All very interesting, but....

This is a very interesting topic but does it help people to flush or does it put them in fear that they may end up damaging their digestive tract. Non of the threads lead us to an authorities place where the ideas can be validated.

There are some very rare conditions like cystic fibrosis where the function of the pancreas is altered. In the case of cystic fibrosis the duodenum becomes more acid.

I have search through the messages in this forum over the last year and although there are several reports of discomfort in the upper abdomen they are a minimal number that refer to burning, following a flush.

It is extremely difficult for the brain to interpret internal pain and pinpoint the source. Consequently pain in the upper abdomen can come from any one of the digestive organs.

The most likely cause of discomfort following a flush is caused by bacteria. Most pigment stones are contaminated with bacteria and their waste products. Bacteria can be responsible to producing mucus in the biliary tract which may be even fill the gallbladder. Flushing spreads this toxic cocktail downstream and into the digestive tract. This can cause temporary inflammation and discomfort.

Another culprit particularly for "burning" sensations is bile reflux. Most of us know about acid reflux; the backflow of caustic stomach acids into the esophagus. Bile reflux occurs when bile flows upwards (refluxes) from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus.

Bile reflux can be difficult to distinguish from acid reflux because the signs and symptoms are similar, and the two conditions frequently occur at the same time. But unlike acid reflux, bile reflux inflames the stomach, often causing a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen. Other signs and symptoms include:

Frequent heartburn — a burning sensation in your chest that sometimes spreads to your throat along with a sour taste in your mouth
Nausea
Vomiting bile
Occasionally, a cough or hoarseness

Bile reflux is caused by the pyloric valve not closing properly, and bile backwashes into the stomach, where it causes irritation and inflammation (gastritis).

The pyloric valve is a heavy ring of muscle that sits at the outlet of your stomach. It opens very slightly to release about an eighth of an ounce of liquefied food at a time, but not enough to allow digestive juices to flow back into the stomach.

Selfcare recommendation are as follows: (From the Mayoclinic.com site)

Stop smoking. When it comes to acid reflux, smoking is a double threat: It increases the production of stomach acid, and it dries up saliva, which normally helps protect the esophagus.
Eat smaller meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, helping to prevent the valve from opening at the wrong time.
Stay upright after eating. After a meal, waiting at least three hours before taking a nap or going to bed allows time for your stomach to empty.
Limit fatty foods. High-fat meals relax the lower esophageal sphincter and slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach.
Avoid problem foods and beverages. Although the same foods don't trouble everyone, the worst offenders for most people include caffeinated drinks, chocolate, onions, spicy foods and mint because they increase the production of stomach acid and may relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Unfortunately, if your lower esophageal sphincter is severely weakened, you're likely to have acid reflux no matter what you eat or drink.
Limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and irritates the esophagus.
Lose excess weight. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are more likely to occur when excess weight puts added pressure on your stomach.
Relax. When you're under stress, digestion slows, worsening reflux symptoms. Some studies indicate that relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga may help.


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