Difference of malabsorption and maldigestion

[MedicalMysteryGuy]

Hi,

I understand how a person can lose weight due to a malabsorption syndrome.  I am wondering if someone can lose weight as a result of maldigestion directly, or if it is a digestive problem that causes an absorption problem.  Can someone explain this?  Thanks,

Evan

[MedicalMysteryGuy]

Hi CalGal,

Thanks for your support. My symptoms are unintentional weight loss, loose/watery stools, and excess gas.  I have been having these symptoms for over two years now.  I am seeing a GI, but so far all tests (endoscopy, colonoscopy, bloodwork, ct scan etc.) have been normal.  

I am wondering if taking 3-4 beers, OTC sleep aids (Tylenol PM, Unisom) and a regular amount of stress on a daily basis could be or assisting in the cause. Can you give me your opinion for this?

Evan

[CalGal]

Medical, there's got to be an underlying reason for whatever is going on with you. It might be a good idea to try to look into the 'cause' for either the malabsorption or maldigestion you're experiencing. If you have all the enzymes you need, you'd be throwing your money down the toilet, so to speak.

As far as the probiotics go, unless you're immunosuppressed or suffering from pancreatitis they're safe, and in my opinion they're probably good for everyone considering the amount of antibiotics most of us take. So they won't typcially do any harm.

But if you're considering enzyme supplements, it could indicate that something might be going on with your pancreas and that would contraindicate your taking probiotics. So you should really consider seeing a doc and having some testing done.

[MedicalMysteryGuy]

Thanks so much for the help with my health puzzle!  I just researched those topics and would make perfect sense as the, or one of the causes of my issues.  Can you give me any suggestions for getting the digestive enzymes and pro-biotics I need?

Evan

[SassyLassie]

A person could surely loose weight due to Mal-digestion. Actually, in my opinion, the mal-absorption and digestion sort of go together. If one acts up the other will as well.
I would try taking some digestive enzymes and also a good pro-biotic to put the friendly bacteria in your system, this might be of some help.
To put it another way, if you don't digest, you don't absorb, and if you don't abosorb, you body is not getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.