What should I do if my stomach doesn't digest food properly, and I pass whatever I eat?
I have been having trouble digesting food recently—I eat something, and it comes out the same way in my stool, with undigested food particles present. My abdomen also feels bloated. May I ask what might be causing this? How can it be managed or treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
When the stomach fails to digest food properly, and whatever is eaten comes out undigested in the stool, it is usually a sign of gastrointestinal dysfunction or indigestion.
Indigestion may be caused by various factors, including dietary habits, stress, imbalance of intestinal flora, or illness. To address this issue, one should first adjust their diet by reducing intake of greasy and spicy foods and increasing dietary fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, which help improve intestinal motility and promote digestion.
Selecting appropriate fruits is also important. High-water-content fruits, such as dragon fruit, bananas, and hawthorn, not only provide rich vitamins and minerals but also increase stool moisture, facilitating bowel movements.
If symptoms are significant, prokinetic medications such as mosapride or digestive enzymes may be considered under a doctor's guidance to accelerate digestion. For diarrhea control, medications such as montmorillonite powder or berberine may be taken. Depending on the situation, medications that regulate intestinal flora, such as bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, might also be needed.
If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.
