Bloating is not normal
Bloating is annoying and uncomfortable. Many things can cause bloating. First things first – it’s not normal to have bloating, there’s a reason and it’s usually related to your nutrition and/or gut microbiome.
This isn’t about good or bad food. It’s about identifying which foods are inflaming your unique body or gut ecosystem. Even “super foods” that the latest diet trends and supplement ads love to market to you can generate inflammation by triggering a histamine, cytokine, or immunoglobulin response. In short, they’re triggering an immune response that creates inflammation and further disrupts your microbiome. Long-term inflammation erodes your gut lining, reduces your ability to absorb micro and macro nutrients and allows pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria, fungi, or parasites to move in and get established.
Elimination trials can work well to identify some of these triggers. I suggest being very intentional and strategic when reintroducing any foods you eliminated to get the clearest picture of what it might be doing to your body. Not all food reactions manifest in your gut. Track your mood, energy, sleep, skin, and muscle/joint pain to help identify what systemic symptoms might be from specific foods you are eating.
Testing for food sensitivities is another great option, but you want to be selective in what test you choose. They are not all created equal. Also note that food allergies and food sensitivities are not the same thing.
Your microbiome health is key for optimal digestion. Your microbiome is the collection of bacteria in your gut. Who’s there and in what concentrations all influence the health and resiliency of your digestive tract and therefore your immune system, cardiovascular, hormones, and brain health.
There’s an entire collection of microbes that influence your estrogen so much they’ve been given their own name – the “estrobolome”. Your estrobolome CHANGES your estrogen levels affecting your mood, period symptoms, body composition, libido, and menopausal symptoms.
I’m a fan of testing as it eliminates guessing. In my Wild Pursuits program, I use the GI MAP stool test from Diagnostic Solutions and Oxford Biomedicals MRT 170 blood test to evaluate gut function and food sensitivities. It gives great insight into your gut microbiome and what foods are generating inflammation. Addressing these together allow for more complete resolution and relief of bloating and other digestive (or systemic) symptoms.
You are unique! Following a trending diet or taking a random probiotic may not get you the best results. Get specific. Learn your body so you can be the most resilient & vibrant being possible.
Stay in Pursuit,
Dr. Marsha✨