Bloating
More than just feeling full. Bloating—that uncomfortable, distended feeling—is one of the most common digestive complaints. It's a symptom, not a diagnosis. Causes range from SIBO and food intolerances to low stomach acid and dysmotility. Finding the root cause is key.
Common Causes
SIBO
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Bacteria ferment food, produce gas. Very common cause.
Food Intolerances
Lactose, fructose, gluten. FODMAPs. Undigested sugars ferment.
Low Stomach Acid
Food not properly broken down. Ferments in stomach/small intestine. Creates gas.
Enzyme Deficiency
Low digestive enzymes. Food not digested properly. Bacteria eat what you can't digest.
Dysbiosis
Imbalanced gut bacteria. Gas-producing species overgrown. Candida overgrowth.
Slow Motility
Food sits too long. Fermentation increases. Constipation worsens bloating.
Patterns & Clues
Upper GI Bloating
- Right after eating: Low stomach acid, enzyme issues
- Burping: Air swallowing, reflux
- Feeling full quickly: Delayed gastric emptying
- With fatty foods: Bile/gallbladder issues
Lower GI Bloating
- 1-2 hours after eating: SIBO likely
- With specific foods: Food intolerance
- With constipation: Slow transit, fermentation
- Worse by end of day: Accumulation pattern
Finding the Cause
SIBO Breath Test
Lactulose or glucose breath test. Measures hydrogen and methane. Gold standard for SIBO.
Food Diary
Track what you eat and symptoms. Pattern recognition. Simple but useful.
Elimination Diet
Remove common triggers. Reintroduce systematically. Identifies food sensitivities.
Stool Test
Comprehensive stool analysis. Shows dysbiosis, parasites, digestive function.
Celiac Testing
Rule out celiac disease. tTG-IgA blood test. If positive, endoscopy.
Lactose/Fructose
Breath tests available. Or trial elimination of dairy/fructose.
Reducing Bloating
Treat SIBO
If positive, antimicrobials or rifaximin. Address root cause. Prevent recurrence.
Low-FODMAP Trial
Reduces fermentable carbs. Often provides relief. Short-term intervention.
Digestive Support
Betaine HCl for low acid. Digestive enzymes. Bile support if needed.
Prokinetics
Improve motility. Ginger, iberogast. Prescription options available.
Meal Spacing
4-5 hours between meals. Allows migrating motor complex. No snacking.
Chew Thoroughly
Digestion starts in mouth. Mechanical breakdown. Enzyme activation.