Is this bloating?

glowgirl_2

helnel wrote: »

I've suffered (to a greater or lesser extent) from IBS for most of my adult life (I'm now 36). I went onto depo maybe about 8 years ago and I (now) think that was about the time my major symptoms eased to leave just mild symptoms. The reason I think that is because last year I had to come off depo (they don't like you being on it for that long). Since then my IBS symptoms have got steadily worse. I am convinced that the hormones in depo somehow eased my IBS symptoms.

I'm not saying depo will help, from what I've read we all respond to different contraception in different ways. But hormones could be a factor.

I'm pretty sure it is hormones, I've been a slave to them all my life which is the reason why I cant use any hormonal contraception but thanks for the suggestion. I looked into IBS before I posted on here and I'm sure I dont have that, thankfully:)

GotToChange

Not that I would wish it on anyone, but.......
at last! Someone else with the same issue.

I find that the irony with this is that, as the days progesses and the expansion occurs, the less one feels willing/able to do anything about it. I for one, absolutely hate to have any flesh that moves of it's own accord (read; wobbles) and, by the end of the day, this is dead cert. - ruling out any helpful (and necessary) activity. And yet, conversely, had I moved little more earlier in the day, the build up may not have occurred.

I am presently reading "The Waterfall Diet" (library were able to get in in to save purchasing yet another reference book) and from this I have taken a couple of things on board - and also literally taken them (both from Holland and Barrett, although I'm not sure what will happen now re. new herbal remedy legislation) - they are:
Dandelion Tea - not as bad as I thought it would be, surprisingly. I may start making my own - it sounds sooo difficult; shred six leaves and steep in boiling water. We have two fields full of them! It acts as a diuretic, that's true but it is also necessary to top up water levels to replace the fluids that are excreted.

I am also taking Rutin - aka Vitamn P - which is a flavonoid and helps the digestive tract. I eat abysmally so the fact that it has to be taken with a meal is encouraging better eating patterns and choices.

I also already eat low carb (including fruits/with peel), little wheat and as little gluten as possible, virtually no sugar - refined or other, pescatarian and then very choosy re. lifestyles, no chocolate, no coffee, only 1-2 cups of tea per day, little milk and minimal dairy. As I said, poor eating habits. I am also acutely aware that when items are cut drastically from the diet, any reintroduction can cause a problem for the body when it now sees it as a toxin; Catch-22.
*sigh*

One thing to consider though is the lymphatic system - which needs to be healthy without the use of a heart to use as a pump. It has long been considered benefit to spend some time on a rebounder and I know that I feel better when I have (just 1000 bounces per day is enough). Considering that biologically, our cell fluids (and a possible cause of "bloating"*) need to be balanced both within themselves and within their environment; I think that an imbalance can cause the increased poundage (I never weigh myself so couldn't put a figure to it, just a bleeping awful feeling, which is quite enough for me), so there is certainly more to it than can be fully fixed with dietary changes.

*The "bloating" that I get can feel as though certain areas have liquefied, which is why I'm not sure it is the kind of bloating that "wind-eze" or natural processes would eliminate. Sadly (and yet somehow, hopefully), I start the day with a washboard (or would that be washerwoman?) stomach and end it as the Pilsbury Dough man. The above actions are helping a little. I am always happy to discuss this and hear what anyone else thinks......

x

glowgirl_2

Thanks GotToChange:) interesting post, I have a very similar diet to you its not that bad we could really be a lot worse, when you say shred six leaves for the dandelion tea do you mean the yellow bit? Sorry, my hormones are dictating that today will be a stupid day:o As much as I hate to say it I do think excercise made a difference, it was only the Wii machine but I did stick with it for about a month and noticed less bloating, I wasnt sure if it was that or weight loss as I no longer weigh myself regularly but now I have stopped doing it its made me think:)

Yesterday was just riddiculus, I woke up my normal size, I was bloated by about 4pm then normalish at about 9pm, dog needed to go out at 3am and I looked like I was 6 months pregnant, woke up at 7, normal again:eek:

Today I am very hungry so have eaten loads and as I type I am my normal size, lets see what happens later, oh and for those interested (or it might be tmi) I am mid cycle.

Thanks everyone, its been a great help to know I'm not alone:A

GotToChange

Hi glowgirl -

I think it is almost certain that exercise, activity, movement will all help - equally, I believe that we can be at the mercy (or wrath) of our hormones, mid-cycle and pre- are likely to be times when, if there is going to be, there will be a problem.
As far as dandelions go, it is the leaves used for the tea/infusion (I forgive the hormonally-induced confusion), not the yellow part, which I still believe may be harmful.
Again I recommend the book I mentioned previously - although the main premise is controlling water retention, there seems to be a lot of useful information in it re. lymphodema*, which I happen to think is often confused with bloating of the digestive system and intestines.

Get that wii out again!
x


*However, my research continues.....