Happy Tummy: Found and Lost (or, Remembering to Slow Down)

Storefront, Metro Drugs (Upper East Side, NYC)

Something has happened over the past few months to re-ignite my GERD symptoms:  the clenched throat, nausea, fullness and regurgitation episodes.   Since I've mostly had this under control the past year (!) this is surprising and frustrating.  "Oh no, not AGAIN."  

Why?

• Have I been eating too fast lately?   (Yes.  For some reason, I'm inhaling my meals.)
• Eating too late? (Definitely.  Late hours at work.)
• Eating too much?  (Calorically, I think I'm okay, but I do think I'm eating too much bulk-wise.  Because I'm eating too quickly.)
• Eating too much chocolate?  (Most likely.)
• Not enough Tai Chi or breathing exercises?  (Blame the hectic work schedule and falling out of the habit.  I've recently returned to this wonderful stress reliever.)
• Too much black tea?  (I bought some high quality Darjeeling and other black tea, which I've been enjoying alongside the usual oolongs and puehr -- have I overestimated my ability to easily tolerate this again?)  
• Not enough vegetables lately?  (My hectic schedule the past 4-5 months has definitely impacted my capability and desire for home-cooking, especially my greenmarket produce.)
• Not enough sleep?  (If I'm being honest, yes.  See all of the above.)
• A compromised immune system (Due to not enough vegetables or sleep?  I just got over a 2-week cold -- my first in years.)   
• Too stressed out (leading to a compromised immune system, leading to the return of my GERD/gastroparesis) (See above, again, most likely yes yes yes?!!??!)

Sigh! 

Just around this time, I noticed this elaborate chalk drawing in a storefront in Manhattan promoting probiotics for a "happy tummy."  

Maybe I'm easily impressionable, but this drawing reminded me to take a step back -- take ten steps back -- and BREATHE and put my body first.   More and more studies are showing the strong connection between gut health and overall health, especially the immune system.  (I have some new links to share, stay tuned, future post!)

RESOURCE:  2016 GUT MICROBIOTA FOR HEALTH WORLD CONGRESS  

I was excited to come across a link for the Gut Microbiota for Health World Congress meeting taking place March 5-6, 2016 in Miami, Florida with panels such as Gut Microbiota as Therapeutics, Life Events that Alter Gut Microbiota, and other timely titles.   See the whole program here.

The meeting site includes a link to this excellent academic site for gut microbiome news:

• Gut Microbiota for Health: Public Information Service from European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Report From My Gut: Let's Talk Motility!

This blog entry is not for the faint of heart!

Time to talk "motility."   For people with GERD, gastroparesis, and other GI conditions, "not going" is not just uncomfortable -- it's a crisis.   One "slow" day can easily spiral into a few days, making my already challenged intestines and slow stomach even more cranky.   And, I have found that when I am constipated, nausea often follows.

This morning, I am on day three of feeling not my best.  

I do all the advised things.  I've done most of these in the last 24 hours:

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits (Veggie diet -- check!)
• Eat more fiber (that's ALL I seem to eat some days…)
• Take probiotics (done -- in the form of pickles and Puehr tea…)
• Exercise (stair-climbing daily, a few big walks each week, Tai Chi, stationary bike…)
• Drink more liquids (water, non-caffeinated tea, caffeinated tea, more water)
• Relax (trying!!  trying!!  trying!! but easier said than done when the clock is ticking and I need to leave the house for work -- bloated, again!)

Now it's less than 40 minutes to my departure time and I need to shower, get dressed, pack my lunch, and head out -- but who wants to schlep to work feeling like you've got an extra 29 pounds in your gut?  Gassy.  Crampy.  Psychologically bloated.   I don't like using public restrooms (who does?) and with "gut issues" it's just better dealing with things at home, trust me.

So, this remains an ongoing issue for me.  For months, I had somehow settled into a routine and constipation was occasional.  It is upsetting to be back in this situation, worrying where and when my next bowel movement will be!   If I "take too long" in the morning, that can prevent me from meeting my exercise goals -- a 45 minute walk before work, or my Tai Chi class.   It's a daily struggle.

One comfort:  If you are reading this and experience the same issues, you are not alone.  Constipation is one of the most common concerns, and one of the least discussed.  It may not be "life threatening" but it is definitely life-impacting.


WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING -- LINKAGE 

A few interesting and helpful online resources:

Silent Struggles: The Ugly Truth about Gastroparesis and Constipation

Gastroparesis FAQ:  Constipation Causes & Remedies.  Video from Living With Gastroparesis blogger Crystal Saltrelli, Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor

Excellent graphics and information are included in this Constipation Fact Sheet by the Bladder and Bowel Foundation 

Australian Government Initiative: Looking After Your Bowel -- A Guide to Improving Bowel Function.  A whole government-issued document on the subject!  More good graphics here.

Secret Weapon: Non-Dairy Milks, Again

Experiment: almond milk and vanilla...not quite there yet, but edible and dairy free!

First, a status update:  My recent GERD and gastroparesis flare up (belching, regurgitation, nausea, constipation, bloating) continues to subside, and I am feeling better!   I am being more mindful overall regarding portion sizes, eating slowly -- two factors that I think are the top reasons my GERD has subsided -- exercising more and differently (new strength training sets, and twice-weekly Tai Chi class), and choosing foods more wisely.

GOT (NUT) MILK?

I've further reduced my dairy milk intake over the past weeks:  I've avoided eating foods containing cow's milk at parties, and I am ignoring the usual stream of cupcakes and muffins at the workplace.   And, options for desserts (my usual lone source of dairy at home) have greatly expanded with the purchase of a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker!   We have just started to play around with this new machine, and are having fun experimenting with all sorts of bases, including almond milk and hazelnut milk.  (I think cashew nut milk will be the secret weapon for quality vegan ice cream, given the extraordinary results by Lula's Sweet Apothecary -- a NYC phenomenon which unfortunately may be closed/closing.  Lulu's is the only vegan ice cream maker I've found that uses cashew milk instead of a coconut or soy or banana (see Gentle World's post on frozen bananas!) or almond base.

So, is it the addition of our ice cream maker (and, consequently, increased non-dairy desserts) that is making a difference, reducing my GERD symptoms?   Another possibility is my reduced carb intake, something I decided to informally monitor lately.  Less carbs = less breads = less wheat.  Another variable?   (But, elaborate tracking charts aside, it seems GERD can come/go without rhyme/reason/the stars align in mysterious ways.  Does anyone else ever feel this way?!)

Making a note and wondering if I need to go on another food elimination diet to see what's up with that.

From around the web, some dairy-free resources/recipes:

• YUM Universe's Dairy-Free Milk primer is a nice quick look at making and using dairy-free milks (including nuts but also sunflower, millet and rice!)

• Here's a thread from a celiac message board about people's experience going dairy-free -- and how it helps reduce/eliminate acid reflux

• I'm still exploring almond milk bases for our ice creams, and this West Coast blog has a few promising vegan ice cream recipes -- the photos are inspiring me to try these RIGHT AWAY

• And the My Whole Food Life blog spotlights a vegan strawberry ice cream and is a good resource, overall, to "clean" eating.

Report from my Gut: Getting GERD Flare-Up Under Control with a Counterattack!

Did too many tomatoes do it?

What happened??!

The past few weeks, all of a sudden, my GERD symptoms rallied and returned, five-fold.  This, after months of feeling much better, no "clenched throat," no reflux episodes, little or no nausea, even my constipation had been resolved for the most part.   Now, constipation has returned.  Bloating, nausea, consecutive days of acid reflux shooting up my esophagus, rare for me even in my GERD flare-ups -- a daily occurrence.  

What caused all of this?  I'm still trying to figure it out.  Too many tomatoes?  Exceptionally stressful (good and bad stress) weeks?  A few constipated days too many?

After a week of chewing on TUMS and feeling miserable and demoralized, I had to take action.  Several days into my "GERD Flare Up Counterattack," I am getting back on track, and the symptoms are subsiding.

Here's the strategy I used to get myself back on track:

• Eliminated my daily caffeinated tea and chocolate intake for a few days, choosing to drink chamomile-lavender and chamomile-vanilla, or lemon verbena, herbal teas.   When I resumed caffeinated tea, I selected pu-ehr and dark oolongs.
• Mindful eating, focusing on GERD-friendly foods (I tend to do this as a matter of course, but made a particularly strong effort to focus on stomach-friendly ingredients): lentils, sweet potato, kale, chard, pasta.  I also re-incorporated greenmarket (pastured) eggs as meals, having hard-boiled eggs and sauteed kale for breakfast and a scrambled egg for dinner.   For lunches, I brought soup or an Amy's frozen meal. I tried to eat slower and smaller meals, noticing I'd been lapsing about this.  
• Avoided tomatoes/tomato-based meals.  Was this the trigger for my reflux spell?  I bought two pints of sweet cherry tomatoes at the greenmarket -- the first of the season!! -- and gobbled them down, on their own, and in a salad.  I also had been increasing my tomato sauce intake, with more veg lasagnas and other dishes.  Usually, I'm lucky and can eat tomatoes without concern.  But maybe this was a case of too many, too soon, too fast.  I've also been eating a lot of strawberries, and tried honey with bee pollen -- a tiny taste that triggered an oral allergic reaction for 15 minutes.
• JUST SAY NO policy at work.   I refused birthday cupcakes, leftover pizza, free chocolate, and other office treats.   (Frankly, I should maintain this policy, which is, overall, the best way to manage my GERD, diet, health.)
• Tums.  Lots of Extra Strength TUMS.  I admit, they helped and I was determined to keep reflux away while I adjusted diet and other factors.
• Engaged in "self talk," trying to calm my mind and coach my body into relaxing, feeling better, getting back in control.  Reminding myself "the nausea will pass" and just don't worry about the constipation, this will resolve as well.  

Slowly but surely, returning to "my normal."

Breaking: New Study Links Barrett's Esophagus to Bile Reflux

Good news and bad news from the Rochester Medical Center.  A new study led by Dr. Jeffrey Peters -- an expert in esophageal and stomach surgery -- indicates a link between the dreaded Barrett's esophagus and bile reflux.   According to the study, published in the Annals of Surgery and summarized in an  April 24th Science Daily article,

Peters' team found that bile that washes up from the stomach into the esophagus shuts off genes responsible for the normal, skin-like lining of the organ, and turns on genes that produce the intestine-like lining that is the hallmark of Barrett's.  While previous research established that reflux components encouraged the development of intestinal tissue in the esophagus that alone was never enough to produce the changes that led to Barrett's.  

"The main leap this study makes is that normal esophageal cell growth must be turned off and intestinal cell growth must be turned on in order for the disease to take hold," noted Peters, who is president elect of the International Society of Diseases of the Esophagus. "We found that bile promotes both processes." 

[Emphasis mine.]

The jury is still out whether treating bile reflux with medication works.  According to the study's co-author, Dr. Tony Godfrey, "the only way to stop all reflux components, including bile, is to surgically reconstruct the faulty barrier between the esophagus and the stomach."


Yikes!


Citation:  Marie Reveiller, Sayak Ghatak, Liana Toia, Irina Kalatskaya, Lincoln Stein, Mary DʼSouza, Zhongren Zhou, Santhoshi Bandla, William E. Gooding, Tony E. Godfrey, Jeffrey H. Peters. Bile Exposure Inhibits Expression of Squamous Differentiation Genes in Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells. Annals of Surgery, 2012; : 1 DOI:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182512af9


LINKAGE


Mayo Clinic's page on Bile Reflux

GERD Food Diary, Day 2: Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Today is my first day back to work after the long holiday weekend.  I feeling anxious as I recall how much effort it requires to juggle healthy eating, exercise, recreation, commuting, household tasks and the workday.  It's so much easier when you don't have a clock looming!  I woke up a few times during the night and took a TUMS around 3:30 AM when I felt slight reflux.   The alarm rang at 5:05 AM and ten minutes later, I felt strong reflux while I was in the kitchen.  My symptoms after breakfast include the wet feeling in my chest, and bloating.   I did some deep breathing and movement after breakfast to relax, which helped.

5:30 AM: Breakfast

1 Wheetabix square

1 C. almond milk (Blue Diamond unsweetened vanilla)

1/4 C. crushed walnuts/pecans

1/4 C. raisins

Hot Oolong tea

10:00 AM: Snack
Cold water with Meyer lemon half
1 and a half homemade apple-cinnamon-oat muffins (these are very small in size, about 1/3 C. size)

11:30 AM: Snack
1 clementine
1 square Dagoba dark chocolate


Very busy work day, deadlines: feeling like I cannot take a break.  My back hurts between the shoulder blades and at one point I had lower abdominal pain.   My upper intestines feel bloated all day. 


1:30 PM: Lunch
1 C. vegetable soup (homemade kale, carrot, potato)
1 medium Bosc pear


NOTE:  My meal day is a "disaster" in terms of planning. I forgot I had a morning meeting and an evening event today -- so my initial plan to eat modestly and head home for a bean and grain dinner is up in the air.  Hence, the day of "snacking," just trying to stay satisfied and focused.  The event this evening will include appetizers and light refreshments -- I am not sure what I can eat there!  

3:30 PM: Snack
1 container Au Bon Pain hummus (I did not eat the olives or cucumbers; I do not like the former, and the latter can give me an allergic-like reaction)

I had slight reflux before the hummus; feel ok now.

5:30 PM: "Dinner 1"
I attended an evening reception, and planned to eat mindfully, making this part of my dinner.  I successfully navigated tables full of cheese, crackers, sweets and other party foods by grabbing a tiny plate and providing myself with a proper portion: a few pretzels, a single cube of cheese,  a few almonds, a few spoons of hummus with carrots, a small cluster of green grapes, and -- my indulgence -- two "oil infused" bread crisps.  (In the past, I would have had more cheese, crackers, and more than a few grapes and crisps.  And definitely both kinds of rugelah and a brownie.)

Before leaving, I had a few bites of cinnamon rugelah.   I left pleased with my restraint and relatively happy gut.  (But a little tired from comments about my vegetarian diet. "Would you like this meat on bone?"  "How about shrimp?  What, you don't eat shrimp either?"  I'm not the first veg who's wondered how people cannot equate seafood with animals.  But that didn't bug me as much as the follow up comment, "You're really missing out on life."  I had to swallow my sassy come-back for the sake of courtesy.  Bah!)

7:00 PM:  Banana
On my commute home, I experienced low blood sugar and had a small banana.

8:30 PM: "Dinner 2"
I had planned to have a bowl of soup for my "actual" dinner but when I got home, I was craving something more substantial.   One of my quick go-to dishes is sauteed edamame and green peas.  Just heat up some olive oil in a cast iron pan, toss in the legumes, and cover, cooking til desired softness.   I had 1/2 C. edamame with 1/3 C. peas and a slice of white bread (from the local bakery).

9:30 PM: 1 cup pu-erh tea with a spoon of sugar
I usually drink tea black, but I was in the mood for a small bit of sweetness, and lightly sweet pu-erh is divine indulgence.

I went to bed an hour later, feeling on the road to being mended.  No major gut issues, except for awful bloating and a heavy feeling in my intestines.

Linkage: New Studies Indicate Rise in Acid Reflux

Will acid reflux be the new "hot" medical condition for 2012?  Maybe.   The year closed with a couple of new studies pointing to acid reflux on the rise:


Eivind Ness-Jensen, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, studied 30,000 Norwegians over a decade and found a 47% increase in people reporting acid reflux symptoms between 1995-7 and 2006-9.  Women are more likely sufferers (and more likely to have it clear up on its own).  The study was published in the December 2011 online issue of Gut.


Another study looking at increased over-the-counter acid reflux medication sales in New York City suggests a link between the high unemployment rate and increased use of heartburn/reflux medicine.


It is interesting that many studies point to obesity or smoking as triggers for reflux.  Both can also be the results of stress -- another GERD trigger. 

Linkage: The Damage of Reflux (Bile, Not Acid)

My doctor wonders if some of my reflux stems from bile, not acid reflux, since none of the reflux medications have helped the situation, and I have had ulcer-like symptoms in the past.  I just came across this 2009 New York Times article about bile reflux, and it's a must-read (largely because so little IS written about this) to stay informed:

Excerpt:

Both acid reflux and bile reflux may afflict the same person, which can make diagnosis a challenge. But the stomach inflammation that results from bile reflux often causes a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that is not felt with acid reflux, according to experts at the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms of bile reflux may include frequent heartburn (the main symptom of acid reflux), nausea,vomiting bile, sometimes a cough or hoarseness and unintended weight loss.

While the article notes bile reflux is often linked to gastric bypass or other surgical interventions, it is something to consider if your medication/care plan for reflux is not working.

Food Diary: GERD Elimination Diet - October

I am recommitting myself to figuring out and better controlling my latest gut issues.  I think another GERD Elimination Diet week will benefit me.   So, here we go, another week without caffeine, chocolate, spice, oils.   I'm also interested in sharing a few improvements I've made -- more nuts throughout the day, for one thing.  Thank you for the advice!

At some point, I'd like to try a few weeks of a "Food Elimination Diet."  I am intrigued by a coworker who discovered her gluten reaction by a variation on the usual elimination diet -- she spent weeks eating one trigger food every day for a week and then avoiding that food, documenting if she felt different when she stopped eating it.   I'd like to try this approach, which seems more doable given my schedule, out of town guests, nutrition needs, etc.  (It can't hurt, right?)

FOOD DIARY

Breakfast

Mood: somewhat nervous about intestines/off and on constipation; going to doctor for follow up visit (non-GI related); otherwise fairly relaxed 

Symptoms: reflux/belching before eating; belching and some reflux after eating; bloated overal

1 Wheetabix square

1 C. Blue Diamond unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 tsp bran

1/4 C. ground walnuts

handful of miniature grapes
1/2 C. apple cider (from the greenmarket)

1 C. lemon verbena tea

Snack
1 small oat-bran-apple muffin (from home)
1/2 C. mini-grapes

Lunch
Mood:  content, busy, hungry
Symptoms: belching, some reflux off and on

1 serving eggplant-chickpea-tomato casserole (from home)
1/2 whole wheat mini baguette from Au Bon Pain (I forgot my grain today!)

Snack
1 banana
1/2 whole wheat mini baguette (the rest of it from lunch)

Dinner
Mood: Irritated, fatigued
Symptoms: No reflux but very bloated

2/3 C. Bird's Eye mixed vegetables
1 C. baked beans
2 Morningstar Farm sausage links (veggie)
2 slices rye toast
1 T. Earth Balance whipped spread

Snack
1 C. Breyer's ice cream (three flavor)

I went to bed feeling exhausted from a rigamarole of a day but slept throughout the night.  No GERD to wake me up.    [Note: By  morning, I woke up refreshed but again, about 5 minutes after waking and rummaging around the kitchen, I experienced a heavy feeling in my chest/stomach area -- what I think of as "reflux."   It is as if there is something "wet" inside my stomach.]

FIT Me!

Have you seen those make-up ads with the woman challenging the brand to "Fit me?"  "Fit Me!"  "FIT ME!"   Well, I'm ready for my diet to FIT ME and not give me FIT -- my acronym for that "food in throat" feeling.  I'm tired of it!   I'm cranky!


WHERE I STAND NOW

• food in throat/lump in throat feeling (sometimes I wonder if I am imagining it…but there is always a subtle sensation of this)
• waking up and 5-10 minutes later experiencing acid reflux (rarely am I woken up by this; it happens shortly after waking)
• increased acid reflux throughout the day (it comes in the morning and stays, or goes away and returns; I am definitely seeing an increase in "reflux," something I haven't had in the past)
• constant belching
• the occasional heartburn
• feeling too full too soon
• feeling like everything I'm going to eat is going to be a trigger (let's not underestimate the psychological effects of dealing w/our chronic gastro issues!

WHAT IS WORKING?

I need to step back and assess the past few months, during which I've tried:

1) a GERD Elimination Diet for 7 days (really helpful and I felt empowered afterwards!  this felt like a "cleanse" to me -- to just jumpstart good habits overall)

2) slow mindful chewing (also helpful; I haven't been practicing this for a few weeks due to guests, busy schedule, forgetting to be mindful)

3) reducing/changing my tea consumption overall (some days I don't have any tea!  most days, I start with low-caffeine teas like twig tea or herbals and may have black or green tea later in the day -- this does help and many times I don't feel tea is a trigger when I stagger it like that)

4) small portions (breakfast and lunch are set but dinner remains problematic…how to divide into two meals?  I'm not sure…)

4) trying to de-stress with more exercise, more efforts at "relaxing," more tai-chi (yes, yes and yes)  

TRIGGERS FOR MY REFLUX?

• eating too much at a sitting
• tea (ugh!  I hate to admit it.   But I do see a difference in drinking tea after having eaten something, or later in the day.  It does not bother me as much, or at all.)
• sweets (sometimes they can trigger heartburn)
• constipation (this is a definite correlation and problem…when it happens, it's a major issue for me; one preventative is a cup of tea in the morning, but this is also a trigger!)

Note that I have NOT been experiencing much nausea lately...

NEXT STEPS?

Carry on but listen to my positive experiences?

Should I again try a GERD Elimination Diet, this time being even more rigid about certain foods?  (I "cheated" once or twice on the last one.)    In any case, this might make me feel better, even psychologically.    

Should I go on a Food Elimination Diet?   I recently spoke with a woman who tried this and discovered her gluten reaction; she ate some of one type of trigger food each day for a week, then gauged her body's response when she eliminated the food.  A different tactic than the "don't eat it for weeks and then introduce it."  Hmmm.

Should I blog/log another food diary for a week with a focus on this morning reflux?   I don't think I tracked my moods and activities as well as I should have in the past entries, and this is something that I would do this time with more precision.

Am I sure I am experiencing GERD and not something else?  (Gallbladder issues?  Hernia?)   What about slow motility issues?  Could this be a factor?   Do I need to swallow those radioactive eggs?!!

Thinking about all of this -- and already feeling more empowered.  :)

Managing GERD While Sick, Part 1

One of the many orange juice servings I've been sipping…

HOUSE GUESTS, MINIMAL GERD!

My GERD tolerated a whirlwind weekend with houseguests during which I managed to eat my usual foods, largely due to my friends' interest in vegetarian dining -- our dining out included Hale & Hearty, Whole Foods, and my favorite Thai restaurant, while lots and lots of walking around the city.  I noticed some FIT and belching, but overall felt ok.  I ate lighter than usual, due to all of our "racing around."   I was pleasantly surprised by how little effect this busy weekend had on my GERD -- I guess I managed to keep everything in check.

CITRUS, A SECRET WEAPON/DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

I dropped off my guests at the train station and spent the afternoon doing some postponed shopping to freshen up the work wardrobe.  By the late afternoon, I felt cold symptoms creeping up:  stuffy nose, throbbing head, tell-tale body aches, an overall feverish feeling.  By Monday evening, it was clear I had picked up a bug.  I dislike medications when I am sick, reaching instead for the citrus foods, soups, hot tea.  One of my secret weapons is Odwalla's "C-Monster" line, which gives you 2000% of your daily Vitamin C in one bottle.  I know, I know, Vitamin C isn't stored and all, but this stuff gets me on the healthier side of sick in a flash, nearly every time.    Not this time, though…

I pushed on for the rest of the week, until Wednesday afternoon when I had to relent and "give in" to bed rest.   On the way home I picked up Amy's No-Chicken Noodle Soup.   It's one of the few Amy's products that is underwhelming; not as bad as some reviewers have noted, but still not something I'd go out of my way to buy again.

A dose of aspirin, lots of glasses of orange juice, and a small dinner (1 potato pierogi, small scoop of kasha) helped me feel better but I noticed more belching, queasiness, and some heartburn.  That lump in the throat feeling was pronounced.  I blame the citrus -- definitely harsh on my GERD belly.

What's a cranky gut to do?

Sudden Nausea and Gerd

An off and on day today in terms of my gut, and I can't figure out why!   My symptoms today:

• food in throat feeling (very pronounced today)
• stomach pain (just above my naval, nowhere else)
• "heartburn" sensation that feels like it's radiating from my stomach upwards
• sudden nausea (oh no, not this again...)
• belching 

I should also note I am:

• less gassy than yesterday, thank goodness
• not constipated

The sudden nausea is something I have experienced off and on for years and years.   I will be fine, doing whatever, and suddenly a rush of nausea comes over me.  Sometimes I think I will faint, it is that bad.  I may eat a small bite of cracker or cereal, but nothing helps except "riding it out."  Then, instantly -- I mean literally INSTANTLY -- it goes away, as if nothing happened.   This comes on with no apparent connection to anything I am doing, and stops with no connection to anything, either.

The rapid onset is shocking -- out of the blue, this comes along and I "talk myself through it" now, telling myself, "It's that nausea thing.  You won't throw up.  You'll be fine."

My searches online suggest causes: acid reflux, gastritis, gall bladder disease.   Has anyone else experienced this sudden nausea?

Monday Stomach Issues

It's 10:40 AM and my work day is being interrupted by stomach pain!  It is a sharp pain that feels like it is just under my navel.  I am also feeling very full -- as if I've had a huge meal, though I have eaten modestly today.

For all my gut issues, I hardly get "stomach pain."  Pains are usually centered around my intestinal area or back.   I am feeling a little "gassy" today despite no issues in the motility area.  Perhaps that's it?  Here is what I've eaten so far:

Breakfast - 6:00 AM
1 Wheetabix square
1/4 C. raisins
1 C. almond milk
1/2 graham cracker square


Snack - 9:30 AM
2 water crackers
1 wheat cracker
(I thought about eating these with almond butter, but did not want to open a packet as I was going to eat just a bit of it.)

Snack - 10:15 AM
1/3 C. green sugar grapes

Water - 10:49 AM
Decide to have a bottle of Poland Springs water (part of our office supply).
Pain is subsiding.  A while later, had some leftover corn from the cob (from last night's dinner).

Lunch - 1:00 PM
Decided I did not want the tomato-based dish I brought, so I went to the cafeteria and bought a veggie burger.   Perfect.   Also had two pickle spears.

Snack - 4:00 PM
1 apple from greenmarket -- super delicious!
1 small hunk of semolina bread

Dinner - 8:00 PM
I had a late function after work, so my dinner was subsequently late, too:
2 small halves of delicata squash leftover from roasting last night
2/3 - 1C. pinto beans
small hunk of semolina bread
1/2 C. frozen mixed vegetables with Earth Balance

I had stomach pain around 10:30 PM and later in the evening.   There is definitely a gassy issue going on, too (I was not going to dwell on this, but it's becoming a factor).  I wonder if the sudden appearance of squash -- a high fiber food -- is triggering this.  I doubt it's the squash -- that's an easy to digest food.   I'll keep monitoring my gut issues…

Tuesday Morning: Woke up slightly nauseous, some stomach rumbling, food in throat feeling greater than usual.   This is demoralizing!

9-11 and Acid Reflux Connection

Interesting!

A new study shows people who experienced the 9-11 tragedy have increased cases of acid reflux.   Researchers suggest both stress and the actual dust toxins seem to be triggers.