Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 1/20/2009

Question
For the past few weeks it's felt like all of my stomach and intestines is filled with gas! It wakes me up in the middle of the night even because it can be painful and it makes me feel like I'm always hungry.  My stomach area definitely looks bloated and I'm belching all the time because I really just don't know what else to do to get rid of it.  I'm vegetarian and eat really healthy, I also get plenty of exercise.  Can you help me figure out what is going on? Thanks a lot.

Answer
Dear Joanna,
It sounds like you have two different issues going on, at least.  Feeling hungry or a gnawing can be an indication of an ulcer.  Intestinal gas can be a digestive issue that is not related, at all, to excess acid.  My suggestion would be to change one thing in your diet or add one thing and see what changes.  If the symptoms intensify, stop immediately.  If, however; any of the symptoms show some sign of subsiding, you may be on to a natural, healthier, idea.  I have two suggestions to try one at a time, and you can go from there.  Try drinking some mint tea or chewing fresh mint leaves right after a meal.  The other idea is to take 1 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 cup of water when you awaken in the night.  The belch it causes will be intense, but if it gives relief after that, you will know the discomfort in the night is caused by excess acid.
Try each of these and let me know how you are doing in the next few days.  If it is some sort of acid or ulceration, that can be addressed both naturally and allopathically.  If there is no relief with either of these ideas, we can reconsider the options.  I think you will know something within a few days.
Kind Regards,
Liz
www.eingedi.us