Stomach Pain When Hungry

[NikiSC]

For the past 4-5 years I have intense stomach pain when I'm hungry, and I'm always hungry. Eating temporarily alleviates the pain but then I'm hungry within an hour. I now wake up in the early AM with terrible pain. I try to "push through it." However, I usually end up eating in the middle of the night and then I can't go back to sleep. I also have frequent loose stools (TMI, I know😳). It isn't constant but the past year I've had several flare ups.

Needless to say, I've gained 20 pounds since last year due to the hunger! I've always been thin but now I struggle with my weight!

I've been treated for irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and brushed off like I'm crazy, lol. There is a new nurse practitioner at our doctor's office that is very good and attentive that I think I will see him soon about all these symptoms. Dr. Google says peptic ulcer or gluten sensitivity.

I started Prilosec last week with some relief of the pain but not the hunger!

This may be unrelated, but I now have eczema (for about 2-3 years) and my hair is crazy now. It's kinky and coarse and very black. Not all of my hair just randomly😳

So my questions are, has anyone else ever experienced these symptoms? If so, what worked? Should I see a naturopath or nutritionist? I've never tried that avenue before.

Thank you for reading all of this!

[Nemom]

1st thing that comes to my mind is Candida overgrowth.  The constantly being hungry feeling may be the yeast that is actually hungry.

 

We have more than one with food allergies, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and EoE at my house so some experience with GI issues.  

 

The constant hunger is not a symptom of gluten issues in my experience.  I think nutritionists are a waste of time personally for serious issues.  

 

Have you tried any Probiotics?

[displace]

Maybe helicobacter pylori. Gastritis or reflux isn't an unreasonable thought.

 

If you've seen the Dr only once to discuss it, it's time to revisit and ask for further help. If you've seen him/her multiple times, perhaps ask for a GI consult. Most GI docs will put you on a chronic antireflux med (for a month or so) first because it's the most widely helpful and an "easy" medicine.

[NikiSC]

1st thing that comes to my mind is Candida overgrowth. The constantly being hungry feeling may be the yeast that is actually hungry.

 

We have more than one with food allergies, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and EoE at my house so some experience with GI issues.

 

The constant hunger is not a symptom of gluten issues in my experience. I think nutritionists are a waste of time personally for serious issues.

 

Have you tried any Probiotics?

I have read about Candida and I definitely have all the symptoms.

I tried Probiotics. Initially the hunger and bloating subsided but then I became so bloated that I looked pregnant! I was miserable. I'm not sure if that's normal?

Thanks for the advice on the nutritionist. I've never used any kind of natural/alternative therapy so I'm not sure where to start, lol.

[Nemom]

I have read about Candida and I definitely have all the symptoms.

I tried Probiotics. Initially the hunger and bloating subsided but then I became so bloated that I looked pregnant! I was miserable. I'm not sure if that's normal?

Thanks for the advice on the nutritionist. I've never used any kind of natural/alternative therapy so I'm not sure where to start, lol.

Candida die off can make you feel more miserable than you already feel.  It is called a herxheimer reaction.  Google herxheimer & candida and you will get all kinds of results.

 

I have a yeast issue myself and started taking acidophilus every day.  I felt horrible after about a week and had to stop completely.  I'm going to try taking half a dose every 2-3 days and see if that makes a difference.

 

Not sure how reliable this website is but it has a list of die off symptoms and one of them is bloating.https://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-die-off-symptoms/

 

Be careful with the Prilosec and other reflux meds.  Long term use can cause all sorts of problems but if your Doctor is like ours, they will neglect to share these with you.  I think Drs just prefer to hand out prescriptions and send you on your way rather than take the time to actually find the cause of the problem.  

[wintermom]

I've been treated for irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and brushed off like I'm crazy, lol. 

 

I do not understand what you mean. You've gone through various blood tests, imaging, x-rays, etc. and been given treatment that's been ineffective? Go back to a gastro specialist and make sure they use all the diagnostic tools available to try and make an accurate diagnosis. 

Edited May 30, 2017 by wintermom

[kiwi mum]

At our house symptoms similar to yours were the result of gluten sensitivity. The hunger comes from not being able to absorb the nutrients due to vili damage. Weight gain doesn't fit with that though. Prilosec didn't help here, but when gluten was removed from the diet the pain was gone within three days.

[Mergath]

Have you had your hormones checked? PCOS can cause weird hair and skin stuff, and the associated insulin resistance can make you feel like you're starving 24/7.

[lewelma]

It was gluten sensitivity for me for identical symptoms. But I started with the FODMAP diet for fructose intolerance to treat irratable bowel. The diet fixed my problems in 48 hours. Google it. Over time, I Re-introduced foods until it became clear it was gluten not fructose. 80 percent if irratable bowel sufferers see improvement with FODMAP, but it's not for the faint if heart.

[regentrude]

Stomach pain on an empty stomach that is alleviated by eating is a hallmark symptom of a duodenal ulcer.

Cause is usually H Pylori; therapy involves two antibiotics and an antacid.

 

Have they tested you for H Pylori? I would start there.

Edited May 30, 2017 by regentrude

[Rosie_0801]

Candida die off can make you feel more miserable than you already feel.  It is called a herxheimer reaction.  Google herxheimer & candida and you will get all kinds of results.

 

I have a yeast issue myself and started taking acidophilus every day.  I felt horrible after about a week and had to stop completely.  I'm going to try taking half a dose every 2-3 days and see if that makes a difference.

 

I took some liver support pills from the supermarket to help with the die off unpleasantness. It helped a lot.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I had crazy stomach pain like that.  I didn't feel hungry (I eat low carb though and that is very good at controlling hunger).  I did feel relief when I ate.  I was treated for an ulcer (presumed to be caused by NSAIDs).  I feel much better now.  Took about three months to feel better.

 

 

[Nemom]

I took some liver support pills from the supermarket to help with the die off unpleasantness. It helped a lot.

Milk Thistle or something else?

[SparklyUnicorn]

1st thing that comes to my mind is Candida overgrowth.  The constantly being hungry feeling may be the yeast that is actually hungry.

 

We have more than one with food allergies, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and EoE at my house so some experience with GI issues.  

 

The constant hunger is not a symptom of gluten issues in my experience.  I think nutritionists are a waste of time personally for serious issues.  

 

Have you tried any Probiotics?

 

Can this be tested for? 

[Rosie_0801]

Milk Thistle or something else?

 

It had milk thistle in it, and a few other things I don't remember now.

[gardenmom5]

I agree with dr. google.  my first thought was celiac.

 

have you tried a gf diet?  have you been blood tested for celiac?  (gluten intolerance wont' show up on a blood test - celiac should.  but it can also depend how far along you are.)

 

you would need to do a gf diet for a minimum of a month.  you would have to learn to read labels - because a lot of things contain gluten where you'd never even think of it.

[gardenmom5]

I have read about Candida and I definitely have all the symptoms.

I tried Probiotics. Initially the hunger and bloating subsided but then I became so bloated that I looked pregnant! I was miserable. I'm not sure if that's normal?

Thanks for the advice on the nutritionist. I've never used any kind of natural/alternative therapy so I'm not sure where to start, lol.

 

to treat candida you need something that will actually kill it. probiotics are good to replace the good bacteria that were displaced by yeast.  and go slowly. this cannot be overemphasized.  candida die off can be extremely unpleasant.  the first time - I didn't know what was wrong with me.  it was not fun.  subsequent times were much much easier.

 

when I'm dealing with candida - I usually crave sweets like mad.  within three days of doing a yeast cleanse, I have no desire for sugar.  (or carbs).

there are many otc yeast cleanse kits - I usually use renew life's candigone. it's two-parts, and it will have you start slowly.

[Word Nerd]

Stomach pain on an empty stomach that is alleviated by eating is a hallmark symptom of a duodenal ulcer.

Cause is usually H Pylori; therapy involves two antibiotics and an antacid.

 

Have they tested you for H Pylori? I would start there.

 

This seems much more likely than a so-called "candida overgrowth." 

[SparklyUnicorn]

This seems much more likely than a so-called "candida overgrowth." 

 

Yeah, I'm a bit skeptical about that.  Which is why I asked if it can be tested for. 

 

"Natural" treatments aren't without their side effects.  And if one is in pain, why add to the pain without knowing if it will help?  When I had the ulcer issue, I was in a lot of freaking pain.

[displace]

I agree with dr. google. my first thought was celiac.

 

have you tried a gf diet? have you been blood tested for celiac? (gluten intolerance wont' show up on a blood test - celiac should. but it can also depend how far along you are.)

 

you would need to do a gf diet for a minimum of a month. you would have to learn to read labels - because a lot of things contain gluten where you'd never even think of it.

If you suspect celiac, definitely don't go gluten free before getting tested. It will mess up the tests.

[Sugarfoot]

I am suffering from the exact same thing right now. It is so incredibly frustrating. ( and painful!) My gallbladder was removed 18 years ago, but yet the pain I feel is in the exact same spot and is somewhat similar. Pain that feels like intense hunger occurs at the same time. Ironically, I am married to a fantastic gastroenterologist, so I've tried everything, lol. This also means I'm acutely aware that modern medicine has its limits. Not everything has a cause that can be identified and fixed, at least not at this point in history. New discoveries are made everyday, so I'm forever hopeful. My DH is insisting on endoscopy at this point to rule out anything serious.

 

I've had stomach pain all of my life. I remember being doubled over in pain on the school bus. This particular pain comes and goes. Right now, I am going through "a spell" as I call it. It goes on like this for a few weeks and then suddenly subsides. Then months later, it happens again. I am nearly incapacitated when this happens.

[Word Nerd]

If you suspect celiac, definitely don't go gluten free before getting tested. It will mess up the tests.

 

Not to mention it isn't healthy for people to go GF unless it's necessary, and only 1% of people have celiac.

Edited May 30, 2017 by Word Nerd

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

Not to mention it isn't healthy for people to go GF unless it's necessary, and only 1% of people have celiac.

That's ridiculous. There are thousands of naturally GF foods in existence--more than enough to live on healthfully. And celiac disease is not the only reason to avoid gluten. People can react to its consumption in a multitude of ways that make it something to avoid.

[cintinative]

That's ridiculous. There are thousands of naturally GF foods in existence--more than enough to live on healthfully. And celiac disease is not the only reason to avoid gluten. People can react to its consumption in a multitude of ways that make it something to avoid.

 

 

I don't think Word Nerd is suggesting that you should not go off gluten if it actually bothers you--she/he is suggesting that it is not wise to go off gluten if you have NO allergy/sensitivity or Celiac.  This I agree with. Wheat, in general, is healthier than rice/corn based products which is what most gluten-free foods are made from.  Gluten free products tend to be high in starches.  Also rice products can have a higher concentration of arsenic because of the ground in which the rice is grown.

 

The fad that gluten free is overall better for you is simply that, a fad. If you have a real medical reason to avoid gluten, then do it. But if you can eat real whole wheat bread without incident, it is cheaper and much better nutritionally. 

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/will-a-gluten-free-diet-really-make-you-healthier/index.htm

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

I don't think Word Nerd is suggesting that you should not go off gluten if it actually bothers you--she/he is suggesting that it is not wise to go off gluten if you have NO allergy/sensitivity or Celiac.  This I agree with. Wheat, in general, is healthier than rice/corn based products which is what most gluten-free foods are made from.  Gluten free products tend to be high in starches.  Also rice products can have a higher concentration of arsenic because of the ground in which the rice is grown.

 

The fad that gluten free is overall better for you is simply that, a fad. If you have a real medical reason to avoid gluten, then do it. But if you can eat real whole wheat bread without incident, it is cheaper and much better nutritionally. 

 

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/will-a-gluten-free-diet-really-make-you-healthier/index.htm

 

This is a dramatically different discussion than one in which we simply state that a gluten-free diet is unhealthy and that only celiac sufferers need to avoid gluten. The study itself refers to those who have celiac disease, are allergic to wheat or gluten, or have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. That's a much larger pool than just the 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease. Of course, anyone who publicly states that they have non-celiac gluten sensitivity is setting themselves to be mocked roundly, so it's a discussion that's hard to have.

 

I still do not buy that it's inherently unhealthy to avoid gluten. It may be unhealthy to replace gluten with nutritionally void packaged convenience foods, but that's not the same thing. Again, that's something to be addressed with a broader discussion around reading food labels and understanding general nutrition. 

 

Also, no one needs whole wheat bread to be healthy. I'm pretty sure that anyone with celiac, gluten allergies, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity could tell you that.

[Word Nerd]

That's ridiculous. There are thousands of naturally GF foods in existence--more than enough to live on healthfully. And celiac disease is not the only reason to avoid gluten. People can react to its consumption in a multitude of ways that make it something to avoid.

 

I stand by my "ridiculous' statement.

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/most-people-shouldnt-eat-gluten-free/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/truth-about-gluten?page=1

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/gluten-free-diet-harmful-people-without-coeliac-disease-health-benefits-a7713711.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/espghan-consumers-misled-by-gluten-free-foods-study-finds-621927303.html

http://morningsidemaryland.com/new-study-warns-that-gluten-free-foods-may-not-be-as-healthy-as-first-thought/

[ILiveInFlipFlops]

I stand by my "ridiculous' statement.

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/most-people-shouldnt-eat-gluten-free/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/truth-about-gluten?page=1

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/gluten-free-diet-harmful-people-without-coeliac-disease-health-benefits-a7713711.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/espghan-consumers-misled-by-gluten-free-foods-study-finds-621927303.html

http://morningsidemaryland.com/new-study-warns-that-gluten-free-foods-may-not-be-as-healthy-as-first-thought/

 

Sorry, but I didn't get past the subhead on your first link: "Gluten-free products made with refined grains can be low in fiber, vitamins and minerals."

 

Once again, there are thousands of foods available to human beings that are not made of refined, processed, gluten-free grains. No one needs prepackaged convenience products made of refined grains of any kind to be healthy. Just because many people choose that route doesn't mean that a gluten-free diet is, in itself, unhealthy. Ritz crackers are also made of refined grain and are low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals too. Their being made of wheat does not make them a health food. 

[NikiSC]

Have you had your hormones checked? PCOS can cause weird hair and skin stuff, and the associated insulin resistance can make you feel like you're starving 24/7.

It's been a few years. I'll have them check my hormones when I go in. Thanks!

[NikiSC]

It was gluten sensitivity for me for identical symptoms. But I started with the FODMAP diet for fructose intolerance to treat irratable bowel. The diet fixed my problems in 48 hours. Google it. Over time, I Re-introduced foods until it became clear it was gluten not fructose. 80 percent if irratable bowel sufferers see improvement with FODMAP, but it's not for the faint if heart.

Whoa! That's definitely not for the faint of heart. I'll do some more research on that this evening. Thanks!

[SparklyUnicorn]

I stand by my "ridiculous' statement.

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/most-people-shouldnt-eat-gluten-free/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/truth-about-gluten?page=1

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/gluten-free-diet-harmful-people-without-coeliac-disease-health-benefits-a7713711.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/espghan-consumers-misled-by-gluten-free-foods-study-finds-621927303.html

http://morningsidemaryland.com/new-study-warns-that-gluten-free-foods-may-not-be-as-healthy-as-first-thought/

 

There is a difference between eating gobs of packaged gluten free products and eating foods that happen to not be made of wheat. 

 

I agree with the sentiment don't go gluten free for the hell of it, but to say one can't be healthy without gluten...I don't see how this can be true.

[NikiSC]

I had crazy stomach pain like that. I didn't feel hungry (I eat low carb though and that is very good at controlling hunger). I did feel relief when I ate. I was treated for an ulcer (presumed to be caused by NSAIDs). I feel much better now. Took about three months to feel better.

I take a lot of Excedrin for headaches! Im glad you're feeling better and that gives me hope as well.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Low carb (fodmap is basically low carb as well) did not magically cure my issues.  In fact I've been eating low carb for many years.  I lowered it more and that didn't work either. 

 

I did lose weight though and I feel great.  So there is that.  ; )

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I take a lot of Excedrin for headaches! Im glad you're feeling better and that gives me hope as well.

 

Yeah every time I went to the doctor or dentist they were prescribing NSAIDs to me.  High doses.  For years. 

 

Now I just say no.  I don't want to go through that again. 

Edited May 30, 2017 by SparklyUnicorn

[NikiSC]

I agree with dr. google. my first thought was celiac.

 

have you tried a gf diet? have you been blood tested for celiac? (gluten intolerance wont' show up on a blood test - celiac should. but it can also depend how far along you are.)

 

you would need to do a gf diet for a minimum of a month. you would have to learn to read labels - because a lot of things contain gluten where you'd never even think of it.

I've not been tested. I haven't tried gluten free yet. I was hoping to avoid that but I'm willing to try anything at this point! Thanks!