If you have tried to maintain a nutritious diet, yet still battle a variety of health ailments, you may be a victim of malabsorption. Malabsorption is exactly as it sounds. It is a disorder in which the small intestine fails to absorb many of the nutrients from the food we eat to replenish our bodies. The cause of this syndrome might be difficult to pin point as it is connected to many other serious diseases. Because malabsorption indicates an unhealthy gut, those suffering from intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are an easy target.
Excessive parasites and toxins within the stomach lining can also make it difficult for our bodies to get what it needs to sustain. Even a physically healthy person with an unhealthy mental state can be affected. Studies show that an emotional imbalance such as stress or anxiety can lead to Malabsorption as well! Usually, malabsorption is a byproduct of another condition. Though many people battling this syndrome decide that there is no need for extensive treatment, those with more severe cases may choose to seek professional help.
An exact cure has yet to be identified, but there are many recommendations to lessen symptoms. Making a few diet changes such as limiting lactose (especially if you have an intolerance) , reducing meat intake, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting down on alcohol, laxatives, and antibiotics will better your circumstances. A licensed physician may also better guide you with a more personalized treatment plan. Though it may be difficult to self diagnosis this disease, the symptoms are very distinct and quite unpleasant. If you are unsure of whether you are facing this illness, here are 6 key indicators that you are a victim of malabsorption.
1. Frequent Diarrhea
This is the most common symptom. As previously mention, the presence of malabsorption signifies an unhealthy gut. The diarrhea accompanied with this illness is usually very intense and FREQUENT. Unfortunately, this is not the kind of situation that you find yourself in after contracting food poisoning – you can count on this type staying for a while. It is wise to stay as hydrated as possible because chronic diarrhea causes dehydration which can lead to a host of additional problems. It can worsen if your body is a home for excessive parasites. In this case, doing some form of a nutritional detox is in order.
Try putting the artificial sugars, animal products, and bread to the side for a while. This in turn will kill off parasitic hosts, and easing or even stopping diarrhea. The failure to absorb sugar will also lead to explosive watery feces along with extreme gas and bloating. This uncomfortable state will have you running to the restroom and looking for a quick cure. Prescribed antibiotics may help, but take with caution because this intense drug used in excess is not recommended. The best way to go is to drink as much water as possible and stay away from foods that aggravate your belly.
2. Bad Smelling Loose Stool
You can expect a foul odor to go along with you loose bowels. Sure, feces normally have an unpleasant stench, but malabsorption can cause more than your average “stink”. The smell that it produces is border lined unbearable – it may even be one that sends you directly to the doctor’s office. This stool, though still horrible, may not be as bad as diarrhea. It may have some solidarity to it, but honestly, it usually progresses to diarrhea. Because your intestines are in distress at this point, you may experience cramping or abdominal pain, nausea, and even vomiting as result.
3. Stools That Are Light In Color
In addition to watered down, smelly stools, they may even present themselves in a lighter color. Though this may sound a bit insignificant, it is important that you are aware that light colored stools are NOT normal. This usually occurs if a person is suffering from serious illnesses such as GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease), celiac disease, and other liver disorders. So if you frequently produce an abnormally bright or clay colored stool, there is a problem present. A healthy bowel movement will appear in a green or brown color. Malabsorption tends to produce pale, yellowish and often greasy looking waste material.
4. Weight Loss
When affected with malabsorption, you may feel as if your body is wasting away. Many believe that this is the result of the frequent bowel movements and diarrhea. Though there is a correlation between the two, it is not the sole cause of your lost pounds. It may not even be the primary reason. The blame must also be shared with malnutrition. Though many people crave weight loss, this is not the way to go about it. In fact, you should probably be planning a trip to the doctor soon. It is likely that your bones are weakening in the process.
5. Scaly Skin Rashes
Unhealthy gut flora shows itself everywhere in the body – it even has a negative influence on the skin. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, so when it goes malnourished, we both see it and we feel it as well. A skin rash relating to malabsorption will appear scaly and likely red in color. And to make matters worse, they are quite itchy. This rather uncomfortable symptom usually comes and goes. Antihistamines can be used as treatment, just pay close attention to your body at this time, as it is in a sensitive state. Excessive scratching will only worsen conditions.
6. Hard Flushing Stool
Producing a bowel movement that is difficult to dispose of is another unfortunate circumstance to add to the list. Hard flushing stools are usually caused by fat malabsorption. Contrary to popular beliefs, our bodies must intake an adequate amount of healthy fats to sustain. If this is not achieved, you may experience steatorrhoea. Steatorrhoea is the excretion of large amounts of fats within the feces. This results in putrid smelling stools that are very difficult to flush. Because of it’s tendency to expand, you many have to flush the toilet a few extra times to dispose of the waste.
