Everyone has occasional bloating, especially after a big meal. But if you're one of the 40% of people struggling with uncomfortable and frequent bloating, it's time to see Dan Wool, NMD, in Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Dan Wool doesn't default to giving you medications to ease your symptoms. He takes the time to learn about your dietary habits, runs tests to identify the real cause of your bloating, and then uses natural treatments to eliminate the problem. To schedule a free in-person or telehealth consultation, call the nearest office or use the online booking feature today.
Abdominal bloating occurs when you have excessive gas caught in your digestive tract. As a result, your belly distends abnormally.
You end up with extra gas for two primary reasons. You may swallow too much air while eating, and bacteria in your large intestine naturally produce gas as they consume food products.
You may develop bloating for many reasons, including:
The type of foods and how quickly you eat lead to extra gas. Some foods, such as sugars, starches, and fiber naturally produce more gas as bacteria digests them.
When you eat too quickly, you swallow more air than if you eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food. Drinking carbonated beverages also contributes to bloating.
Most food sensitivities cause excessive gas, whether you're sensitive to dairy (lactose), gluten, fructose, amines, sulfites, or FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are poorly absorbed carbs).
Bloating is a common problem in people who have gastrointestinal problems such as:
Stress and anxiety also lead to bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. They trigger hormonal changes in your body that slow down digestion and affect healthy bacteria in your gut.
Hormonal changes in the years before and during menopause lead to bloating caused by water retention. Changes in estrogen and progesterone make your body retain water. As a result, many women develop a distended belly.
The primary symptoms that come along with bloating include an uncomfortable and distended abdomen, belching, and flatulence. You may also have:
The additional symptoms you have depends on the underlying cause of your bloating.
Dr. Wool learns about your dietary and lifestyle habits and runs tests to determine the problem responsible for your bloating. He typically runs food sensitivity and SIBO testing and checks your blood for a range of biomarkers.
He teaches you how to prevent the problem, focusing on changing your diet and ways to reduce stress. Depending on the cause of your bloating, he may also recommend one of many possible natural treatments, such as:
If you have uncomfortable bloating, call Dr. Dan Wool or book an appointment online today.
