Abdominal Bloating
In our Denver-based functional medicine practice, we frequently see patients struggling with gut health issues, and one of the most common complaints is abdominal bloating. Many people report feeling bloated, even without having eaten anything, while others experience bloating after consuming seemingly harmless foods. This persistent and uncomfortable symptom can be incredibly frustrating, and I often hear patients say, "I look like I’m six months pregnant."
What Does Abdominal Bloating Mean?
From a functional medicine perspective, abdominal bloating can stem from a variety of underlying causes. Rather than treating the symptom alone, we focus on identifying and addressing these root issues.
One common cause is insufficient production of digestive enzymes, which leads to poor digestion and bloating. As we age, our stomachs naturally produce less hydrochloric acid (HCl), another key factor in digestion. When stomach acid is too low, food isn't broken down properly, contributing to feelings of bloating and discomfort.
Additionally, one of the most frequent drivers of bloating we see is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where bacteria that normally reside in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine. This dysbiosis disrupts normal digestion and leads to gas production, resulting in bloating. Similarly, there’s also a condition called Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO), where an overgrowth of yeast or fungi in the small intestine can cause similar symptoms.
Stool Testing
This is why I often recommend comprehensive stool testing for my patients. Unlike the basic tests you may have done with a GI doctor or your primary care provider, which likely focused on one or two elements, this test is far more thorough. It casts a wide net, offering a deep dive into multiple aspects of gut health. Here are just a few of the key elements it examines:
Microbiome: Who’s living in your gut, and in what numbers?
Pathogens: Identifying harmful organisms such as H. pylori, Candida, Entamoeba histolytica, and parasites.
Estrogen Detoxification: How well your body is processing and eliminating estrogen.
Inflammatory Markers: Indicators of inflammation, such as calprotectin and fecal lactoferrin.
Digestive Markers: Key measures like pH, enzyme activity, and bile acid metabolites, which provide insight into your digestive function.
Gluten Reactivity: Testing for fecal antigliadin, a marker for gluten sensitivity.
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut): Zonulin levels, which can reveal how well your gut barrier is functioning.
In functional medicine, the goal is to identify and treat the specific root cause of bloating—whether it’s an enzyme deficiency, low stomach acid, SIBO, SIFO, or another imbalance. Comprehensive stool testing plays a crucial role in this process, helping to restore gut health and improve overall well-being. Make an appointment today for a free consultation to see if membership is right for you.
