Will Bulsiewicz is a board-certified gastroenterologist, author of multiple New York Times bestselling books on gut health, and Zoe's U.S. medical director.
Issues related to gas and bloating are incredibly common. One in six of us will experience bloating, but the symptoms that lead to bloating are far more complex than we often give them credit for.
Gas and bloating are common problems, with about one in five people in the United States reporting experiencing bloating.
There are four main causes of bloating: swallowed air, constipation, struggling gut microbiome, and food choices.
Swallowed air can come from air being swallowed, carbonated drinks, sipping through straws, chewing gum, sucking on hard candies, or aggressive eating.
Constipation is a major cause of gas and bloating, as slow bowel movements can lead to intestinal gas retention and abdominal discomfort.
Increasing fiber intake can help with mild constipation, but for moderate or severe constipation, it's better to focus on getting the bowels moving first before ramping up the fiber intake.
Will Bulsiewicz emphasizes the crucial role of the gut microbiome in processing and digesting high fiber foods, and how an impaired microbiome can lead to gas and bloating.
Will advises eliminating non-fermented dairy and artificial sweeteners to address chronic gas and bloating, highlighting the impact of lactose in dairy products and the fermentation process in reducing digestive symptoms.
Jonathan and Will discuss the complexities of gas and bloating, emphasizing the need for individuals experiencing these symptoms to take steps such as eliminating certain foods to remedy the situation.
Encourage people to do a personal intake to understand the causes of gas and bloating, including habits like sipping through straws, chewing gum, drinking carbonated drinks, eating fast, and consuming foods known to cause gas and bloating.
It's important not to avoid foods that cause bloating, but to include them in small quantities and gradually increase intake to allow the body to adapt.
Diversity in diet is crucial for gut health, and personalized nutrition programs like Zoe's can help improve overall health by understanding gut bacteria.