four week cycle throughout the year), I have got up in the middle of the night to eat a couple of Clif or Luna bars, then back to bed.

I started working with a dietician and he increased my calories pretty significantly, while being at a small 200 cal deficit and I actually lost about 4 pounds and that bloated feeling in about a month. It was my body producing cortisol in response to the stress on my body of not getting enough calories. For 12 hours of training a week he had me averaging 2200 cal/day and I'm 5'6 120. Prior I was eating about 16-1700. It was about 30-35% fat diet, which again was a surprise but did wonders.

Seems totally counter-intuitive but it got my body fat and weight back down, and energy was soaring.

Thanks for this info. I read something about problems surfacing if the body's cortisol levels get too high (lack of quality sleep can be a factor that can raise it). What do you think?


I understand I have to get a good amount of quality calories in order to lose unnecessary weight. If the body senses a deprivation, the metabolism, as I've read, will slow down to conserve energy. So, losing weight is harder. One has to eat to lose weight. However, sometimes I don't intentionally under eat. But, having had the on again, off again binge eating episodes since 1991 (it began in the Air Force when I decided to start eating "healthier" to get more energy for exercise), I'm afraid of eating too much. I can usually tell when I've had enough when a burp surfaces at the end of my meals. This is usually 30 to 40 minutes after beginning to eat, and doing it slowly, chewing the food well into a cream before swallowing. When I've stopped eating when I burped, get up and move around, it proves to be enough. But, if I kept going past that signal, I don't feel good.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [AWARE] [ In reply to ]
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AWARE wrote:
that sounds miserable & I'm sorry you've had to travel such a long road. So many things should be so much easier. I have no really sound advice or knowledge here, just wanted to tell you I hope you get relief or find some answers in the not-too-distant future. My first inclination was that there may be some sort of low-grade lurking allergy or intolerance, like Noodlecat mentioned. That may be a reasonable course of action, along with a dietician visit - possible to combine those into one person??

Thanks for your concern and for sharing, Aware. :) I'm trying to investigate all possibilities, whether it's emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, environmental or a combination of all of them. As far as an allergy, I learned that a fresh water lake I swam in last summer in the Pacific NW was contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, so the city closed it to swimmers for about a month last September. I swam in it two or three times a month since June in preparation for Branson 70.3 in September. I was having gut issues before, but, not as bad as today. However, when I went to AR and MO to see my family, I didn't have severe problems. Thinking it was the lake, I thought I found the solution. However, my symptoms are worse today, and I haven't been in that lake since the last week of August. The city reopened it sometime in September, deeming it safe.

I've picked up about 5lbs from somewhere & am having a time trying to get them to go away. That said, I'm running a very high stress quotient with a lot of disruption in my life causing less than stellar eating habits & lacking discipline in that arena, so I'm partially aware of why they're not going away!

I hope you get some relief soon.


Thanks again for sharing. I'll keep you posted.
Last edited by: Recoverie: Feb 2, 13 13:10
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [miTmite] [ In reply to ]
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miTmite wrote:
Can't tell from your post-are you female? If so, request an ultrasound of your ovaries. Orarian cysts can cause many of your symptoms; bloating, weakness, abdominal pain, etc. If you're a dude, sorry...

Good luck! I hope you figure it out.

Thanks for the info. I'll have to get those ovaries checked out, but, it won't be mine because I am a dude. :)


Thanks for the well wishes. I'll keep you posted.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [AndyPants] [ In reply to ]
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AndyPants wrote:
Wow. Except for the vegan part, I am in virtually the same situation as you. I mean "I could have written that post" exactly the same situation. I feel slightly better now knowing I'm not alone ;-)

Thanks for sharing, AP. That makes me feel better, also, to know someone else is having a similar experience. It's been trying attempting to know where to go to talk to someone about these issues.

Here's what I've learned so far:
- Not wheat: I did a 3 week exclusion trial and I felt better but not significantly to conclude that I cannot eat wheat (I just try to eat less of it)
I hear you. I've tried eliminating wheat and all gluten, but, no change.

- Not dairy: Ditto above. In fact I did WORSE on the lower GI side when I removed dairy esp. yogurt from my diet.
Glad you figured that out. I've been off dairy for the most part since 1995. I have it when I eat out (pizza or a sub sandwich), which is very rare (about once a month).

- I did have two fibroids removed about a year ago which made a dramatic improvement in the massive pain & bloating during my period. I thought it would solve the bloated belly but it hasn't - only during my period.
Well, scratch that one off the list.

- The coughing up phlegm - yep I have that too - and I have been told there's a few possible causes: upper GI acid reflux; food allergy/reaction; post-nasal drip. The latter is most likely for me. The dairy exclusion did not help with this as my doc thought it might. I also have problems with my eustachian tubes which is why she first thought "dairy".
Yes. I notice the need to spit out phlegm immediately happens when I drink citrus juices. Most days, I drink a pint of fresh lemon and orange juice diluted in warm water in the morning (gets the bowels going). I also constantly spit out phlegm during exercise (only running and biking). I usually have something sweet on the bike, like an electrolyte drink or vegan based protein shake in one bottle (other bottle is filtered water). I don't have the need to spit out phlegm on my one day off each week from swim, bike and run.

- I have a bloated belly no matter what I do and am now going to see a lower GI specialist (hopefully within the next month) as they are now worried about a possible parasite (!)
I hope it proves successful for you. I've wondered about the parasites issues too, so, I did a cleanse last year. No results (didn't pass any worms!)


I saw a GI specialist last July. She didn't recommend a colonoscopy, but the FODMAP diet and to cut back on the amount of probiotics I was taking at that time. She reasoned that maybe I was getting too much friendly bacteria in my gut that caused it to go haywire. I've taken over the last year a probiotic capsule twice a day, with a superfood green powder (Garden of Life Perfect Food) that has a host of probiotics in it and vegan based yogurt with live cultures a few times a week.

- I too have been 5-10lbs over where I was even a year ago and I am running a silly amount these days and can't drop the weight.
I hear you. Even though I follow a year round plan that includes hard and easy weeks that allow for proper recovery, I'm having a difficult time. I drop fat levels and weight when ramping up for an event, but, I still have this fat roll around my midsection that does not go away like three years ago. Even when I reduce the intensity and just do an hour bike or run at a very low effort, no change.

- I tried B12 supplementing which didn't help a lick with energy levels.
I hear you. I take a sublingual B12 1000 mcg every morning and can't tell a difference (my levels are good according to blood work).

I have hypothyroidism, and my energy levels are OK - some days they're through the roof and other days pretty damn low, where I have to drag my ass through some runs that's for sure. My TSH levels are good (with meds). I've been tested for all the same things as you. Oh and I turned 40 5 months ago as well :-)
I hear you about dragging your ass through those runs (and other workouts). The last month has been very difficult. Soreness that doesn't go away no matter how much sleep I get. The constriction I feel in my left chest, neck and head during any effort (whether brisk walking, climbing stairs or a swim, bike or run), even at a very low effort (conversational level). The morning after my colonic last April, I felt much better. My run felt easier and not as bloated. When I bike or run now, my gut feels like a pile of limp noodles lying in there. So bloated and sloppy feeling. Almost like I'm still carrying around a bunch of waste. But, I would have several bm's during the day, so, it feels like I'm emptying. But, the bloated belly remains even after going to the bathroom.

I've heard my parents and others say things about what their body went through after passing forty. I just don't want to accept that because you're a certain age, you have to completely fall apart. Yet, strangely enough, May 2011 (six months after turning 40), is when I began experiencing symptoms in my gut, injury to my right achilles (it recovered), then a few months later, plantar fasciitis in the left foot (still dealing with it), overall thicker body composition and harder time dropping the weight even though I'm careful about eating, drinking and sleeping.

The only advice I can offer is to keep at it. If I learn anything new from the lower GI doc, I'll pass it on.

AP

Thanks for the sharing. I'll keep you posted, also, if and when I learn something that helps. :)
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [tigerchik] [ In reply to ]
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tigerchik wrote:
are you taking a probiotic supplement?

I've taken a probiotic from Country Life called Daily Dophilus, an "a.m./p.m." forumula. I then used a superfood green powder from Garden of Life called Perfect Food. I'm not on those currently. I'm now taking an enzyme forumula from Futurebiotics called Vegetarian Enzyme Complex. It has a probiotic in it called Lactospore (lactobacillus). I also eat vegan based yogurt once a week.

are you eating a ton of fruits/veggies? (too much fiber?)

I eat fresh fruits and veggies every day (organic when possible). I have fruit with my morning meal (using only one kind each day), and vegetables with my afternoon meal. I also rotate the fruits and veggies so I'm not eating the same thing every day.

How committed are you to veganism? (yogurt and keifer can fix so many tummy issues)

Pretty committed. I gradually moved into it from lacto-ovo vegetarianism since 1995. Before that, in 1991, I began changing my diet from SAD (standard american diet) to more whole foods. Brown rice instead of white, more fresh fruits and veggies, lower fat foods, eliminated red meat, incorporated more fish, eliminated soda and caffeine, drank more water until my urine was clear. However, I'm willing to try the dairy based yogurt and kefir to see what happens.

Thanks for your input, TC. I'll keep you posted.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]
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I'm not a doctor but I heard a story on NPR this week that shows some evidence that malnourished children with extended abdomins may be caused by the bacteria in their gut. We all have bacteria in the gut to help with digestion and if the bacteria we need dies off for some reason and is replaced by unhelpful bacteria may be causing the malnourishment. That is the theory anyway. Might be worth looking into.


-------------------------------------------------------
I'm not crazy. I am mentally amusing. - Daffy Duck
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [tridana] [ In reply to ]
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tridana wrote:
Recoverie and AndyPants -

Of course the disclaimer: I am not an MD.
What struck me about both your stories is the bloat...AP - you mentioned you are being tested for a parasite...that is what I was wondering too...especially with Recoverie's description of malnourished kids. Here's the other piece of that...maybe you ARE malnourished. I have a friend who is going through some VERY similar symptoms and as she is working through it, a stool sample has revealed that she likely is malnourished. It is not about diet (good vs. bad) it is about what your body can actually digest.

I would pull on that string - and see what comes up. I know it is unpleasant, but I would suggest a stool sample.

Thanks for the info, Tridana. I've never had a stool sample, but willing to get it done.


I'm convinced, unless proven otherwise, it's not the food, per se, that is the issue, but something out of whack in my system. Even when I drink (water or juice), it feels like the liquid goes straight into my small and large intestines and pools up, causing a severe bloat. When I lie on my back and massage the colon area, I hear a lot of sloshing and gurgling. The bloat is like a pregnant woman almost ready to deliver.


I could be wrong, but, I don't think it's the food that has changed. However, I do know of GMO food, so, I try to stay clear of those as much as I can. I get my produce from a Food Co-op that sells most of their fruits and veggies from local farmers that don't use chemicals.

For me my brain goes to: possible parasite (more or less likely with where you live/travel); or under/malnourishment based on what your body can/can't digest.

Good luck -keep us posted!

Yes, the parasite issue. I've done a cleanse in 1996, 2000 and last year. I didn't pass any worms, so, I'm only going by what I read and the possibility of having a parasite.

Thanks for the well wishes. I'll keep you and AP posted.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [AndyPants] [ In reply to ]
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AndyPants wrote:
I had a major bout of the trots in NZ about 18-20 months ago - I mean 10 straight days of it - and I recall doing a bunch of thermal pool swimming. So... beaver fever? giardasis (sp?)? this is what we're going to check on.

AP

That sounds rough! At this point, I would think anything is possible, and would leave nothing to chance. Surely there is a cause to all of this.
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Re: Gut issues, weight gain, strength & endurance declining [Rlshanley] [ In reply to ]
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Rlshanley wrote:
I'm not a doctor but I heard a story on NPR this week that shows some evidence that malnourished children with extended abdomins may be caused by the bacteria in their gut. We all have bacteria in the gut to help with digestion and if the bacteria we need dies off for some reason and is replaced by unhelpful bacteria may be causing the malnourishment. That is the theory anyway. Might be worth looking into.

Thanks for the info, Rlshanley. This makes sense.


I'm looking back at when these issues started. It seems to be around the time after Branson 70.3 in 2010. Due to the heat and humidity, I dehydrated so bad that I went to the medical tent and received two IV bags of a sodium solution. I felt awesome after that, and had no lingering issues. My gut issues haven't been an issue until a year ago. It came on gradually. Any long or hard efforts makes me feel unsettled and nauseous in my gut (like when I do a two hour bike followed by an hour run once a week). The fecal coliform bacteria that was in a local lake I swam in last year is still a red flag for me. However, I'm having worse symptoms now, and I have not been in that lake since last August.


These stomach and colon issues have caused me to miss work and personal appointments and gets in the way of life in general, not just the swim, bike and run. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.
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