Some of you may remember, when I mentioned here that I nearly died of rupture in my large intestine caused by a condition known a diverticulitis when I was only four-years old.
According to what, I’ve read about this condition it’s rare in children, but even now, 34 years later I still have problems with my digestive system.
While most everyone has the occasional bout with constipation, diarrhea, bloating and general stomach upset mine have always been severe, recurring and debilitating.
This has been a battle for most of my life, the doctors have always prescribed the same treatment, take in sufficient water and fiber and supplement with Metamucil. I’ve followed this advice for years with only minimal relief.
While I’m reluctant to follow most health advice given on the net, while doing research on another subject I started reading about the dietary supplements Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
The article suggested that it would be great at staving off my very symptoms, while I’m dubious of most such claims after years of suffering I was willing to give it a try.
I’m glad I did…
Munching these tablets (I bought this brand chewable tablets) it has been a life-changer. After only a few days of supplementation my life-long stomach discomfort had mostly disappeared. Now a few weeks later, I feel outstanding and my insides are normal.
After a life time of stomach discomfort, feeling normal is majestic. I have more energy and can now eat things that would normally have ripped at my insides for days. It’s wonderful.
If you have trouble in this area, I don’t know if Lactobacillus Acidophilus will work for you, since everyone is different. But I do know they’ve worked for me and I will continue taking them as long as the benefits are felt.
How about you? Do you have stomach trouble? Have you tried Lactobacillus Acidophilus? What were the results?
{ 43 comments }
I have tried the chewable lactobacillus, and I’ve had large chunks of bowel removed 3 years ago due to diverticulitis. I hope I don’t gross out too many people, but my large intestine was rotting in situ and I nearly died.
I didn’t have much luck with the lactobacillus, but then it’s probably because I didn’t try it for long enough. I haven’t tried it since my operation, and I still have gut pains, so perhaps it’s worth another try.
Thanks for the post – 4 years old was VERY young to suffer – I was 35 when I was first diagnosed, and was told I was young for diverticular disease.
Luddite Jean,
Did your doctors give you a reason for your condition? What did they suggest?
They said it was poor diet in childhood. Both my parents were alcoholics and most meals (if we actually got anything) consisted of white bread and dripping (pork or beef fat). Only on Sundays when mum cooked before drinking did we get a proper meal. Sometimes I got so hungry I’d eat discarded orange peel.
No fibre, no vitamins. Not much of anything.
Not really surprising I had gut problems later on in life.
Incidentally, they did tell me that cereal fibre is bad for diverticular disease – it has to be soluble fibre from fruit and vegetables.
Luddite Jean,
Don’t know what caused mine but poor diet can contribute to the condition. Good tip on cereal fibre not good for diverticular disease, I’d never heard of that before but it makes sense now that I think about it.
Wow Jean.. It sounds like you overcame a lot of challenge in your life..There is real interesting research out there on the effects on a fetus’ pancreas from a Mom’s high glucose (grains, sugar) diet.. Here’s a good one about Oprah.. http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/metabolism/oprahs-plight/
I suffered 20 years before the operation, eating a high-fibre diet and using Fybogel twice a day, but I always ended up in hospital about 2-3 times a year with inflammation and infection. The only time I didn’t was for about 3 years when I was an ‘economic’ vegetarian (in other words, I was broke), but I put on lots of weight then, too.
I thought having several inches of bowel removed would end the pains, but I still get constant low-grade pain and occasional bouts of moderate-severe pain.
I will try the chewies, and see if there’s an improvement.
Luddite Jean,
Please let me know if they help you.
I will let you know how I get on.
I’ve had stomach trouble for years don’t know the cause but I’m going to try Lactobacillus Acidophilus stuff to see if it works. Thank you Mr. Creekmoore for another great post.
My sister is a big believer in this stuff and it seems to work great for her. Great post.
We carry those pills everywhere. I joke that men go from carrying in their youth , in their wallets, little condom packages to another era, carrying LactAid packages!
You may also want to watch/eliminate gluten (wheat products), which really helped my husband feel better.
The medical community theorizes that most Westerners and other people are severely allergic to dairy products, including butter. The current theory is that cavemen never adapted to milk. And that their dier was healthier.diet is healtheir!
Ditto on the gluten. My daughter and I were constantly sick; upset
stomachs, no energy, headaches, diarrhea, and my daughter had constant muscle aches.
When we started switching our diet from a wheat-based one to a corn-based one, we started feeling better. After several “eat wheat/feel bad, eat corn/feel good” experiments, we decided the root cause of most of our health problems was the wheat.
Caveat: I don’t know if we are allergic, intolerant, or are reacting to the GM wheat on the market (I don’t believe in paying for a Doctor to tell me something I already know). All I know is that if we eat wheat, we pay for it, in spades.
I can’t tolerate wheat in its modern form – but spelt, an old form of wheat is is OK for me and I prefer its taste.
The symptoms you describe would indicate an intolerance rather than an allergy.
Also try to sprout your wheat and then dry it and then grind it. You will find that sprouted wheat flour is much easier to digest.
My husband just had 8″ of colon removed due to a tumor and was having problems with getting his digestion back on track. I bought some probiotic pills with various types and after the first pill he’s been fine ever since! We’re believers and know it’s something you need to have on hand.
If you are into the history of wheat and health, some real good reading here..
http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/in-search-of-wheat-emmer.html
Corn (esp in modern form ) is a pretty nasty grain. Not as much of an insulin repsonse (usually) as wheat and lacks many of the harmful proteins in wheat, but overall I stay away from corn as a staple in my food supply to maximize my health. Check out my links below in my repsonse to MD..
Glad that’s working for you MD. You can also switch to Acidophilus Milk which might let you lower the dosage and not be as dependent on the supplement.
For those who don’t respond well to the probiotic, you can try digestive enzymes. I use “Plant Enzymes” by now foods, it has one of the better combinations of enzymes that I’ve seen so far.
Prepared N.D.
Will look into the Acidophilus Milk and digestive enzymes – thank you. The pills seem to work well with no side effects.
Another thing is to keep a diary of what you eat and how you’re feeling that day. I’ve worked with several who had this and the majority was food allergy related the other was from too much antibiotic use and they had a terrible systemic yeast infection.
If the Acidophilus Milk doesn’t work — move to Goat milk, I’ve only met a couple people who were allergic to that.
Wheat? Eh, reduce it but don’t eliminate it – stick to fibrous veggies. Luckily your wheat storage has a 30 year shelf life :-)
I’ve been much better with milk since I switched to raw milk. I understand it’s quite difficult to obtain in the US (it can be here, too) but it’s made a big difference to me. Not in the digestive department, but in other ways.
I can recommend a digestive enzyme product called Zygest, manufactured by Physiologics. At one time I hired a Registered Dietician and she recommended Zygest. She had the brand chemically analyzed to make certain it was a quality product, that it contains what it says, and no other additives. You can find it easily on the web. I know when the Zygest is working because things are normalized. I know how effective Zygest is when I stop taking it :)
Whenever I get too much dairy in my diet, I develop digestive issues. Most adults lose the ability to digest milk. Milk is, after all, for babies. I can stay pretty healthy by staying on a relatively dairy-free diet. It is my opinion that even if milk products are not the primary cause of a digestive problem, they can certainly aggravate it. I am not a doctor, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Best of luck to all! :-)
I have eaten a yogurt a day with my lunch for probably
10 years now. I think it contains acidophilus. I haven’t
experienced bowel problems like your talking about but
I couldn’t say for sure that it’s because the yogurt. I just happen to like
it and don’t have any problems digesting dairy.
What does this have to do with surviving teotwawkit? Stop wasting our time and post some real survival advice.
It could make a huge difference – if you understand NOW how your body works and what it needs, you can prepare for the future.
Sorting out your health is never wasted, whether TEOTWAWKI happens or not.
Survival is not just about TEOTWAWKI, survival is something you can say you’ve done when you reach the end of a day.
There’s no point in preparing for the future if your health problems mean you don’t have a future.
Suburban,
First we have to survive today if we hope to survive tomarrow. Survival isn’t all about eating grubs and shooting zombies – if only it were that simple.
What suburban said is really rude, maybe suburban should work on some people skills.
If you are in poor health, you are in trouble from the start – Real prepping is looking at the whole system (real boring stuff I know).. The drama and war fantasies will get you nowhere good.
Hey, it’s Creekmore’s Blog. He can start posting about ballet dancing if he wishes. You don’t like what he posts? Don’t read it. Go start your own blog and only talk about what YOU want there.
Sheesh! Entitled people!
While I’m busy learning to shoot grubs and eat zombies, thank you for the suggestion. If, while hiding out in the wilderness because of TEOTWAWKI, someone becomes the victim of continuous tummy troubles, I will think of this as a possible cure. IN THE MEAN TIME, life now is not ONLY preparation for that awful day. We need to get healthy now, and enjoy life now.
Other good things for the tummy, Papaya Enzyme since early maritmie days sailors have had poor diets to deal with, this worked for them. The fruit fresh, dried, or just the enzyme in pill form. The active ingredient papain can be found in meat tenderizer. Ginger, revered in China, not bad in bread, cookies, or ale. Valerian Root, relaxant for all muscle groups can relieve some stomach cramps. Kava kava, so good they named it twice if the problem stems from too much stress and tension this could help. Warning this info is worth half what you paid for it. Get a good book(s) on herbs, find a Doctor that didn’t sleep through herbal Rx class. The PDR for herbal medicines is a good place to find contraindications, and intereactions with drugs. The Green Pharmacy a good primer on herbs.
Hi MD,
while I’ve had stomach troubles, my went down a different path. Three years ago in november/december, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. First by blood test, then endoscopy. So while prepping and planning, yours truly is also GF (gluten-free). The timing was perfect, I guess, since the fda had recently revised food content labelling laws, and it’s been easier to find what I need for us here, as opposed to how it might have been. But you have my sympathy, definitely. Someone I work with not only is a fellow celiac, but shares your diagnosis, too. I’m sure (in your case) that you’ve laid up some appropriate supplies. Good luck, MD.
MD, I’m not a regular poster, but your post today hit a nerve. I know you will react strongly to this (having stored up grains and other sugars) but if you want to fix your gut, stop eating wheat and other grain based products and sugars ( I won’t call them foods anymore). Since I have gone “primal” in January (check out 2nd link below) , I have lost 40 pounds of fat (6 inches off my waist) have incredible energy and exercise was not a factor. I don’t count calories, eat lots of animal and plants. I gained health by some basic study and learning of what our body is designed to digest and what it is not. I’m sure you and other readers will have a hard time believing this (wink, wink) , but our lil’ ole government and food /medical industry has not exactly been honest about diet and health for the last 60 or so years. Everyone is different and there are literally hundreds of reasons you have digestion problems.. Wheat is at the top of the list. My change in eating/diet precipitated serious changes in preps too.. I can always use stored up grains for barter (like alcohol and cigarettes) – only alchohol is healthier -LOL If you dare, open up to a few of the most influential sources for me below.. And every prepper cook should read Sally Fallon’s Nourishing traditions – It’s like “What if Jackie Clay (of BHM fame) was a biochemist?”
http://www.fathead-movie.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com
http://www.westonaprice.org/
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/
http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/in-search-of-wheat-emmer.html
http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735
Scott,
Thank you for the advice. Since I’ve been taking Lactobacillus Acidophilus I’ve not had any problems at all no matter what I eat. It’s great.
You are welcomed. To understand why LA is helping you — you may want to read up on the anthropology behind man and milk.. Lactose intolerance is not really a diisease.. It is actually quite normal. Some cultures over time have not genetically developed the enzymes necessary to process the milk sugars – explains why the condition is predominant is some cultures and absent in others. Most of us (after interbreeding over time) are somewhere in between.
Very much enjoy your blog by the way..
I developed diverticulitis later in life (58) and, after leaving the hospital, began eating yogurt, taking Metamucil capsules & Probiotics, eating more fiber, etc. but still had occaisional bouts until finding “Great Taste: No Pain” by Sherry Brescia. It is about food combining to create a more alkaline pH in your system thus reducing gas and excess stomach acid. Basically she says never eat protein and carbs together (a bit oversimplified). It works. As long as I follow the simple guidelines I am pain-free. Even an occaisional steak/baked potato combo is tolerable but going off of it for a week and I’m suffering again.
Hope this helps you.
Dee,
Try replacing cow milk with raw goat milk. Cow milk is acidic whereas goat milk is alkaline in pH. Using the raw milk you can make your own yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk. You can find local farmers who will sell you “shares” of an animal, which will give you access to purchase the milk. So you get the added bonus of sticking your thumb in the eye of your gubment.
I have suffered from diverticulosis for years so I certainly understand your situation. In addition to daily fiber supplementation and lots of water throughout the day, I make sure I have at least two cups of yogurt a day. Most yogurts contain the same lactobacillus acidophilus. What I have found over the years is that dehydration, even moderate, can tip the condition to diverticulitis, which can be a life threatening disease. Staying hydrated is very important for us.
I just had a piece of maple flavored cake with crumbled bacon on it.I dijested it with no problems.A co worker has diverticulosis and it is no walk in the park. I think it is like being diebetic. If you have it take care of yourselfe. You will live much easier that way. Steve
MD,
Interesting post. A cookbook you may be interested in: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. My wife got this from the library and we immediately just went out and bought it. There are a lot of recipes that involve preservation by lacto-fermentation (Lactobacillus). No more pressure cookers, and rather than sterillizing your preserved food, you are fortifying it with helpful bacteria which make it easier to digest. There are too many possibilities for the survivalist to cover in a comment so I’ll just say it’s worth at least a cursory glance at the library. Also Goats milk is far easier to digest than cow milk, and a bonus for the survivalist is that one milk goat will produce just about the perfect amount of milk for a medium sized family (1/2- 1 1/2 gal per day vs. ~10gal per day from a holstein.) You need a source of raw milk for lacto-fermentation as you are using the whey as your source of lactobacillus. Hope this was helpful.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. Will look for book.
Have a similar book “Wild Fermentation” by Sandor Katz that is on my “To Be Read” shelf.
This is a very interesting post and a real issue one for me.
I suffered from sever problems all my life, it was called Leaky gut, viticulitus, laziness, depending on who you talked too! Hours a day spent in pain and in the bathroom etc.
One day I was diagnosed by a Natural Path Dr. I had allergy testing before with the North American style Dr’s and they all said, not allergic or at minimal Lactose issues. Well, I am severely allergic to ALL Milk, goat – sheep etc.
Cut the food out of your diet for 30 days then have some on the 31st day, if no reaction you have no allergy or intolerance to it! I was just recently prescribed to take up to 70 billion of the Pro Biotic, active live cultures. I have been doing the 2 billion dose, weekly but have now switched to 3 times a day, until the bottle runs out and I go and get a new one of the higher dosage.
My next step is to drop wheat and Gluten as well. Look up on Google the problems related to Cows Milk or Goat Milk in humans, tens of thousands of pages of info. Also certain cultures are more intolerant or allergic than others.
Fix your body now for the tough times that are coming, look at your TV, the weather etc, Gas issues as well in the next few years will be the death Knoll for the suburban commuter, what do you think will happen then. So get good health now, to be strong then.
P.s. Soy is not a great alternative either, both Men and Women have issues of health concerns when Soy is too high in the Diet. Almond, Rice, Oat, Hemp all alternatives that are much better.
Cheers for now, and my 1st post/comment
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