GAS & BLOATING

GAS AND BLOATING

Gas and bloating are common complaints I see in practice. Unfortunately, they are often dismissed as simply “IBS”. My goal is to identify the cause of your gas and bloating to reduce your symptoms.

CAUSES OF GAS & BLOATING

Bloating is the sensation of distension or fullness (often, patients report feeling pregnant). Gas is excess air produced through digestion. Common factors that cause gas and bloating are:

  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

    • Bacteria in the small intestine ferment certain carbohydrates causing hydrogen, methane or hydrogen sulfide gas. Read more on my SIBO page. Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) is another possible contributor.

  • Dysbiosis

    • An imbalanced large intestine microbiome affects fermentation and the amount of gas produced. This can also be linked to an overgrowth of yeast in the gut which further exacerbates symptoms

  • Low stomach acid

    • When food isn’t broken down properly in the stomach due to low stomach acid, it can be fermented in the small or large intestine to produce more gas. H. pylori infection also suppresses acid production and is important to test if there is persistent bloating

  • Enzyme insufficiency

    • Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is under recognized as a cause of gas and bloating. It happens when the pancreas produces an insufficient amount of enzymes to digest food which allows undigested food to be fermented in the gut

  • Food intolerances

    • Sensitivities to certain foods (e.g. lactose) can lead to issues with digestion and fermentation in the gut

  • Motility issues

    • If there is a disruption in gut motility, it can allow more fermentation and gas buildup. Motility issues do not necessarily correlate with constipation, although they can be associated

HOW I ASSESS GAS & BLOATING

  • Detailed history of onset, triggers and patterns

  • Lactulose breath testing to assess for SIBO

  • Comprehensive stool testing to assess microbiome and digestive function (e.g. fecal elastase to assess Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency)

  • Food and symptom tracking

MY APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Naturopathic support for gas and bloating starts with symptom support. For example, if you have constipation, we address that first. We then move on to treating the overgrowth or imbalance using botanicals and nutraceuticals. Biofilms are always considered in patients where symptoms do not improve or return after some improvement.

If medication is warranted, I consult with your primary care provider so you have the most effective option available.

We then work to heal the gut, support stomach acid, restore enzyme function and improve gut motility. While temporary diet changes may be helpful, my goal is to have you eating a varied diet to support a healthy microbiome moving forward.

If this sounds like the approach you’re looking for, schedule a discovery call below.

Schedule a Discovery Call