Bloating After Eating - How Nutrition Can Help
Bloating is a normal process and often a sign that our digestive system is in order. It’s caused by a build-up of gas within the gastrointestinal tract which may arise from swallowing too much air with food, carbonated beverages or from the fermentation of food by the live bacteria within our gut. But how much is too much, and when is bloating a sign of things more sinister? If bloating is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and/or constipation you may want to consider having your diet assessed by a dietitian. Abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms may reflect an underlying food intolerance and are increasingly on the rise.
Food intolerances are estimated to affect up to 20% of the population and are defined as non-immunological adverse responses to foods that are normally tolerated. Fermentable carbohydrates, other known as ‘FODMAPS’, are known to trigger symptoms in a large number of patients, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other common triggers include wheat/gluten, histamine, food additives and natural food chemicals such as amines, glutamate and salicylates. A dietitian can work with you to help identify food triggers and implement a nutrition plan to best manage your symptoms. A dietitian may also refer you for further testing or to other health professionals, where necessary.
Left unresolved, underlying food intolerance may lead to increased gut inflammation and decrease the absorption of certain nutrients which may comprise your overall nutrition and health.
If you are experiencing abnormal gut symptoms, make an appointment with our dietitian at Be Well Health Group in Grovedale on (03) 5244 0063, or book online to begin your path to better gut health.