Did you know that there is Serotonin in our stomachs? It has the second highest concentration of the neurotransmitter after our brains.
This is why SSRI drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft and many others can cause stomach problems. As my coauthor Dr. John Preston says, “There’s no way to harpoon a drug straight to the neurotransmitters in your brain. They have to go through the whole body which is why they cause so many side effects.”
I remember being so sick I couldn’t work. I was always in the bathroom. That may be more than you want to know about me! but it’s important to know that you’re not alone if drugs are making your stomach rumble.
Side effects can include nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, bloated stomach, acid reflux, etc. etc.
Lovely!
Here are some tips on keeping your stomach happy:
1. First of all, talk with your doctor if things are really bad. It’s better to get help and possibly change doses or drugs than to just quit because of the side effects.
2. Drink organic apple cider vinegar in water. This can REALLY help, especially if you have acid reflux. Make sure it’s organic and slighly cloudy. You don’t want the cheap stuff! You really can get used to the taste. Put two tablespoons in a large glass of water and drink it throughout the day. I can now practically drink it straight!
3. Drink keifer or eat plan yogurt. This calms the stomach so much!
4. Try yoga. The gentle stomach poses can help move around stomach juices and get things flowing- in the right way.
5. Change the times you take your meds. Maybe you can spread them out or take them at night. Talk with your doctor.
There are many things you can do to help mild to medium stomach side effects. Sometimes, just waiting it out can help. If your side effects are severe, don’t just go off your meds as you can have a whole lot more trouble than your stomach! Get help and get the right meds! Your doctor, naturopath or nurse practitioner can really help with this.
Julie
