How do I cure night sweats?

What can be the possible cause of bloating, flatulence, swollen lymph nodes and night sweats?

• I'm a 42yo female who has been experiencing bloating and flatulence over the last year or so. At first, I experienced mostly distention and feelings of fullness which varied with the timing of meals. Lately, however, I have been increasingly flatulent thorough the day and seem to be experiencing night sweats at around 4-6 am. When I wake I am often cold and clammy with a somewhat pressured and churning feeling in my lower abdomen. I then pass lots of gas and then am able to get back to sleep. I wouldn’t consider myself constipated as I often have 1 or more BMs a day but I do sometimes feel the urge and kind of intestinal fullness. The few times of constipation has been accompanied with more bloating, nausea and migraine headaches. Once I defecate I feel better, less “toxic”. I think my overall diet is healthy, I prepare the majority of my meals, use very few processed items and am moderately active on most days. My past GP checkups were good with normal blood work. I am not overweight and my periods are typical. My only other issues were a reoccurring yeast infection(~5-6)that started during the onset of the GI disturbances and increased allergy symptoms and food sensitivities. Although “unsupported” by my GYN or GP somehow I felt it was linked to use of splenda sugar substitute. To combat the yeast infection and GI issues, in addition to the Rx of Diflucan I also eliminated sugar and dairy, minimized wheat products and started taking Culturelle probiotic. This did not change the bloating or flatulence but I felt a decrease in my allergic reactions. Thankfully the yeast infections went away but now I seem to have a low grade Infection(?) with swollen glands in my throat and am having night sweats. My research seem to indicated perimenopause but I don’t seem to have typical symtoms and the night sweats/hot flashes do not radiate from my chest per se, they seem to be systemic and associate with flatulence. I also feel “toxic” for lack of a better word. Any suggestions as to how to approach this?

• Answer:

  Perhaps you have IBS or some other gastrointestinal problem? You clearly have something going on in that area of your body, and you should see a reputable gastroenterologist. Since you have posted this in the cancer section, I am assuming this is one of your health fears, but I don't think you should be too concerned. The swollen lymph nodes are probably due to an underlying infection in your body stemming from your stomach issues, and considering your age, the night sweats could be pre-menopausal or something else relating to hormones. You might also want to see an allergist to figure out if there are things you are allergic to and aren't aware of yet. I once read that drinking several glasses of water with lemon juice and a small amount of uniodized salt mixed in is an awesome way to detoxify your body and help prevent candida (yeast), and it helps me when I'm fighting infections. Don't overdo the fiber because that could cause even more problems, and avoid sodas, anything too acidic, and honey which will totally up your candida levels. If you live near an Integrative Pharmaca talk with one of their pharmacists for more suggestions. Be sure to exercise daily, and take up Yoga which has been used for centuries to detox. Acupuncture and lymphatic drainage massages might also be beneficial. Drink plenty of tea throughout the day. Peppermint tea is very soothing to an upset tummy, and ginger is also great for digestion. I start every morning with a hot mug of purified water with a mixture of lemon and lime squeezed in, and then have probably 6 mugs of tea per day. I'm addicted to the Republic of Tea. I have HL, and I've noticed that it really does help me to not feel so sluggish, and I feel more "clean" after drinking it. Be well.