How naturopathy supports bloating.

Gastrointestinal bloating is a common problem that affects many people, and it can be caused by many factors.

Bloating occurs when the belly feels full or swollen, and it is often accompanied by discomfort, pain, and gas. Although bloating is not usually a sign of serious medical problems, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Fortunately, naturopathy offers numerous solutions to help support bloating and reduce its symptoms.

Why Does Bloating Happen?

Bloating can occur due to dietary or lifestyle factors, such as eating too quickly, eating too much, consuming certain types of foods, or taking certain medications. For example, foods that are high in fat, fiber, or sugar can cause bloating in some people. In other cases, bloating can result from something called ‘dysbiosis’, where the balance of good-bad bacteria becomes out of whack and things like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which occurs when an overgrowth of bacteria moves into the small intestine.

How Naturopathy Can Help

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to support the body's natural healing mechanisms. This means that instead of relying on drugs to treat symptoms, naturopaths focus on treating the root cause of health problems. When it comes to bloating, naturopathy can help by identifying and addressing the underlying causes of bloating. This can be done through gut testing such as a GI Map which looks at a very comprehensive list of bacterial growth, yeast, parasites and even leaky gut. We also wanted to focus on supporting stomach acid to help digestion our foods properly.

Here are three dietary changes that can help with bloating:

1. Reduce Consumption of Gas-Producing Foods

Certain foods, such as beans, lentils, cabbage, broccoli, and onions, contain complex sugars that can be difficult to digest. These complex sugars are fermented in the gut by bacteria, leading to the production of gas. By reducing the consumption of these foods, bloating can be reduced. However, this does not mean you should eliminate these foods entirely, but rather introduce them gradually and in smaller quantities until your body is accustomed to them with the help of your naturopath.

2. Eliminate Dairy/Gluten Products

Dairy products contain lactose, which is a type of sugar that can be challenging for some people to digest. People who are lactose intolerant may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Gluten can also be a trigger for many people when dealing with bloating, it is quite inflammatory so when doing a gut protocol it is best to remove. Eliminating these products from the diet can significantly improve symptoms of bloating, as well as other digestive issues.

3. Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients, which can be hard for the body to digest. They often contain preservatives and additives that can irritate the gut lining, leading to bloating and other digestive problems. By avoiding processed foods, bloating can be reduced, and the body will have an easier time digesting the food. It is best to enjoy really simple eating whilst working on your bloating, I love slow cooked meats and simple veggies.

Here are three supplements that can help with bloating:

1. Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are natural substances that help break down food in the gut. Some people may not produce enough digestive enzymes naturally, leading to bloating and digestive issues. Taking Digestive Enzyme supplements can provide additional support to help the body digest food more efficiently. I would suggest trying 1/2 a lemon squeezed into warm water before meals to start with!

2. Anti-microbial Herbs

In some cases, taking a herbs that kill the overgrowth of bacteria can help reduce bloating by restoring balance to the microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria in the gut. You can then move into strain specific probiotics to help rebalance the good bacteria in the gut.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that supports healthy digestion and can help reduce bloating. It helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which can relieve constipation and other digestive issues. Magnesium can be taken as a supplement or found in foods like spinach, almonds, and avocados.

Bloating can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem, but natural remedies like naturopathy can offer significant relief. By making dietary changes and taking supplements like antimicrobial herbs or magnesium, bloating can be reduced and overall digestive health can be supported. Remember that in order to achieve long-term improvement, these dietary changes should be practiced consistently over several weeks or months.

Consult your naturopath before making any significant changes to your diet or taking any supplements to ensure they are safe and effective for you. With the right support, you can overcome bloating and feel better in no time at all.