Bloating, Gas + Better Digestive Health | Dr. Mary Pardee
Sep 7, 2023
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Dr. Mary Pardee, a functional medicine practitioner and naturopathic medical doctor, discusses bloating, IBS, and digestive health. She covers topics like the link between IBS and eating disorders, understanding and treating bloating, gas, and constipation, and finding the right specialist for gastrointestinal health.
Bloating can have various causes, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and colitis; it's important to determine the cause through testing for proper treatment.
Excessive gas that affects quality of life may require further investigation and treatment; while the microbiome plays a role in gas production, the optimal balance of gut bacteria is still unknown and requires more research.
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, specifically progesterone slowing down gastrointestinal motility, can contribute to bloating; considering other potential causes and consulting with a healthcare provider is important before treating hormonal imbalances.
Deep dives
Causes of Bloating and Importance of Diagnosis
Bloating can have various causes, and it's crucial to determine the specific cause through testing. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common cause of bloating, characterized by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines. Other possible causes include lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and colitis. It's important to identify the cause to guide proper treatment.
Normal and Abnormal Gas Levels
Passing gas up to 20 times a day is considered normal. However, excessive gas that affects quality of life can be a cause for concern. Abnormal gas levels, such as excessive flatulence throughout the day, may require further investigation and treatment. The microbiome plays a role in gas production, but more research is needed to determine the optimal balance of gut bacteria.
Understanding Hormonal Influence on Bloating and PMS
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can contribute to bloating and other PMS symptoms. Progesterone, for example, can slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation and bloating. Treating hormonal imbalances with progesterone supplementation in the luteal phase can often alleviate symptoms. However, it's important to rule out other potential causes and consult with a healthcare provider.
Managing Gas Pain and Discomfort
Gas pains can be quite uncomfortable and even mimic other medical conditions. It's important to note that they are typically caused by trapped gas and not a serious underlying condition. Applying heat to the abdomen, engaging in light physical activity, and gentle abdominal massage can help alleviate discomfort and facilitate the passage of gas.
The importance of addressing trapped gas in the colon
Trapped gas in the colon can cause discomfort and bloating. To alleviate this, yoga positions like downward dog and poses that shift the tube of the colon are recommended. Massaging the abdomen in a circular motion can also help. Drinking plenty of water, consuming ginger or peppermint tea, and treating constipation are additional strategies for reducing bloating and promoting bowel movements.
Understanding and addressing constipation
Constipation can have various causes, including hormonal factors, low thyroid function, under-eating, and medication side effects. It is important to determine the underlying cause of constipation to tailor treatment effectively. IBS and dysnergic defecation are common causes. Testing strategies for diagnosing constipation include blood work to assess thyroid function and nutrient levels, stool tests to identify parasites or bacteria, and imaging tests to rule out obstructions. Treatment options range from magnesium supplementation to lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments.
162: Join us as we uncover the truth about common stomach issues such as bloating, IBS, and constipation with Dr. Mary Pardee, a functional medicine practitioner and naturopathic medical doctor. Discover the viral TikTok trend of hot girls with IBS, its possible contributing factors, and how to identify the right type of doctor when dealing with such issues.
Topics Discussed:
0:07:34 - IBS and Eating Disorders Factors
0:14:34 - Visceral Hypersensitivity and FODMAPs in IBS
0:25:21 - Understanding and Treating Bloating
0:36:17 - Overtraining Syndrome, Hormonal Imbalance, and Bloating
0:43:36 - Gas, Microbiome, and Constipation
0:50:30 - Understanding and Treating Constipation
0:53:08 - Time, Miscommunication in Medical Diagnoses
0:59:41 - Find a Specialist for Gastrointestinal Health
