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Gas, bloating after eating: You might have IBS

by Jerry Lee Baily II/Lakeside Holistic Health
| August 20, 2014 9:00 PM

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects millions of people on a daily basis. The symptoms of IBS may include constipation, bloating, abdominal cramping, gas or diarrhea after eating. Some medications may provide immediate relief; the results are usually temporary and do not treat the underlying causes of the digestive problem. Many of today's chronic health conditions associated with inflammation are linked to the digestive tract and changes in its microflora (bacteria).

The goal of functional medicine is to restore function of the digestive tract, improve digestion, and promote systemic healing of the body. The proper functioning of your digestive system is affected by what you eat, how it digested before it reaches the intestines, and if you have the appropriate balance of bacteria in your intestinal tract. By looking at the body as a whole, we are able to decipher the myriad presentations of symptoms that will result in an accurate diagnosis of why you have the gas and bloating along with treating the cause without masking the symptoms, which may lead to more detrimental health concerns.

Many people have food sensitivities (also known as intolerances), not true food allergies. Food sensitivities cause chronic low grade inflammation that can build up over a period of time to create symptoms. Symptoms can range from skin rashes, headaches and mood swings to constipation, diarrhea, bloating and other IBS symptoms. Most of the time, taking out the most common food sensitivities such as dairy, sugar and grains for one month can provide relief of IBS symptoms. Reintroducing the foods one at a time will help to narrow down which one is causing specific symptoms.

Acupuncture helps to restore balance back into the body. Your Qi or essence can become out of balance from overwork, stress, worry, or overeating. Acupuncture treatments can help to correct this imbalance and restore your vigor, along with diet changes and herbs.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms found in the human digestive tract. Probiotics naturally occur in fermented foods, and traditionally this was how most people consumed them. Nowadays, you can take a supplement that contains these beneficial bacteria or consume fermented foods. Probiotics are beneficial for a variety of health conditions including IBS, constipation, and diarrhea. They can also help atopic dermatitis along with preventing colds and flu, while also helping to decrease chronic pain and disease.

If you suffer from IBS or gas and bloating after meals, we can help find the underlying cause of your issues and restore your health.

For more information, contact us at Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC at 518 N. Fourth St. in Coeur d'Alene (208) 758-0568, or 21651 E. Country Vista Drive, Ste F., in Liberty Lake (509) 385-0218. Or visit www.lakesideholistic.com.