Fear, Anxiety Likely Cause Of Mysterious Illness

April 4, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 47-year-old male smoker. I have a lot of stomach problems that started after a stomach virus in January 2007. I used to weigh 214 pounds but now weight 138 pounds and am 6’ 4” tall.

I have had 3 complete blood counts, thyroid and B12 tests, a CT scan of my chest, stomach and pelvis, a colonoscopy, and an endoscopy. I was told I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) since my tests have all come back normal. A nutritionist has told me that my body mass is extremely low.

My symptoms vary and can include headaches, increased urination, fatigue, lower stomach cramps, plugged ears, tender stomach, nausea, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, skipped heart beats, different bowel patterns every day, and high anxiety. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

April 4, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 75 years old. I don’t drink, smoke or eat anything white. I am 5’4” and weigh 172 but should weigh 130. I walk four hours a day.

I lost 21 pounds on the South Beach diet. How can I lose that last 40 pounds? My doctor says I MUST eat 1200 calories a day but I feel that is too much. I currently consume 800 calories a day in an attempt to lose the extra weight.

DEAR READER:
You are not taking in enough calories and I fear that you may actually be starving yourself and may be malnourished. Your diet may be detrimental to your health. This could be why you have stopped losing weight. Without proper nutrition your body will not properly metabolize what you do eat.

You should not be so concerned about your weight. At 75, it will not make much difference to your health. Stop the restrictive diet, consult with a nutritionist and get back to enjoying life.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Eating Disorders”. Other readers who would like copies should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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