Gases, an unfurnished chair, and other issues - #172
I am 50 years old, I have a gallbladder removed, I am not overweight. I've had an unformed stool all my life, then porridge, then goo, then diarrhea, and rarely one-time constipation. I also have gas and constant bubbling in my intestines, deep probing of the intestines with my fingers leads to unpleasant slightly painful sensations, the intestines seem to be slightly inflamed. Sometimes (a couple of times a month) I have some kind of intestinal obstruction that feels close to the rectum, which is very painful, but resolves itself after 2-10 minutes. I also have high cholesterol (8.2) and very low testosterone. There are no acute pains at the moment. Rather, I would like to put the gastrointestinal tract in order - to achieve a formed stool, remove gases, understand why I have short-term pain - obstruction. Is it possible and necessary to take some kind of test to understand what is wrong with my microbiome?
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Doctors’ responses
Given your history of gallbladder removal and ongoing gastrointestinal issues, it’s crucial to focus on restoring balance in your digestive system. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of digestion and the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly after significant surgical procedures. To address your symptoms, you can consider the following Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle adjustments: Triphala: This herbal formulation consists of three fruits—Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It acts as a gentle laxative and is known for its ability to regulate bowel movements, relieve constipation, and promote detoxification. You can take it in powder form, mixing it with warm water before bed to support digestion. Ginger: Fresh ginger tea can be particularly effective in alleviating gas and bloating. You can prepare ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water. Drinking this before meals can help stimulate your digestive fire (Agni) and enhance overall digestion. Psyllium Husk (Isabgol): This natural fiber supplement can help regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency. Mix one to two teaspoons of psyllium husk in a glass of warm water before bedtime, ensuring you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Probiotics: To improve gut health and restore the balance of gut flora, incorporating probiotics into your diet can be beneficial. You can consume fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement. Dietary Recommendations: Focus on a diet that is warm, cooked, and easy to digest. Include foods such as: Cooked Vegetables: Zucchini, spinach, and carrots can be easily digested and help in reducing inflammation. Whole Grains: Opt for rice, quinoa, and oats, which provide fiber and promote regularity. Healthy Fats: Incorporate ghee or olive oil in moderation to support digestion without overloading the system. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for digestive health. Aim to drink warm or room temperature water throughout the day, especially before meals. Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating by chewing food thoroughly and avoiding distractions during meals. This can improve digestion and help your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Regular Exercise: Gentle physical activity like walking or yoga can stimulate digestion and promote bowel regularity. Stress Management: Since stress can impact digestion, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. Consultation with an Ayurvedic Practitioner: To further investigate the underlying causes of your symptoms, a personalized consultation with an Ayurvedic physician can provide targeted treatments and may suggest specific tests like a comprehensive stool analysis to evaluate your gut microbiome and digestive health. By implementing these Ayurvedic principles and remedies, you can work towards achieving a more balanced gastrointestinal tract, reducing gas and discomfort, and promoting overall digestive health.
Hello Kavya, Have you had a colonoscopy done at any point? Also a CBC, ESR , CRP , liver function tests, stool test would be advisable. At the moment just focus on eating homemade easy to digest foods like soups, stews, porridge etc. Include buttermilk in diet everyday with a pinch of rock salt.
Ah okay, sounds like you’ve been through quite a ride with your digestive system. Right now, figuring out a pathway for better digestion is definitely possible. With your gallbladder gone, your digestive process might be a bit off balance. You’ve got a few things going on and it’s like your body is throwing up all these signals - the unformed stools, the gas, the bubbling – almost like your digestive system is texting you about its mood.
Let’s think about this from an Ayurvedic perspective first. Items like your unformed stool, gas, and discomfort could be linked to a Vata imbalance. In Ayurveda, Vata governs movement in the body and can, when unbalanced, lead to gas and unformed stools. So, calming Vata might be key. Warm meals, easy-to-digest foods like kichadi made with white basmati rice and mung dal cooked with a touch of ghee and spices like cumin, ginger, and fennel, could really help soothe your belly.
Stay away from cold drinks and raw foods since they can increase Vata and make digestion tougher. Try sipping on warm water or ginger tea throughout the day. Maintaining regular meal timings can also help – like having your biggest meal when the sun is at its peak (think noon-ish).
Those occasional blockages might be due to the way your body is processing or not processing certain foods right now when bile is not being regulated perfectly due to gall bladder removal. It’s worth it to look at your food triggers; certain foods may be not doing you favors with those blocks.
You asked about tests; a stool analysis could be insightful to check for imbalances in your gut microbiome. In terms of mainstream medicine, this could guide you nutritionally too. You mentioned low testosterone too, and that’s a whole different dimension. I’d say lifestyle, diet, and maybe further hormonal investigation with your doc are good paths.
Without dismissing any serious conditions, if things really flair up – especially sudden pain that’s new or worsening – doesn’t hold back from seeing a doc urgently.
Ease into this, listen to what works, and trust your gut (pun intended)!

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