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Do you feel like you just ate a very large meal? Is your stomach protruding more than usual? These can be symptoms of bloating. When you are experiencing bloating your abdomen is filled with air or gas, which can be caused by both underlying symptoms or something as simple as drinking a carbonated drink. To get down to the bottom of your bloating, Haute Beauty sat down with Haute Beauty experts to hear their recommendations. Here’s what they had to say: 

Dr. Deepa Verma | Integrative Anti-Aging | Tampa/St.Petersburg

As an integrative/anti-aging MD, one of the biggest issues I tackle is gut health. It is a broad umbrella that encompasses many issues. So, when patients initially come to me and complain of bloating or irregular BMs, they figure they may have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or leaky gut. But I surmise that these are just collective and broad terms that people use without truly understanding the meaning, Gut health is the fundamental basis not only for immunity, but mental and physical well-being. There is an innate gut-brain connection, also known as the neuroenteric connection. So, when a patient complains of bloating, I first must investigate what the underlying and core problem is before making dietary changes or placing them on nutraceuticals. Without an in-depth look at the root cause, I cannot just blindly advise them. I use an advanced DNA-PCR analysis stool test that looks at the microbiome, pathogens, inflammatory markers, SIBO, leaky gut, and so much more. These results will then guide me on the treatment plan for the patient. Close to 100% of patients I consult do this test because they realize the crucial importance of gut health.

For more information, visit Dr. Verma’s website, Instagram, or Facebook!

Dr. Liia Ramachandra | Health & Wellness | Chicago

When a patient is experiencing bloating, I would always recommend first and foremost a dietary approach. I always advise you to write down for 14 days, or at least one week, everything you are eating. Every single thing. Then also write how your stomach feels.

If you notice some bloating or uncomfortable feeling in your stomach with a specific food or a food group, repeat once or twice again to confirm. If this continues then eliminate it from your diet. Sometimes it might not even be the food but the sauce or spice.

Basically, I would always suggest an elimination approach and test 2-3 times to test that it is indeed that specific food (group) that gives you bloating. Examples may include gluten (for more read here), dairy, nuts, shellfish, oils, etc.

If it is truly uncomfortable or even painful, please consult your gastroenterologist to make sure that you don’t have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or any other GI (gastrointestinal) conditions. If it is one of those conditions, then you might need to adapt not just your diet, but also take medications.

For more information, visit Dr. Ramachandra’s website, Instagram, or Facebook!