Want to know what most women consider ‘normal’ but really is a symptom that can be 100% treated? Bloat.
Bloating is basically inflammation. It is gas buildup in the gut that makes you physically bigger, uncomfortable, squishy, and instantly regretting your choice to wear jeans, that form-fitting dress, or tights today.
It is also your body’s way of telling you that it’s unhappy with what you’ve consumed nutritionally, a lack of proper fluid intake, or perhaps something you have come in contact within your environment. It could possibly even happen after you have exercised. That’s right, bloating isn’t just caused by what you ate or drank, it is a sign your hormones could be imbalanced or simply your body’s physically after childbirth.
For those of you looking to get some relief from bloat, here are the 5 most popular reasons my clients get bloated AND my #1 suggestion you can do right now to help stop bloating in its tracks!
Lactose Intolerance. This intolerance to all dairy or most commonly cows dairy, affects more than 7 million Canadians says the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. This is likely an underestimate as many individuals do not associate their symptoms with lactose-containing foods or are asymptomatic.
IBS/IBD (Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Disease.) Besides bloating, symptoms include alternating constipation and diarrhea, gas, cramping, and in severe cases abdominal pain. Did you know that Canada has one of the highest rates of IBS in the world, with an estimated 18% vs. 11% globally. Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.) It occurs when there is an increase in the bacteria in the small intestine. Besides bloating, SIBO can produce some unpleasant symptoms such as smelly gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, and even GERD.
Hormone Imbalance. Gas, bloating, water retention, constipation at the end of your cycle, loose bowels on days 1-5 of your period, low thyroid function, adrenal fatigue… All of these could be signs or symptoms of hormone imbalance. These are conditions that affect many women in Canada. It’s because I have lived these challenges myself and learned how to navigate them that I chose to specialize in women’s health.)
Dysmotility. This is a condition in which muscles of the digestive system become impaired. When these contractions are affected be it in the speed, strength, or coordination of movement that bloating can occur. Symptoms include bloating, pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea.
If you are suffering from one of the above, speak with a certified health practitioner… That’s me! Connect with me HERE.
As promised, here is the #1 thing I recommend to my clients with any bloat or digestive concerns: take the right probiotic!
As bloating is a sign of microbial imbalance taking a probiotic can help with that. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, everything in the land of health stems from good or bad digestion! We need the right kinds of healthy bacteria in the gut along with enzymes and hydrochloric Acid to assist in this process. So, if you begin with a good probiotic and then seek me out to create a nutritionally supportive dietary lifestyle, you will be well on your way to feeling a whole lot better! My goal as a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist is to help you become more mindful and educated with your food choices. I love teaching you how to build a sustainable lifestyle and fulfilling dietary habits.
Want to join in the conversation about bloat or hear more tips about correcting your digestion? Connect with me on Instagram, @marissasylvesterwellness.
Marissa Sylvester, BCN
