Stomach problems with weight loss indicate that the food is not digested properly and the nutrients from the food are not properly absorbed by the body. There are several types of stomach problems that can be associated with weight loss. The first of these is IBD. IBD refers to inflammatory bowel disease. It is an autoimmune condition that includes two diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In Crohn’s disease, inflammation occurs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), starting from the mouth to the anus.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine (large intestine) and/or rectum. The second cause may be celiac disease. Celiac disease refers to a stomach condition in which eating gluten products (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) damages the small intestine due to an autoimmune reaction. Another reason may be stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers refer to open sores that form on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, i.e. the duodenum. Ulcers that form in the stomach are called gastric ulcers and ulcers that form in the duodenum are duodenal ulcers.
IBS can also be one of the reasons for stomach problems. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional disorder of the colon/large intestine that results in diarrhea, constipation or an alternation between the two, gas and bloating. IBS does not directly lead to weight loss, but following a restricted diet for IBS can lead to weight loss.
Other reasons for stomach problems can include pancreatitis, SIBO, lactose intolerance, gastroparesis and Whipple’s disease. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas. SIBO is small intestinal overgrowth, a condition caused by the imbalance of intestinal bacteria. Lactose intolerance is defined as the inability to digest lactose in milk due to a deficiency of the lactase enzyme. Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) is a condition in which the rate of food passage through the stomach is slowed, causing food to remain in the stomach for a relatively longer time. Whipple’s disease is a rare bacterial infection of the small intestine, caused by a bacterium called Tropheryma whipplei. The final cause may be cancer of the digestive tract.
Depending on the reason behind weight loss with stomach problems, some other symptoms may occur. These include abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus/blood in the stool, tenesmus (an ineffective urge to pass stool even when the bowels are empty), constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and vomiting.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very effective in controlling stomach problems with weight loss. Homeopathic medicines are excellent in stopping further weight loss. These medications are completely safe to use as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. They have no side effects. In addition to controlling weight loss, it also helps relieve other symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus/blood in stools, tenesmus, constipation, gas, bloating, nausea and vomiting. There are no specific medicines in homeopathy that are suitable for every case of stomach problems and weight loss. The homeopathic medicines are selected individually for each individual case after a detailed case evaluation based on the symptom presentation which varies from case to case. Therefore, it is advised to use any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor. Homeopathic medicines are recommended for mild to moderate cases without serious cause. In severe cases and cases arising from serious causes such as cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, help from the conventional method of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has a limitation in helping cases arising from serious causes.
Homeopathic medicines for stomach problems with weight loss
1. Arsenic album
Arsenic Album is a leading homeopathic medicine to treat cases of stomach problems with weight loss. In cases where this is necessary, burning pain in the abdomen is clearly visible. Heartburn (burning sensation in the center of the chest behind the breastbone) is also felt. Burping of bitter and sour substances irritates the throat. Nausea and vomiting are present. It gets worse after eating or drinking. In addition to the above, one may suffer from loose stools. The feces have an unpleasant odor. In addition to the above symptoms, excessive weakness occurs. If this medicine is required, there may be stomach inflammation and ulcers may be present in the stomach.
2. Merc Sol
This drug is of great use if, in addition to weight loss, there is loose stool with mucus and blood. Cutting, stabbing pain is felt in the lower abdomen. Pain occurs from the right to the left side of the abdomen. It gets worse by walking. During the passage of stool, pinching pain is felt in the abdomen. There is pain in the anus during urination, after which a burning sensation and itching are felt in the anus. There is weakness after passing stool. In cases where this is necessary, there is inflammation and ulcers in the intestine.
3. Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica may be considered in cases of weight loss where constipation is a prominent stomach symptom. The main indication of constipation is a frequent, fruitless urge to have a bowel movement. The stool is unsatisfactory. There is little stool several times a day. There is always a ‘never done’ feeling with the feeling as if there is still some feces left in the rectum that needs to be passed. The stool is dry and hard. Sometimes the blood flows together with the feces. Pain in the rectum is of a sharp type and occurs after passing stool.
4. China Officinalis
Homeopathic medicine China Officinalis is a leading medicine when weight loss is accompanied by noticeable diarrhea. The stool is loose, smelly and produces excess gas. The stool is brownish or yellow, foamy and may contain undigested food particles. There is pain in the abdomen before and after urination. Sometimes the stool passes involuntarily. Loose stools are accompanied by intense weakness and shaking. There is gas in the abdomen with obvious abdominal distension.
5. Lycopodium
Lycopodium is very useful in weight loss with the main symptom being excessive gas in the abdomen. Gas is produced shortly after eating even a small amount of food. There is a bloated feeling in the abdomen. Gas is most prominent in the lower part of the abdomen. In addition to the above complaints, constipation may occur. The stomach problems in cases where this medicine is required are made worse by eating beans, cabbage and gas-forming foods (flatulent foods).
6. Carbo-vegetarian
This medicine is of great importance for cases where abdominal bloating is prominent along with weight loss. Gas is mainly present in the upper abdomen. It is made worse by the intake of little food or even the simplest kind of food. The gas can become trapped and cause stomach pain. The abdominal bloating is well marked. It worsens when lying down. Tight clothing is unbearable around the stomach. Sour burps may occur. In addition, a burning sensation in the stomach may occur.
7. Phosphorus
This medicine is useful in cases where a burning sensation occurs in the stomach after eating. Pain also occurs in the stomach. Pain is mainly relieved by cold drinks. Sour burps with a sour taste in the mouth occur after eating any meal. Vomiting may also occur. An empty feeling in the stomach may also occur. The stool may be loose. Excessive weakness may follow the passing of stool. A burning sensation is felt in the rectum.