Good morning folks,
I've been vegetarian for over 15 years, and transitioned over to a raw food diet from 2005-2011.
While 'healthy' on the outside and physically fit through distance cycling and daily yoga, I suffered from constiptation for a number of years. I found ways to 'manage' my constipation, usually with a morning routine that would eventually stimulate a bowel movement and allow me to get on with my da.
Four years or so ago, I noticed a gradual reduction in my energy and physical fitness - getting more out of breath when cycling or practising yoga etc., and generally not feeling terribly 'well'. I visited a number of hospitals, undergoing the full gamut of tests, but all the results indicated that I was absolutely fine.
With my health continuing to deteriorate, I decided to pursue alternative therapies after a chance meeting with an acupuncturist. I've been continuing to receive acupunture treatment for approximately 18 months, and consider myself fortunate to be working with such a knowledgeable, wise therapist. Often, during the treatment, I can feel (and even hear) the stagnation in my abdomen gradually being freed.
During this 18 months or so, my diet has changed considerably from raw food pesco-vegetarian (salads, fruit, raw fish) to cooked food (brown rice, mung dall beans, all vegetables, potatoes, occasionally brown bread). I've spent time in India learning about and receiving Ayurveda treatment, and have adapted my diet for my body type. I've also changed my lifestyle, and practise meditation to calm my mind. Recently, I've also been consuming l-glutamine powder and aloe vera juice upon waking and before going to bed.
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly which change has been the most effective, however suffice it to say that my consitipation has improved considerably. Whereas before I would wake up, and have to kneel for an hour or so to stimulate a bowel movement, these days I often feel the need to go shortly after waking. Moreover, the process itself requires far less effort, is smoother, and feels more satisfying - my bowels feel empty.
After going to the toilet, I'll prepare my lunchbox, get showered, dressed, and ready for work. However, I've noticed that my abdomen appears to fill with gas within 20 minutes or so - despite my bowels and stomach being seemingly empty. Gas is a problem that I've also managed for many years, alongside the constipation. One of the most effective methods I've found to pass gas is to sit on all fours, and gradually lower my bottom backwards, stretching my arms and upper body forward - this is actually a modification of the child post in yoga. Shortly after assuming this position, the stagnant gas will begin to move, allowing it to be passed easily. Sometimes it feels like the gas is being produced at the same rate that it's being passed, but eventually, after 10 minutes or so, I'll feel relieved (my abdomen will be relaxed) and I can stand-up, take a shower and leave for the office.
While the gas is odorless (again, I believe my bowels are empty at this time) I notice that my anus is wet with a clear mucus/jelly-like substance. I wonder if this is some kind of infection/inflamation in the intestines, or perhaps the stomach/intestinal lining/lubrication? Either way, when I shower and wash, my anus is very sore - the hot water stings that area for a little while. until it is eventually tolerable.
I'm rather pleased with the improved regularity of my bowel movements, and am confident that gradually my digestion will continue to improve, and my energy and overall health will one day be fully restored. However, the rapid gas build-up after the BM, along with the clear mucus that is produced when the gas is passed, is a still a concern.
I would be most grateful for any suggestions or advice.
Thank you for reading!
J x
EDIT: A few months ago I shot a video of how I pass gas when assuming the 'position'. I showed this video to a couple of GI doctors, but they were unable to offer any explanation of my condition. Obviously, this is quite an embarrassing video to post in a public forum, but it may be useful to others who are suffering from trapped gas.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0vpfxgdss96vpvg/gas.mp4
I've been vegetarian for over 15 years, and transitioned over to a raw food diet from 2005-2011.
While 'healthy' on the outside and physically fit through distance cycling and daily yoga, I suffered from constiptation for a number of years. I found ways to 'manage' my constipation, usually with a morning routine that would eventually stimulate a bowel movement and allow me to get on with my da.
Four years or so ago, I noticed a gradual reduction in my energy and physical fitness - getting more out of breath when cycling or practising yoga etc., and generally not feeling terribly 'well'. I visited a number of hospitals, undergoing the full gamut of tests, but all the results indicated that I was absolutely fine.
With my health continuing to deteriorate, I decided to pursue alternative therapies after a chance meeting with an acupuncturist. I've been continuing to receive acupunture treatment for approximately 18 months, and consider myself fortunate to be working with such a knowledgeable, wise therapist. Often, during the treatment, I can feel (and even hear) the stagnation in my abdomen gradually being freed.
During this 18 months or so, my diet has changed considerably from raw food pesco-vegetarian (salads, fruit, raw fish) to cooked food (brown rice, mung dall beans, all vegetables, potatoes, occasionally brown bread). I've spent time in India learning about and receiving Ayurveda treatment, and have adapted my diet for my body type. I've also changed my lifestyle, and practise meditation to calm my mind. Recently, I've also been consuming l-glutamine powder and aloe vera juice upon waking and before going to bed.
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly which change has been the most effective, however suffice it to say that my consitipation has improved considerably. Whereas before I would wake up, and have to kneel for an hour or so to stimulate a bowel movement, these days I often feel the need to go shortly after waking. Moreover, the process itself requires far less effort, is smoother, and feels more satisfying - my bowels feel empty.
After going to the toilet, I'll prepare my lunchbox, get showered, dressed, and ready for work. However, I've noticed that my abdomen appears to fill with gas within 20 minutes or so - despite my bowels and stomach being seemingly empty. Gas is a problem that I've also managed for many years, alongside the constipation. One of the most effective methods I've found to pass gas is to sit on all fours, and gradually lower my bottom backwards, stretching my arms and upper body forward - this is actually a modification of the child post in yoga. Shortly after assuming this position, the stagnant gas will begin to move, allowing it to be passed easily. Sometimes it feels like the gas is being produced at the same rate that it's being passed, but eventually, after 10 minutes or so, I'll feel relieved (my abdomen will be relaxed) and I can stand-up, take a shower and leave for the office.
While the gas is odorless (again, I believe my bowels are empty at this time) I notice that my anus is wet with a clear mucus/jelly-like substance. I wonder if this is some kind of infection/inflamation in the intestines, or perhaps the stomach/intestinal lining/lubrication? Either way, when I shower and wash, my anus is very sore - the hot water stings that area for a little while. until it is eventually tolerable.
I'm rather pleased with the improved regularity of my bowel movements, and am confident that gradually my digestion will continue to improve, and my energy and overall health will one day be fully restored. However, the rapid gas build-up after the BM, along with the clear mucus that is produced when the gas is passed, is a still a concern.
I would be most grateful for any suggestions or advice.
Thank you for reading!
J x
EDIT: A few months ago I shot a video of how I pass gas when assuming the 'position'. I showed this video to a couple of GI doctors, but they were unable to offer any explanation of my condition. Obviously, this is quite an embarrassing video to post in a public forum, but it may be useful to others who are suffering from trapped gas.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0vpfxgdss96vpvg/gas.mp4