Assistance with Digestive Concerns
Approximately three months ago, I dined at a Nando’s and shortly thereafter experienced intense, sharp cramps on the left side of my abdomen, accompanied by severe diarrhea, acid indigestion, and nausea while eating. Although I occasionally vomited, it was infrequent, and I noticed considerable weight loss during this period. Remarkably, today marks the first occasion in three months that I've had a solid bowel movement. Additionally, I want to mention that I have been a regular cannabis user for over a year, typically consuming around 3 to 5 grams daily and using THC vapes within a span of one to two days. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that when I consume cannabis heavily, it seems to exacerbate my acid reflux, leading to a burning sensation in my throat and a sensation of acid and undigested food backing up into my throat every few seconds. I am uncertain about what might be causing these issues.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 9:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been going through a tough time with your digestive health, and it's understandable to want clarity on what's happening. Your symptoms, especially the persistent cramps, diarrhea, acid indigestion, and weight loss, suggest that your digestive system is quite irritated. There are several potential causes, including foodborne illnesses, irritants in your diet, or effects from substances like cannabis.
Explanation: Your experience of sharp cramps and diarrhea following a meal at Nando's may indicate a reaction to something you ate, such as food that triggered an intestinal reaction or an infection. The continued weight loss and recent improvements in bowel movements suggest that your body may be adjusting, but the fact that these symptoms have persisted for three months is concerning. Additionally, heavy cannabis use can affect digestion and exacerbate symptoms like acid reflux, leading to discomfort.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary for a week to track what you eat and note any symptoms that arise afterward. Pay attention to foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in acid, as these can contribute to your discomfort.
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Manage Acid Reflux: To help alleviate acid reflux symptoms, consider:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones.
- Avoiding lying down immediately after eating and elevating your head while sleeping.
- Reducing your cannabis consumption to see if that helps with your reflux and digestive symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, especially if diarrhea is still a concern. Water is best. If you feel dehydrated, consider oral rehydration solutions.
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Consider Probiotics: Introducing a probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt or fermented foods) may help restore healthy gut flora.
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Monitor Symptoms: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, prolonged vomiting, or blood in your stool, it's crucial to seek medical attention.
If your symptoms persist despite these changes, you may need to consider further evaluation with a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions. It's essential to prioritize your health and well-being during this time. Let me know if you need more details or further assistance!
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