Question on Bile, & Acid.... - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Pastafigioli · 09-01-2002, 09:32 AM

Does anyone know if there is a difference between Bile & Acid? Also..I've had recent GB removal, would like to know what foods or anything, that I can take that can absorb Acid or Bile, naturally. I heard that fiber foods can absorb Bile ...can anyone in here offer any more input on this information please?
Thanks Sandy

Shanny · 09-01-2002, 12:59 PM

hi! my mom has a lot of acid in her stomach and she always just goes into the kitchen and eats a dry piece of bread. she says it helps to soak up the acid in her stomach. also i guess just dry bland foods like saltines as well, but nots ureif it works. hope it helps
~Shan

09-02-2002, 03:52 AM

Hi,

Bile and acid are two different things. Bile is produced by the gallbladder and helps in the digestion of food. Hydrochloric acid exists in the stomach and is produced to help in the break down of food that is eaten so that is can be digested more efficiently. Acid reflux comes from the stomach and is that burning feeling in your esophagus.

Carbohydrate is quite good for mopping up, but sometimes after a GB removal, bile can be left hanging around in your intestines and can cause you to have pain and diarrhea. If this happens, the drug Colestid - a prescription med can be helpful to mop it up. If it does not subside, go and speak to your doc about the possibility of getting some if appropriate.

Pastafigioli · 09-02-2002, 06:28 PM

Thank you Shanny & Super Sarah, for your reply's...

Super Sarah,
Thank you for this info. I don't have a problem with diarrhea...so far. If anything it's the opposite. But I still have significant discomfort & pain in the upper epigastic area, especially after eating something. My food intake is very limited & low or no fat. No burning in the esophagus, only at the bottom. My esophagus does feel like it's spasming at times, but the Anti-spasm meds don't seem to help either. I'm 8wks post-op of GB removal, & still suffering. Most likely it's reflux. However,none of the PPI's are helping. How long should it take before getting any kind of relief from these PPI meds?
Also, how long does this bile hang around before it dissipates... Will it? I just thought that I could help my self naturally, if that's possible. Any other input or information you can offer me would be so needed & helpful to me.
Thanks Sandy

09-03-2002, 02:30 AM

PPI's need to build up in your system to be effective, so give them a little longer. The bile should be absorbed naturally after a while.

If you want something natural, you could try taking ginger, peppermint tea and sometimes Aloe juice is good for your stomach.