Bloated Stomach? There is Help!
Stomach bloating is so common today that it’s been called an “epidemic”. It isn’t surprising considering most people’s poor diets, high levels of stress, exposure to various pollutants and need for daily meds. I really hope the following breakdown of possible causes and tips helps you find relief for this uncomfortable, painful and at times embarrassing problem. POSSIBLE CAUSES & HELPFUL TIPS ALLERGIES & SENSITIVITIES It is not a surprise that we are developing all different kinds of allergies and sensitivities, since farming practices are simply not the same as in our grandparents time. Some common food allergens include: dairy, gluten, nuts, shellfish, eggs, spinach, kiwi and certain kinds of carbs called FODMAPs -such as apples & avocados.
TIPS
•Book an allergy test •Visit a Naturopath •Try an elimination diet to can help you pinpoint which foods might be triggering your symptoms. FOODS TO EAT Probiotics Organic meats Bone broth Green tea Apple cider vinegar Lemon Cucumber Celery FOODS TO AVOID Dairy Sugar Sweeteners Cruciferous veggies - Broccoli, cabbage, brusel sprouts, kale (opt-in for green juices instead) Beans, corn Artificial ingredients from packaged foods Carbonated drinks Gum Alcohol Fermentable fruits - apples, avocado, peaches (test these for tolerance)
Foods containing MSG
Fried foods DISORDERS IBS, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, hypothyroidism, celiac, gall bladder and liver disease are all disorders responsible for bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and other symptoms.
TIPS
•Speak to your doctor about testing and visit a GI specialist. DEHYDRATION Lack of water will halt digestion, make it hard to stay regular and promote water retention once consumed.
TIPS
•Consume water throughout the day! 1/2 your body weight in oz. Increase your water intake progressively if you are not used to drinking that much. HISTORY OF POOR DIETARY HABITS Even if you are now more aware of eating healthy, a poor dietary history could have left a negative print in your gastrointestinal system. Junk food, preservatives, low fibre diets, starches and empty calories could have left your intestines with a wall of buildup. Yup, as disturbing as it sounds, we may be full of stool. If this is the case, even the nutrients of healthy foods may not actually be absorbing.
TIPS
•Speak to your GI specialist and ask about GI cleaning procedures such as colon irrigations. •Perform abdominal exercises to send bloodflow to the stomach and promote digestion. STRESS & ANXIETY This may just be the biggest and greatest factor! The simple truth is, our gut and brain communicate through our nervous system, our hormones and immune system. So if we experience high levels of stress and anxiety, the gut takes a SERIOUS toll. Unfortunately, we live in a time where stress, anxiety and mental illness is at an ultimate high. Take practical and necessary steps to help yourself! TIPS •Exercise regularly to decrease cortisol levels. •Eat a healthy and balanced diet to promote hormonal homeostasis •Sleep 7-8 hrs daily •Practice deep, controlled breathing •Go outside everyday. •Surrounds yourself with positive individuals.
•Place a limit on social media usage
•Lead a simple life and avoid living beyond means. •Meditation and prayer. •Spend more time doing things you love. •Seek help from a medical professional for ongoing symptoms of depression and anxiety. ABNORMAL BACTERIAL GROWTH & LACK OF HEALTHY GUT FLORA High levels of abnormal bacterial living in the digestive tract, usually in the bowel, can accumulate and cause damage to the stomach lining. On the other hand, the lack of healthy bacteria can be problematic.
TIPS
•Visit your doctor and inquire about bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori •Try probiotics. Not all probiotics out there are concentrated enough. Consult your pharmacist or doctor to inquire on options.