Identify the Cause: Discover how to differentiate between bloating due to gas and water retention, and learn the significance of associated symptoms like diarrhea or constipation in identifying digestive issues.
Implement Practical Solutions: Understand actionable tips to reduce bloating, such as avoiding snacking, chewing food slowly, and incorporating movement like post-meal walks, especially during high-risk times like the holidays.
Address Underlying Issues: Gain insight into the potential causes of bloating, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysbiosis, and stress, and learn the importance of a thorough medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Williams, ND delves into the widespread issue of bloating, which affects a significant portion of the population. They explain that bloating is typically characterized by a feeling of fullness, tightness, or pressure in the abdomen, often caused by a buildup of gas. Differentiating it from water retention or edema, which involves excess fluid in the tissues, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Williams also highlights that some degree of bloating after eating is normal, but persistent, severe, or painful bloating may indicate underlying issues like SIBO, dysbiosis, or even hormonal imbalances.Dr. Sarah Williams shares practical tips for managing bloating, particularly around the holidays when people are likely to indulge in foods that can exacerbate symptoms. These tips include avoiding snacking between meals, chewing food thoroughly, avoiding carbonated beverages, and engaging in light physical activity like walking after meals. She also emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and stress management, as anxiety can contribute to bloating. For those experiencing severe or persistent bloating, Dr. Williams recommends seeking medical advice to rule out serious conditions and obtain a comprehensive evaluation.
Dr. Mary Pardee is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor specializing in preventative medicine and longevity in Los Angeles, California. She has an undergraduate degree in human nutrition and has worked...