Could My Diet Be Causing My Stomach Discomfort?
Hey there, I’m a 21-year-old female, non-smoker, standing at about 5 feet tall, and I honestly have no idea what my weight is. For the last week or so, I’ve been grappling with some abdominal discomfort. It's a bit tricky to articulate, but it feels like a strange mix of sharp and dull aches that seem to come and go throughout the day. It tends to hit me most in the morning and then again in the afternoon. I haven't had issues with constipation or bloating, but I have been experiencing diarrhea characterized by soft, loose, and somewhat watery stools that lean toward a yellowish-green hue. Prior to this pain, when my stools were more typical and firm, I did notice a similar color along with some orange mucus, but since I wasn’t feeling ill, I didn’t think much of it at that time. Is it possible that my diet is to blame? I live with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and for the past four months, I've mostly subsisted on meal replacement shakes and Actimel yogurt drinks. Recently, I’ve tried incorporating a Rich Tea biscuit in the morning, hoping that a bit of solid food might alleviate the issue, though I realize that a single adjustment isn't likely to resolve everything. Before the onset of this abdominal discomfort, the only other symptoms I experienced were fatigue, lethargy, and occasional light-headedness. I’ve also felt dizzy on a couple of occasions, as if I might faint. Honestly, I'm feeling quite lost about what steps to take next. My family insists I should consult a general practitioner, but my past experiences make me rather reluctant. It’s worth mentioning that I deal with anxiety, which likely doesn't aid my digestive issues either.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 7:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with several uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, which could potentially be linked to your diet, especially given your history with ARFID. Let's break this down and address your concerns.
Main Points
- Dietary Impact: Your diet, primarily consisting of meal replacement shakes and yogurt drinks, may be lacking in essential nutrients or fiber, which can affect your digestive health.
- Symptoms Monitoring: The characteristics of your diarrhea and abdominal discomfort can provide important clues for understanding what's happening.
- Focus on Gradual Dietary Changes: As someone with ARFID, making small, manageable adjustments to your diet could help alleviate symptoms without overwhelming you.
Explanation
Your symptoms, especially the sharp and dull abdominal pains along with diarrhea, could be influenced by several factors, including dietary choices, stress, or underlying digestive issues. The soft, loose stools and changes in color (yellowish-green) might indicate a mild digestive upset or an imbalance that could stem from the limited variety in your diet.
Fatigue and light-headedness can also be related to insufficient nutrient intake or hydration, which is crucial when experiencing digestive issues. Anxiety can indeed impact your digestive health, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits.
Next Steps
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Keep a Food and Symptom Diary: Track what you eat and when you experience symptoms. This will help you identify any potential triggers and patterns in your discomfort and bowel movements. Focus on including more variety in your food choices.
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Gradually Incorporate Fiber: Consider adding more fiber-rich foods to your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as tolerated. Start slowly to see how your digestive system responds. For instance, trying a small portion of oats or bananas can be a good start.
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea. Water is essential, but consider electrolyte solutions if diarrhea persists.
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Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and pay attention to how your body feels after each meal. This can help you manage anxiety related to eating and make the experience more enjoyable.
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Watch for Warning Signs: If your symptoms worsen—such as severe pain, blood in your stools, persistent high fever, or ongoing dizziness—it's essential to reevaluate your situation and seek help. Your family’s concern about consulting a healthcare professional is valid, especially if symptoms persist.
Remember, making small changes can have a significant impact on your health, and you don't have to navigate this alone. If you feel comfortable, consider discussing your food intake and symptoms with a therapist or dietitian experienced in ARFID to create a more tailored plan.
Take care, and I'm here if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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