The Bloating Battle: Your Gut’s SOS Signal

Ever felt like your stomach was staging a revolt after a meal?

So uncomfortable that you dread the next meal…

You’re not alone. At Lantern Clinic, we’ve been on a quest to decode the mysteries of gut health through our in-house online GUT quiz. And let me tell you, the results have been eye-opening.

The Big Bloat Revelation: Picture this – out of over 400 participants, a whopping 77% revealed that bloating is a regular visitor in their digestive saga. It’s the kind of unwelcome guest that just won’t take a hint and leave…

Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome:

Bloating isn’t just your typical tummy trouble. It’s often a sign of a deeper issue lurking within your gut microbiome – a delicate ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms. The microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms residing within our bodies, has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its pivotal role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is crucial for the digestive process and the transit of food through out gut. 

Connecting the Dots: Through our quiz, we uncovered a definite link between bloating and irregular bowel movements, especially constipation. When constipation sets in, it’s not just about feeling ‘stuck’ – it’s about the bloating that often comes hand in hand, as trapped gas and stool can lead to that uncomfortable feeling of fullness and abdominal distension.

Clarify the Link Between Bloating and Dysbiosis:

Dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbiome, contributes to bloating by disrupting the normal breaking down of food and excess gas production in the small intestine. When the delicate balance of microorganisms is disrupted, it can lead to an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria, exacerbating bloating and discomfort.

Meet the Health-Conscious Squad: Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Most of our quiz-takers are health-conscious folks – the kind who make sure to get their daily dose of veggies and fruits. Yet, bloating still manages to sneak its way into their lives, disrupting the harmony.

But are they making an effort in vain with their diet?

Diving Deeper: In conventional medicine, bloating is often overlooked or simply attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) when patients seek help. However, my experience in functional medicine, coupled with advanced microbiome testing, has unveiled bloating as a crucial indicator of poor digestive function, usually underlying Dysbiosis. This imbalance within the microbiome is something that can not be easily visualised with traditional camera investigations or scans.

It’s a dynamic interplay of trillions of microorganisms, and when they fall out of equilibrium, Dysbiosis ensues. It is on a microscopic level, so we must be able to zoom in to prove it. 

But here’s the kicker: Dysbiosis isn’t just about bloating. It wreaks havoc on digestion, leading to nutrient malabsorption, low-grade inflammation, and over time, excessive permeability of the GI tract lining. This can result in food sensitivities and trigger an overactive immune response, potentially leading to autoimmune conditions.

So, how do we tackle dysbiosis? The solution isn’t as simple as popping a probiotic pill. While probiotics can be beneficial, they may exacerbate symptoms in cases of dysbiosis overgrowth, leading to even more bloating and abdominal discomfort. If you are getting more bloating and tummy discomfort  after taking dairy based probiotics or fermented food, you are not imaging it.

The key lies in consulting a medical practitioner who understands the intricacies of the microbiome. Seeking advice and possibly undergoing functional testing of the microbiome can provide valuable insights into personalised treatment strategies.

At Lantern Clinic, we’re dedicated to offering precision testing and personalized treatment plans. Reach out to find out how we can provide you with tailored solutions to address dysbiosis, alleviate bloating and help recover from other chronic conditions.

In addition to learning more, adopting a diverse raw diet rich in colourful phytonutrients can further support gut health. It’s also essential to steer clear of ultra-processed foods, which can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome.

By taking a holistic approach to gut health and addressing dysbiosis, we can pave the way for improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and overall well-being