sodium-bicarbonate and Flatulence

Belching, flatulence, abdominal distention, and gas pains are common symptoms that may stimulate concern for the patient and from the physician. An understanding of the pathophysiology of intestinal gas syndromes should permit a more focused diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Eructation; Flatulence; Gases; Humans; Intestines; Sodium Bicarbonate; Syndrome

Although a considerable amount of literature exists on the ergogenic potential of ingesting sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) before short-term, high-intensity exercise, very little exists on optimal loading times before exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of NaHCO3 supplementation timing on repeated sprint ability (RSA). Eight men completed 3 (randomized and counterbalanced) trials of ten 10-second sprints separated by 50 seconds of active recovery (1:5 work-to-rest) on a nonmotorized treadmill. Before each trial, the subjects ingested 0.3 g·kg(-1) body weight of NaHCO3 at 60 (H1), 120 (H2), or 180 (H3) minutes before exercise. Additionally, the subjects were assessed for any side effects (gastrointestinal [GI] discomfort) from the NaHCO3 ingestion via a visual analog scale (VAS). Blood buffering was assessed using a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, whereas repeated sprint performance and GI discomfort were assessed via a 1-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Blood-buffering capacity was not different at preexercise times (HCO3(-) [millimoles per liter] H1: 30.2 ± 0.4, H2: 30.9 ± 0.6, H3: 31.2 ± 0.6; p > 0.74). Average speed, average power, and total distance covered progressively declined over the 10 sprints; however, there was no difference between conditions (p > 0.22). The incidence of GI discomfort was significantly higher (p < 0.05) from preingestion at all time points with the exception of 180 minutes, whereas severity was only different between 90 and 180 minutes. Ingestion times (between 60 and 180 minutes) did not influence the blood buffering or the ergogenic potential of NaHCO3 as assessed by RSA. However, VAS scores indicated that at 180 minutes postingestion, an individual is less prone to experiencing significant GI discomfort.

Topics: Adult; Alkalosis; Analysis of Variance; Athletic Performance; Buffers; Colic; Diarrhea; Eructation; Exercise Test; Flatulence; Humans; Male; Nausea; Recovery of Function; Running; Sodium Bicarbonate; Vomiting; Young Adult

Frequency of defaecation, faecal form, straining at the start and end of defaecation, feelings of incomplete evacuation of faeces and urgency of defaecation were recorded in 69 healthy volunteers during three distinct 28-day study phases: pre-treatment, treatment with ispaghula husk and post-treatment. During treatment there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in stool frequency and significant decreases in straining at the start (P < 0.001) and end (P < 0.001) of defaecation and in feelings of incomplete evacuation (P < 0.001). There was evidence of a beneficial residual effect after treatment had stopped. There are indications that ispaghula husk (Fybogel Orange) is of benefit in relieving constipation symptoms in apparently healthy people.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cathartics; Citric Acid; Constipation; Defecation; Drug Combinations; Feces; Female; Flatulence; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Sodium Bicarbonate; Time Factors