Published on 12, July, 2020
I get a lot of stomach pain, generally at the top of my stomach though it occurs at the bottom of the abdomen as well. Basically all over though the top of the stomach feels hard and bloated 90% of the time.
In the past I've had bloods and tests and everything came back normal. So I can at least be assured there is nothing life threateningly wrong with me. My GP suggested it be IBS and mostly associated with anxiety as I've got generalised anxiety disorder and am somewhat anxious most of the time.
I get a lot of belching as well and often worry about an ulcer, I have most of the symptoms, trouble is I've had a lot of tests etc and I know that all the symptoms I have are associated with anxiety... But still I worry.
The link between GI disorders and autism is extensive annoying. It stops me getting on in life and it's depressing with it. I don't suppose the continuous sugary drinks I have helps but a lot of it comes down to highly sensitive pain as well.
I miss the times where I used to have no stomach issues whatsoever and now it's more trying to ease any discomfort and stay as calm as possible.
A constant battle. Is this something anyone else relates with and has experienced?
This is apparently a thing. And even though I've got a system, it can still be a battle.
First, hydration is key. And it's about a pH balance, not just drinking water. The body needs some salt and healthy natural sugar to stay hydrated. Lemons can actually help rebalance hydration along with cranberry. Lemons are a sleuth digestive, they're not a harmful acid, but are surprisingly helpful.
Exercise is also important.
Here's what I've researched & even though I've managed to get some things under control personally, I find our modern world is so quick to jump on the new 'fad' or economise anything that all sense goes out the window and there's little in public life I can consume.
The Gut-brain axis. There are a load of studies now showing this is key to a different biology for Autism and ADHD. This affects the immune system and it seems to be responsible for Autistic biological anxiety. So, after looking at what anti anxiety medication will do vs anti depressants, it appears anti-anxiety actually helps solve the problem and anti-depressants make it worse.
The brain blood barrier (BBB) - also a thing with autism. Good to look up.
The issue with the gut has to do with bacteria we need to stay healthy and all kinds of things can off-set this from hormone disruptors to stress (even from caffeine) but the worst is sugar, so, for instance, search for Candida in the blood.
Sometimes the best way to fix issues is by cutting out sugars, but not to oversimplify, it's a bit complex but worth looking into.
The goal here is to build healthy microbiota in the gut.
Anti-inflammatory things are great, but I know a few individuals who've gotten kidney stones from not drinking enough water with extra C or turmeric, so it's important stay hydrated.
Over the years, I've never found a doctor who knows much about this, and I've been asking most of my life. So I've personally worked out something that seems to work. But recently I found that Covid can alter gut microbiota and cause problems with BBB, meaning potentially, making our issues worse. But maybe doctors somewhere will start taking this seriously.
I take a mushroom "nootropics" complex daily with reishi and lions mane can help slowly boost or immune system and GABA (which anti-anxiety meds do in to a greater degree in a pinch). I've had to cut out all unnatural chemicals, sweeteners and most pre-packaged food. I started off just gluten free and eventually went FODMAP but I still have dairy - usually grass fed, organic and full fat and cheeses with good bacteria. However, I cannot digest any insoluble fibres and they cause a great deal of pain digesting milk if accidentally ingested.
I'd recommend finding what works for you, but, we are human & it does take a little disciplining the self to stay healthy...