Expert: Joseph Alban, MS, L.Ac - 3/25/2009

Question
It seems that everything I eat causes me to have A LOT of flatulence.  I like to eat a lot of fruit, vegetables and yogurt.....I am lactose intolerant so when I eat yogurt, ricotta cheese, etc. I do experience a lot of pain and gas. I don't want to give up what I eat because I like to eat healthy.  Your advise for helping to ease the flatulence (and the awful smell that accompanies it) is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Irene

Answer
Hello Irene

Thank you for the question. I understand that poor digestion causing flatulence can be very frustrating, embarrassing, and challenging.   I do believe that Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help your situation, in fact I believe it is very suited for your condition. I have personally helped many people with digestive complaints, bloating, and flatulence.  

However, I can't diagnosis or treat over the Internet, because I would need to do an examination.  

In Chinese medicine there is no single diagnosis of poor digestion, per se.   Rather, Chinese medicine views the body as an interconnected whole. To diagnosis, we look at a constellation of symptoms and how they fit together, we do not see it as isolated from the entire picture, but part of it to understand what is going on.  So we would also consider it you get bloated after you eat, do you have a good appetite, and if you have headaches.

The basic idea is that disease happens from imbalances.  Once the imbalance is corrected, your body can work to heal itself. As I mentioned, each person's overall symptoms are weaved together and creates a holistic picture of what is going on with the patient.  From what you tell me it may be a problem with your digestive energy. It is also possible that you have an imbalance called food stagnation,but I can't be sure of that either without seeing you.  

Acupuncture and herbs can help to correct this imbalance and boost your digestion giving you more energy as well.  I recommend finding an acupuncturist in your area to discuss possible treatments. I am in New York City, and you can reach me through my website, www.AlbanAcupuncture.com. If you are not in the NYC area, you can find an acupuncturist in your area through acufinder.com or nccaom.org.

I would also recommend regular exercising which helps to improve digestion often.  Also, moderating your dairy.  For some people with lactose intolerance, moderation is key.  Because your stomach can handle some, but not too much dairy.  Eating cooked vegetables in stir fries and soups can also help, because cooked foods are easier to digest that raw, especially salads.  

In good health,
Joe