It sounds like a duel between the two stomach aids. Is it acid indigestion, or just gas, or do you have both? Can you really tell how much of each you have?

It was likely the leftover spinach that sat in its plastic container in the fridge for several days. When I ate some spinach about 5 days ago, I heard the noises from my stomach (and/or intestines) for a couple of days. I took Maalox, thinking that would help. It did help a little, but not enough. When my stomach felt better, I was ready to carefully eat again. Of course, not realizing that the upsetting culprit was likely the spinach, I again devoured some more. More stomach noises. This time, the spinach was identified as the most likely offender. I took some Maalox. Same thing – not much help. Sometime in the middle of the night, I noticed a distinctly larger-than-life looking belly. I must be bloated, I concluded. Where is that Gas-X? One Gas-X chewed, and some sips of tea, and I was off to bed.

Good morning, better-feeling tummy! The Gas-X (active ingredient: 125 mg of Simethicone) out-did the Maalox (active ingredients: Calcium Carbonate 1000 mg [antacid], and Simethicone 60 mg [antigas]. But then I did take a Maalox before I took the Gas-X, so it just may have been the one-two combination punch that did the trick. Will I ever know? Not until the next time I have a queasy and noisy stomach.

What did I really learn? Not to eat leftovers sitting in the fridge for more than a few days. To try and notice which component – indigestion or bloating – is predominant. And, if I cannot tell which is predominant, go with the Gas-X.

The other thing I learned from this experience is that getting older means not just slowing down, but also being more careful about what we eat, and how much we eat. Our stomachs – and intestines – are asking us to proceed with caution.

Thank goodness that along with advancing age comes a decline in the appetite for sweets. Instead of 7-layer-cake, an occasional oatmeal cookie now does the trick. I thought that advancing age was supposed to come with wisdom, too. But I now believe that we must supply our own wisdom – mostly based on our own experiences. Wouldn’t it be great if our wisdom could come from what we read, and what we hear from others? No such luck! Now if I can remember to throw out that spinach!

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com