Page 2 - Trust Your Gut

ISJ Medical Guide – 9/21/2016

Call a doctor: If you notice blood in your stools, lose weight without reason, or feel tired more
often than usual. These can be red flags for colon cancer. Also, call your doctor if constipation is
new and unusual for you or has lasted three weeks or more, despite in-home treatment. Ask your
doctor if constipation could be a side effect of medications you are taking.

Symptom: Gas & Bloating
What is it? Totally normal. “Everyone passes gas,” Dr. Bilstrom says. “As a matter of fact, most
people pass gas up to 10 times a day. But it shouldn’t cause pain and it should pass normally.”
When gas doesn’t pass through the system normally, it gets caught, resulting in bloating.

What could it mean: Gas often results from eating certain foods, but smoking, stress, irritable
bowel syndrome, celiac disease (a gluten intolerance), lactose intolerance, and gastrointestinal
blockage or infection are also contributors. But it can be a red flag for more serious and rare
conditions.

What you should do? Reduce or eliminate foods that continually cause excess gas, such as beans,
broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, soda, cauliflower, and, yes, even gum. Chewing gum causes
you to swallow more often, hence, taking in extra air. In addition, artificial sweeteners, such as
sorbitol that is found in some gums, can give you gas.

Call your doctor: “If you have a concern about bloating,” Dr. Bilstrom says. “It’s fair to seek out
medical attention as soon as you can. Even if it’s not life-threatening, it can affect the quality of
your life.” Also, if you experience regular discomfort, talk with your physician to rule out lactose
intolerance, food sensitivities, or celiac disease—an autoimmune disease.

Symptom: Heartburn
What is it? A burning sensation caused by the reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus.

What could it mean: Certain foods can trigger heartburn, including spicy dishes, tomatoes and
dairy products, as can smoking, being overweight, lying down too soon after eating, and eating
large meals. When chronic or severe, heartburn is a common symptom of GERD
(gastroesophageal reflux disease). But a peptic ulcer or gastric or esophageal cancer can cause it,
too.

What you should do? Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that could help prevent
heartburn.

Call your doctor: If you’re not getting relief from over-the-counter or prescription medications.
If you’re only getting partial relief, don’t wait more than two weeks to tell your physician, Dr.
Bilstrom advises. Most importantly, if you experience chest pain or other symptoms of a heart
attack, call 911 immediately.

Symptom: Diarrhea
What is it? Loose stools that are often accompanied by gas and bloating.