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Why I Started This Blog

Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

— Benjamin Franklin

I finally went to a doctor about my stomach problems the summer before my last year of college. After running some tests and coming up with nothing other than an inflamed bowel, he diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome. To be honest, this diagnosis was really frustrating because it didn’t really feel like a diagnosis at all. I was having real pains, real problems, real fear of food. How dare he tell me to just learn to cope with stress. This was when I decided to figure it out myself.

For my senior project, I had to do a research paper on any topic of my choosing. I originally wanted to do one on IBS, but because it is a syndrome, or a collection of symptoms, it was very difficult to find research. So, I switched my paper to inflammatory bowel disease, IDB. Because my doctor was trying to blame my issues on stress, I started my project focusing on serotonin and its role in the stomach. Turns out, most of the body’s serotonin is made by the cells in your stomach, but also plays a role in your emotions. So I found my connection, or so I thought. The problem with this theoretical connection is that the serotonin in your gut never reaches your brain, or visa versa, due to the blood-brain barrier. This means that the connection is most likely more than one simple chemical imbalance.

The gut has an amazingly intricate world of microbes that are unique to each person and begin to form shortly after birth. These microbes are not only responsible for passing gas, but breaking down certain foods and giving us chemical byproducts that we need. I quickly realized that I was not going to solve the mystery of the gut microbiome in one semester, so I focused on the effects of taking antibiotics on short and long term gut health.

I still like looking up the newest theories on what could be causing my problems. When I became less shy about what was going on with me, I had people telling me they had similar issues. I would try to discuss the latest research with them, but usually the only response was a confused face and “well its fine. I just don’t eat unless I can go to the bathroom shortly after”. I truly believe that we should not have to accept this way of life. I do not want to be afraid of eating something cheesy. I hate not being in control of my weight because I have no appetite. There must be a better way of life.

I started this blog to hopefully help other people with digestive problems. Whether it is cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or anything else involved with the gut, I want to help. I will be sharing the science behind these issues and the science behind different supplements that could help. I am not a doctor, and seeing a doctor about your problems should certainly be the first step in figuring out what is wrong. This is simply a place to share some ideas about what has worked for others and things you might consider trying.

Vitamin D and IBS

I heard a rumor that some people noticed taking Vitamin D supplements significantly helped their stomach issues. Even before I started doing any research on why that might be, a lightbulb went off in my brain. My parents live in Colorado, but I did my undergrad in Florida. Every time I started to make progress gaining weight while I was at school, I would go home and struggle to simply maintain weight. It is incredibly frustrating. But after hearing this rumor, I considered it is simply that I have a lot more time in the sun in Florida which could be raising my vitamin D levels while at school. Okay, so how does this have anything to go with my stomach pains?

Turns out vitamin D plays a role in controlling inflammation. It helps in this by regulating transcription of certain genes. These genes then go on to play various roles depending on the gene. One of these genes helps to stop inflammation which certainly can help with pain and general uncomfortableness of the intestines. Some studies also suggest that vitamin D can help with bloating, diarrhea, and constipation in those with IBS.

Vitamin D’s most researched and understood role is its control of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Thats why when you think of this vitamin, you think of bones. But there are actually some other connections to be aware of such as a possible connection with eczema, fatigue, frequent colds, back pain, muscle weakness, and more. The wide range of effects vitamin D has is a big reason why it deficiencies are often misdiagnosed.

You can get vitamin D from your diet, from sunlight, and from supplements. It can be difficult to get all the vitamin D you need just from your diet, but there are some things to know about getting some from sunlight and supplements. First, sunlight also causes sunburns. So, ya know, be careful with that. In terms of supplements, there are two forms you can get: Vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is ergocalciferol which comes from plants, Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol and comes from animals. D3 is suggested over D2 because it is what naturally occurs in our bodies and therefore our body makes use of it a bit better.

Checking your vitamin D levels is a good first step in determining if taking supplements could benefit you. Your doctor will also be able to provide dosage information and, not that vitamin D is expensive, but you might be able to get a prescription to help with cost. If you have experience with vitamin D helping you please leave a comment or email me to share your story.

If you’d like to try a supplement, I recommend this one made by Sports Research: Vitamin D. The coconut oil makes for better absorption, it is reasonably priced, and has a 5 star rating. Click the link below to be redirected to Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGCBGZQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JGCBGZQ&linkCode=as2&tag=fecalmatters-20&linkId=dd48e50082af5e5c860f9b5406909666