Content created in partnership with Clinicians
Bloating is a common issue that can leave you feeling uncomfortable and sluggish, especially during the holiday season when we tend to overindulge. But bloating is often more than just the result of a big meal or food sensitivities. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or an imbalance in the bacteria and yeasts in your gut.
Your digestive system works hard to break down food into nutrients your body can absorb. However, issues like poor diet, overeating, and declining enzyme levels with age can interfere with this process, leading to bloating and discomfort.
If you're looking for a post-holiday reset, focusing on gut health is key. Herbs like ginger and dandelion can aid comfort, while probiotics support beneficial gut bacteria, and adding supplements to your routine can support the gut microbiome.
Here, Clinicians naturopath Jane Cronin provides some easy-to-digest answers to some of the most common questions around what causes bloating and how we can best support ourselves through it.
I find the concept of gut health really confusing. I’m not allergic to anything but I still struggle with bloating. What do I need to know?
Gut health is all about balance. Even without food allergens, you might experience bloating due to an imbalance in your gut flora. Beneficial bacteria are vital for digestion, but factors like stress, poor diet, and antibiotics can throw things off, which may cause an increase in gas-producing bacteria and yeasts leading to bloating.
Beyond gut flora, poor eating habits like rushing meals, insufficient chewing, and a decline in stomach acid production due to ageing or stress can also leave you feeling bloated. Addressing these factors and supporting your gut flora can help bloating, even without allergens present.
Are there quick fixes for this imbalance?
While there aren’t quick fixes, there are several things you can do to support bloating when it occurs. First, focus on your diet. Reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, alcohol, and refined carbs can improve digestion. Include more vegetables, fruits, and fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, which provide enzymes and healthy bacteria for your gut.
Clinicians Bloating Support was formulated specifically to soothe bloating and discomfort, and contains ginger to support digestion and excess gas, dandelion to support normal fluid balance and liver health and LactoSpore probiotics to support good gut flora.
For those who feel their gut needs a New Year reset, consider adding a supplement like Clinicians Gut Soothe & Balance, which supports gut integrity, balanced flora, and bowel regularity. It contains Bacillus subtilis DE111®, a scientifically researched probiotic that supports flora balance and regularity. It also includes ingredients like turmeric and quercetin known to support a healthy gut lining, for a strong digestive system, good nutrient absorption and normal gut function.
Are my hormones to blame for my bloating?
Hormones can impact digestion and bloating, especially for women. Many experience bloating before their period due to fluid imbalance, which is hormonally driven. Taking Clinicians Bloating Support may be supportive around this time of the month.
During menopause, declining estrogen levels can slow digestion, leading to increased bloating. Estrogen plays a role in gut function, so hormonal changes can affect digestive efficiency. Medications like the oral contraceptive pill and painkillers can further disrupt gut flora, allowing less beneficial species to thrive, which produces gasses that contribute to bloating.
Men can also experience gut issues, but hormonal shifts often have a stronger effect on women’s digestion.
Can you give me the 101 on digestion? Help me break down some jargon please!
It’s actually fascinating to know what’s happening inside your body when you eat. Your body produces digestive acids and enzymes to break down food, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
These include enzymes produced in your mouth and pancreas, as well as bile from your liver to break down fats. The release of these digestive acids and enzymes is triggered by eating and depends on the type of food consumed. For instance, bitter foods like spinach prompt bile release.
If, say, you struggle to digest dairy, you may be lactose intolerant, meaning your body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose in milk products.
When digestive enzymes become imbalanced — due to poor diet, ageing, or food intolerances — issues like bloating and gas can arise. Understanding the role of these acids and enzymes in your digestion can empower you to make better food choices and seek the right support if things start to feel off.
For additional support, some people benefit from digestive enzymes before meals. Clinicians DigestEase is a scientifically researched formula with enzymes to support the breakdown of gluten, dairy, and other foods, and nutrient absorption.
Click this link to enter the draw to be in to win a Free Consultation with Clinicians Naturopath Jane Cronin and 6 months' worth of recommended Clinicians supplements.
Visit clinicians.co.nz to find out more about their research based range of digestion products, or book a free consultation with one of their naturopaths.
Always read the label. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Auckland. TAPS MR10978.
