Keto Means
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How do you know if your body isn't absorbing nutrients?

The most common signs of the disease are weight loss and diarrhea. Malabsorption can lead to weight loss, because the body cannot absorb nutrients through the bloodstream. Other symptoms include: stomach pain.

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Malabsorption is a disorder that occurs when people are unable to absorb nutrients from their diets, such as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, or vitamins. Some commonly known disorders related to malabsorption are lactose intolerance and celiac disease. People with a history of bowel or stomach surgery may also have malabsorption disorders. Because malabsorption affects a person’s abilities to get nutrients from food, it is essential that they see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible. Causes and types Share on Pinterest Problems with the digestive process may cause malabsorption. Malabsorption is the result of a disruption in at least one part of a person’s digestion. Digestion begins when the enzymes in a person’s saliva start to break down food into smaller parts that the body can absorb. Enzymes continue to break down the food as it travels through the esophagus, stomach, and large and small intestines before it leaves the body as waste products. Malabsorption can occur if someone does not have enough digestive enzymes, bacteria or other foreign invaders are present, or movement in the small or large intestine is faster than usual. There are many different malabsorption disorders, each having a different underlying cause. Doctors usually classify malabsorption disorder types by the symptoms they cause. According to the Semmelweis University School of Medicine, these categories include: Cardiovascular disorders congestive heart failure

constrictive pericarditis

mesenteric vascular insufficiency Drug-induced disorders Taking the following medications can lead to malabsorption disorders: cholestyramine

colchicine

irritant laxatives

neomycin

phenindione Impaired digestion gastric surgery, such as gastric bypass or weight-loss surgery

gastrinoma Inadequate absorptive surface jejunoileal bypass

short bowel syndrome Infection acute infectious enteritis

parasitic infections, such as giardia, or helminthiasis

tropical sprue

Whipple’s disease Intestinal mucosa abnormalities amyloidosis

Crohn’s disease

cystinuria

eosinophilic enteritis

non-tropical sprue Lymphatic obstruction intestinal lymphoma

lymphangiectasia

tuberculosis Reduced bile salt concentration bacterial overgrowth from the small intestine

ileal resection or disease

liver disease Some types of malabsorption syndromes do not fall under any category. These include conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, carcinoid syndrome, and mastocytosis. What are the symptoms? Share on Pinterest Gas and diarrhea are potential symptoms of malabsorption. Malabsorption symptoms vary according to the cause, the severity of the condition, and how long a person has had the disorder. Examples of some immediate malabsorption symptoms that may occur: bloating and stomach distention

diarrhea

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fatigue

gas

steatorrhea, or stool that is pale to white

stools that appear “greasy” in texture

stomach cramping

weakness People need nutrients from food to maintain a healthy body. When their body cannot properly absorb these nutrients, they might experience the more long-term effects of malabsorption. These include: bone pain

bones that fracture easily

iron-deficiency anemia, which can result in shortness of breath

muscle wasting

a sore tongue

weight loss

When to see a doctor While everyone may experience some bloating, nausea, and even diarrhea from time to time, anyone who experiences a continued pattern of stomach upset should see their doctor. People should seek immediate medical attention if they observe blood in their stool (sometimes this blood may look like dried coffee grounds) or are coughing up blood. Signs people should make an appointment with their doctor include: continued abdominal bloating

fatigue

frequent diarrhea

sore tongue

weakness

weight loss A doctor can help evaluate a person’s symptoms and start to make a diagnosis. Diagnosis To make a diagnosis of a malabsorption disorder, a doctor will ask a person about their symptoms. They might ask about when a person first noticed the symptoms, what makes these symptoms worse or better, and what types of medical conditions a person already has. Based on this, a doctor may recommend a variety of tests to rule out or confirm a diagnosis. Tests include: Blood tests : Doctors may request full blood counts, as well as electrolyte balances. Checking protein levels in the blood may also help a doctor understand whether someone is malnourished and to what degree. : Doctors may request full blood counts, as well as electrolyte balances. Checking protein levels in the blood may also help a doctor understand whether someone is malnourished and to what degree. Stool tests : A doctor may request a stool sample to test for the presence of excess fat in the stool. High levels of fat might mean that a person is not absorbing the fat their diet very well. : A doctor may request a stool sample to test for the presence of excess fat in the stool. High levels of fat might mean that a person is not absorbing the fat their diet very well. Breath tests : A doctor commonly performs a breath test to check for the presence of hydrogen gas in those who may be lactose intolerant. The intestines will produce excess hydrogen gas if they cannot absorb lactose correctly. : A doctor commonly performs a breath test to check for the presence of hydrogen gas in those who may be lactose intolerant. The intestines will produce excess hydrogen gas if they cannot absorb lactose correctly. Imaging tests: Sometimes, a doctor may order imaging studies to check the function and structure of the digestive organs. A doctor may also recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (upper GI scope) or a colonoscopy (lower GI scope) to examine the intestinal lining and take tissue biopsies to diagnose certain conditions.

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What are the treatment options? Share on Pinterest A nutritionist can create a diet plan for someone with malabsorption. Treatment options depend upon the underlying cause. For example, doctors will treat malabsorption caused by lactose intolerance in a different way to malabsorption due to liver disease. Initially, a doctor may recommend that a person avoids the food type that is causing the malabsorption, such as lactose or gluten-containing foods. The doctor can evaluate the nutrients present in this food type and make recommendations on supplementation as a means of enhancing nutritional intake. A doctor may also make recommendations for replacing missing enzymes or prescribing medications to enhance appetite. People may also choose to meet with a registered dietitian to establish a diet that is nutritious, but less likely to cause unpleasant symptoms associated with malabsorption. A doctor will likely recommend frequent follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make new recommendations if necessary. Complications The complications associated with malabsorption depend upon the severity of the underlying condition. Malabsorption can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and even failure to thrive in many people. A person can also experience impaired wound healing, a deficient immune system, and low energy levels.

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