Navigating Mild Chronic Inactive Gastritis with Digestzymes
At 22 years of age, I'm a male standing at 5'5" and weighing 110 pounds. Recently, I was diagnosed with mild chronic inactive gastritis. My dietitian, who has expertise in gastrointestinal (GI) issues, recommended I try a supplement called Digestzymes. Currently, I experience a sensation of air trapped in the upper part of my stomach, particularly around my ribcage, which seems to worsen when I consume excessive amounts of food or opt for certain types of meals. My appetite is quite diminished, making it challenging for me to maintain a sufficient dietary intake. Consequently, my weight loss has become a concern due to the limitations imposed by both my diet and my ability to eat more. The diagnosis of my gastritis indicates it is mild and inactive. My previous GI specialist confirmed its mildness, showing me images that depicted only very faint red lines, which were difficult to discern. When I inquired about the loss of appetite, he admitted he was uncertain about the cause. This left me questioning whether my symptoms were truly linked to the gastritis. Fortunately, I don’t experience any pain, burning sensations, or cramps. However, I do encounter lower GI disturbances characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea, largely influenced by the foods I consume. My stools are typically yellow and well-formed, though inappropriate food choices can lead to loose stools. Suspecting Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, my dietitian has me using the Digestzymes supplement brand, which comprises ingredients like pepsin, betaine HCl, and ox bile extract. She brings 35 years of experience to her practice, and the positive reviews from her past clients suggest she effectively addresses their GI concerns through the appropriate supplements. As for a meal plan, she has yet to provide guidance as she wants to monitor my response to the enzymes first to determine their effectiveness before proceeding with dietary suggestions. However, I've noticed a concerning trend over the past three days; the air sensation in my stomach has intensified. Additionally, alongside my usual yellow stools, I've observed a yellowish-orange sludge. This occurrence isn't entirely new to me—it happened months ago during flare-ups of loose stools, where I also noted similar sludge post-episode. Now, this yellowish substance is appearing with my formed stools, though this has only been evident in the mornings for the last two days, and it feels somewhat sticky as well. Given these developments, I’m unsure if I should continue taking this supplement or if it is contributing to my discomfort. What should I consider?
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 9:50:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your recent experience with mild chronic inactive gastritis, coupled with your gastrointestinal symptoms and low appetite, understandably raises concerns about your health and supplement use. Here are some key points and guidance on how to navigate this situation effectively:
Main Points:
- Understanding Symptoms: The feeling of air trapped in your stomach, changes in your stool, and your ongoing diminished appetite can all be interconnected, potentially linked to your gastritis or digestive processes.
- Monitor Supplement Effects: Since you've noted an increase in bloating and changes in your stool with the use of Digestzymes, it's essential to evaluate whether they might be contributing to your discomfort.
Explanation:
Chronic inactive gastritis signifies that there's inflammation, but it's not currently causing significant issues. The sensation of trapped air and gastrointestinal disturbances, like alternating constipation and diarrhea, could stem from dietary choices and how your body is responding to them, especially if you're dealing with digestive enzyme insufficiencies. The ingredients in Digestzymes, like pepsin and bile acids, are designed to aid digestion, but individual responses can vary.
The appearance of yellowish-orange sludge in your stool, particularly in the mornings, alongside the bloating, is concerning. It can be indicative of food not being properly digested or possible malabsorption, especially if your body is struggling to break down fats or certain nutrients. The stickiness of the stool could suggest unprocessed food particles or bile issue.
Next Steps:
-
Discontinue Digestzymes Temporarily: Since you've noticed heightened symptoms with the supplement, consider stopping it for a few days to see if there's an improvement in your bloating and stool consistency. This will help you determine if it's contributing to your discomfort.
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Diet Monitoring: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how it relates to your symptoms. Pay attention to meals that may exacerbate your sensations of air in your stomach or lead to changes in your stool. Try to identify any specific foods that contribute to these issues.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Focus on drinking plenty of water and consuming small, balanced meals that are easy to digest, like low-fat proteins (chicken, fish), non-cruciferous vegetables (carrots, zucchini), and complex carbohydrates (rice, quinoa).
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Observe Stool Changes: Keep an eye on the changes in your stool over the next few days. If the yellowish-orange sludge persists or if you notice any significant changes, it's crucial to reassess your diet and possibly seek guidance on managing these gastrointestinal issues.
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Follow-Up: Since your dietitian is monitoring your response to the enzymes, ensure you keep an open line of communication with her regarding these dietary and symptom changes.
Conclusion:
It's essential to listen to your body during this time. Taking a step back from the supplement and focusing on small dietary changes could help improve your symptoms. If issues persist or worsen, it would be important to revisit your healthcare provider or dietitian for further analysis and potential adjustment of your approach.
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