Quit smoking leads to severe digestion problems...

I've been reading off and on for 3 1/2 yrs about the terrible bloating and not being able to eat and constipation. I smoked for 33 yrs, quit 3 1/2 yrs ago and am 58. I was thin my whole life until I quit smoking. I've looked pregnant since quitting. I don't want to take drugs or laxatives. I plan to finally try a lot of things to resolve it. Prune juice will be first, then sauerkraut. If those don't work I'll try turmeric or herbal detox. I'm SO tired of looking pregnant when I was thin for 55 yrs! I hope everyone still suffering can find a solution. From all the hours and hours that I have read on this subject, ive learned that too much water or fiber isn't good; I'll stick with normal intake. I've been so depressed and miserable all this time but finally have prayed for strength and willpower. Yesterday I began the elimination of gluten and dairy . I WILL naturally heal myself I can't take it anymore. Good luck to you.

Digestive problems improve dramatically if you add bacteria to diet. I use VSL bacteria sachets.

It sounds like you may have a gluten allergy

you are very rude

You are very rude Caroline... We are all just trying to help each other find ways to combat this. Any advice may be helpful to some. YOU are not an expert either. Just another person going through what many of us are. How dare you cut us down just because you obviously sound angry and frustrated just like the rest of us about what is going on with your body. I have been very grateful with this site and support knowing that others are suffering and trying to help. I have not gained one pound, in fact have lost weight since I have stopped smoking over 2 months ago. I do and always have exercised daily both cardio (8+ miles) treadmill per day and toning (Barre). I have always eaten healthy and I drink tons of water. I did not know that this problem was a possible side effect of quitting smoking. I did finally find relief, but because of your attitude, I will not share. You are unsympathetic to others feelings. This site is not for you to cut down people....so maybe you need to get some help with some of that anger and hatred you have.

Nothing new on this subject in a year??? I quit w/CHANTIX and went through stomach problems also. Doctor tested me for everything but never hinted that it could be from not smoking. I smoked for almost 50 years and I think all my problems were from my body adjusting to nicotine withdrawal, the CHANTIX took the craving away but my body was used to having the nicotine. It's been 15 months without a smoke and at last my body has adjusted, I hope--I've gain 25 lb and now trying to lost that. Hang in there !!!

Thank you for all your posts. I read many of them. Why? because like most of you I have been searching for an answer. I don't believe any of you are hypochondriac or experiencing a reverse placebo effect of quitting smoking. I smoked about a pack a day, on and off for 30 years. Mostly on. I think I have always had a degree of IBS, but it would only flare a few times a year for 2-3 days, and I could generally identify a trigger, too much pizza, alcohol or coffee. And for the most part, I enjoy a great varied diet, and am an excellent cook. Lots of vegetables, proteins and not over processed carbs. I have never cared for junk foods, really. When I quit smoking this last time, 6 months ago, in only a couple weeks my gut flared up. Bloating, gas, alternating diarrhea with constipation. And here I was, eating better than before, not wishing to weight gain. First I eliminated dairy, I'd pretty much stopped any ice-cream a few years back. Helped a bit but stools still loose and messy. And always that unrelieved feeling. I had already cut back on coffee, used to enjoy 3 cups a day with no problems, now none. And legumes. And fruit. Finally was closer to functioning, but not like the good old regular clock-like days. Tried to re-introduce some foods that I was able to eat with no problems only 6 months ago, and all hell has broken loose. I tried Rantadine, big mistake. So, it is clear to me that nicotine has a huge effect on intestinal functional, calming for some, stimulant for others. There was a Dr "House" episode where he joke prescribed 2 cigarettes a day to a chronic IBS patient in the emergency. I know it's only a tv show, but they spent good money on top diagnostic advice of the unique kind. Apparently angry mail deluged the producers. Now, I know, I can't have 2 cigarettes, I can't have one. I am breathing better, have far more energy. Concentration has returned. I look better. Friends have told me, and I can see it in photographs. I am more optimistic, except for this gut issue plaguing me. Its like hiccups in that it gets worse as you become agitated by it. I am not vomiting, and abdominal pain is only slight, unlike some of the other writers. The gut noise is huge, as I write, and I hope this gas settles by tomorrow as I have classes. Next I am going to try probiotics. Not much too lose, and surely I am losing good bacteria with all this diarrhea. I would like everyone reading this to know I have rarely been to a doctor, do not take any drugs, even aspirin. Conclusion: nicotine can act as a regulator on intestinal function.

I am going to try a probiotic tomorrow. I'll respond in a week to let you all know.

You have some very points. I agree with the fruit angle too, at least for myself. My reaction has been different. I am currently in a hyper digestive phase, and experiencing spasms. I too am fed up with dieting, and loose shirts to hide my bloated belly, and trying not to get 'down'. And I am walking A LOT. Not a nice reward for quitting, is it? Hang in there.

It has been a bit since I have posted on here. It has now been 91 days (3 months) not smoking. I am so proud to be able to say this. However, my stomach issues still persist. I ha never had a problem with this when I was a smoker for 30+ years. I have found relief finally. I went to see my doctor for an unrelated issue and talked to her about this. As with all other doctors, she was unaware of this symptom of quitting smoking. I had been on Amazon and was looking to try a colon cleanse of some sort. I though maybe if I cleanse the bad bacteria out it would help. I did find one that is more natural than others and ordered it. I started taking it (2 capsules in evening) along with a stool softener and oh my gosh...IT WORKS! It did not cause cramping nor extreme pain. I continued it for the 15 days and now I just take one each night. It keeps me completely regular. I told my doctor about this, and she said it would be fine to continue taking them. This is the third medical professional that has told me that it is okay to take softeners and other natural non-stimulant laxatives. It will NOT hurt my system. This has been a godsend for me. My depression is gone now. I feel normal again. I had pretty much given up eating. I had tried everything. I had tried mirilax which caused my stomach to be bloated and gurgled constantly. I took Phillips non stimulant laxative and it did help. Increased my fiber, increased my fruit and vegies.Started drinking more water than I already had etc.. I am very healthy and have and do exercise daily. I treadmill 8 miles+ everyday and do 1 hour of body toning per day and have always been a person who has worked out regularly . I have not gained a pound since I quit (thankfully) which was a big concern to me and part of the reason why it took me so long to decide to quit smoking. I am 57 years old and am in better shape overall than ever. I just want to encourage all of you who are following this, to hang in there. For some of you, your bodies have adjusted in time and I am hoping I will be able to eliminate taking something to help me down the road. I just know that not smoking is the best feeling. I am so grateful for finding this site and being able to know I am not alone in this struggle. It has helped me tremendously. I reached out to "Outlander" and wanted to say thank you as well for your suggestions and encouragement.

So pleased to read this. What is this miracle thing called?

It is called "Skinny Flush" 15 day advanced detox cleanse (with psyllium husk). It is a colon cleanse. It does say for weight loss as well, but I definitely did not purchase it for that reason. I am 5'5" and weigh 113lbs. and as stated in my post have always maintain good exercise and eating habits. But if anyone would want to use it for that, then I am sure it would work. It had very good reviews on Amazon as well. Just make sure you start with one capsule the first night to see how your system reacts. I was nervous at first because I thought maybe it would be similar to a stimulant laxative and that experience was so painful. But I found for me that taking the 2 capsules worked fine. There are many detoxes listed on the site so you may want to check out others as well. Something else may work good too. I showed 2 different doctors what I was taking and they both told me it was fine to continue taking. My goal is to eventually not have to take anything, but for now this is my little miracle that has saved me from the depression and misery I was going through. Good luck to you. I hope this or something similar works for you as well.

Thank you. I would love to try this but I'm struggling to find it online (I'm in the uk). Would you mind posting the ingredients in it? Thanks in advance.

Hi again! I'm so pleased to hear you've had some success in your journey! I looked up 'skinny flush' but it came up blank so far, I like to google stuff to death before I choose to try something new. Now at 28 months since I stopped smoking and not a lot has improved but its reassuring to hear you've found a product which works for you. Like you i'm very active, I try to walk every evening 5 miles or so as I work in an office so sit down mostly all day (i'm sure that doesn't help!). I also eat super healthy 6 out of 7 days (Saturday is an exception). Have tried various natural supplements etc but often wonder if i'm not trying them for long enough. Reading your update is making me realize it's time to step it up and get out there and hopefully find a cure! Well done you!

This blog is so informative and helpful. I quit smoking about two months ago after 50 long years of smoking. Just like Grandprix! As soon as I quit, I started experiencing digestive problems - mostly flatulence, reflux, some vomiting, and a change (for the worse) of bowel habits. I finally went to my gastroenterologist and told her all these symptoms has started after I stopped smoking. I had an endoscopy and it showed gastritis, hiatal hernia and barrett's esophagus. I am now on prilosec and am to continue until i have another endoscopy in a year.
I have altered my diet considerably (adding probiotics, raw sauerkraut , kefir, and drinking only water and herbal tea. ) However, my symptoms aren't much better yet. So I do feel encouraged that I am not alone, that my suspicions that quitting smoking was the cause of my stomach issues, and that eventually they will go away has made me feel most relieved! I don't think i'll start smoking again - i am glad to be free of those nasty sticks of poison! But i will definitely explore some of the suggestions given in this blog - particularly I think, acupuncture and a low-carb diet. (the last time I quit about 15 years ago, I went on the Atkins diet and did not experience these horrible digestive problems.) I agree that the medical profession should be more aware of these particular side effects of smoking cessation. Thanks to all who have helped enlighten me!