Summary of Is Your Bloating A Sign Of A More Serious Condition?:
The Doctor’s Farmacy podcast discusses the prevalence of bloating and distention in up to 30% of Americans and how it is often a symptom of an imbalance in the gut. The podcast features Dr. Elizabeth Boham, Dr. Todd LePine, and Dr. George Papanicolaou, who discuss the importance of treating bloating and using Functional Medicine to address underlying issues. The episode is sponsored by Rupa Health, BiOptimizers, and InsideTracker. Full-length interviews with the three doctors can be found on the podcast.
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Why Am I So Bloated? Functional Medicine Doctors Explain
Bloating and distention are common symptoms of an imbalance in the gut, affecting up to 30% of Americans. But why do so many people experience these uncomfortable sensations, and what can be done to treat them? In this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy podcast, functional medicine doctors Dr. Elizabeth Boham, Dr. Todd LePine, and Dr. George Papanicolaou discuss the root causes of bloating and the importance of taking a holistic approach to treatment.
A Whole-Body Approach to Bloating
Functional Medicine places a high value on gut health as it affects the entire body. Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
– Food sensitivities
– Dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria)
– Parasitic and bacterial infections
– Inflammatory bowel disease
– SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
– Chronic stress
– Hormonal imbalances
– Certain medications
To treat bloating effectively, functional medicine doctors take a whole-body approach, addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management, as well as targeted treatments such as antimicrobial therapy or probiotics.
The Importance of Nutrition in Treating Bloating
Dr. Elizabeth Boham is a strong believer in the power of nutrition to heal the gut and alleviate symptoms such as bloating. As a physician and nutritionist at The UltraWellness Center, she has helped thousands of patients achieve optimum health and wellness through personalized nutrition plans. She stresses the importance of identifying food sensitivities and allergies, which can cause inflammation in the gut and lead to bloating.
Probiotics and Prebiotics for a Healthy Gut
Dr. Todd LePine emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which can be supported by probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to restore balance in the gut, while prebiotics provide the fiber and nutrients that these bacteria need to thrive. He also notes that certain strains of bacteria can be helpful for specific conditions such as SIBO.
The Role of Stress in Bloating
Stress is a common trigger for bloating, as it can disrupt gut motility and cause inflammation. Dr. George Papanicolaou highlights the importance of stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Advanced Testing for Gut Health
Functional medicine doctors also use advanced testing to identify the root causes of bloating and other gut imbalances. Dr. Boham notes that comprehensive stool testing can reveal important information about gut bacteria, inflammation, and digestion. Dr. LePine recommends breath testing for SIBO, while Dr. Papanicolaou uses gastric emptying tests to assess gut motility.
In Conclusion
Bloating and distention are common symptoms of an imbalance in the gut that can be caused by a variety of factors. Functional medicine doctors take a whole-body approach to treatment, addressing diet, lifestyle, and targeted therapies to restore balance in the gut and alleviate symptoms. Nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics, stress management techniques, and advanced testing can all play a role in achieving optimal gut health. If you suffer from bloating, seeking the help of a functional medicine practitioner could be the first step towards feeling better.
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