Digesting too quickly? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Auberdine · 02-20-2004, 07:35 PM

I don't think I've posted in this forum, so first I will tell you a little about myself. I am a 21 year old female, 5'3", 105 lbs, who is in college (stress) and isn't very active, although I am taking some yoga/pilates twice a week now. I'm pretty healthy overall. I did find out I had an internal hemorrhoid last spring and have been trying to eat more fiber since.
Now, I have noticed that my stomach "grumbles" a lot, especially at night when I'm on my side. I don't have any pain, etc. Also, I think I am digesting food extremely quickly. I heard you are supposed to digest meals in lik 10 hours, but mine are usually much less. Water goes through me like that...that's why I don't drink it much and because of this I think I am somewhat dehydrated much of the time. I am working on that. But I had a McDonald's grilled chicken salad today around 2:30pm and I had a bowel movement at 5:30pm. The bowel movement was a little loose, but not watery. (I know this sounds gross, but there were "chunks") Anyway, I could see small little green things (lettuce) in the stool and I know this was the salad because I hadn't eaten any other green things (or veggies) in a couple days (I know, bad). Is there something wrong with my absorption or something? If anyone knows about this, I would greatly appreciate some advice. Thanks.

Harry · 02-21-2004, 12:22 AM

All fiber is not the same some moves through without change-- the insoluble type but the soluble type absorbs liquid and slows your digestion down and make it somewhat water lggged.

You could try a water soluble fiber like psyllium -- not many calories either.
Other soluble foods include all grains, beans, root veggies and some fruits.

longtimehurtin · 02-22-2004, 04:57 AM

My husband digests food very quickly too, sometimes in 1-2 hours. He has had many tests with many doctors and they cannot find anything wrong. Vegetables and any dairy go through the fastest. Also be careful with fiber I added too much to fast for my system (wow was that uncomfortable!) My doctor put my on 1 glass of metamusil daily (is is not addictive) It seems to be doing the trick. Hope this helps, good luck.
Tan