If you’re anything like most of the patients I see in my clinic, bloating and belly pain can make you feel hopeless – like you’ll never find a solution
You may have tried remedy after remedy…. only to find temporary relief and the bloating and pain is back again. The pain can feel like it’s stealing everything away from you: your social life, your energy and your concentration.That is where I can help. I’m Dr. Gaila Mackenzie and my passion in life is to help patients with difficult cases like yours…. It’s been the focus of my 35+ year practice.Working with chronic bloating and belly pain patients, I’ve found what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to identifying and resolving the root causes.Continue reading, and I’ll show you exactly what to do to (and not do) to FINALLY eliminate your chronic bloating and belly pain.To begin with, here are some common recommendations to avoid:
Here Are Four Common Strategies That Never Work, But Most Conventional Doctors Recommend:
Many patients who come to my office are taking acid inhibitors – the medication commonly recommended by conventional practitioners for treating belly pain.These medications decrease stomach acid production by up to 70% and can worsen bloating and belly pain for several reasons:
Because stomach acid kills harmful bacteria that may be present in food and water from entering the intestine, low levels of stomach acid can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and other parts of the intestine.
Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause poor digestion and fermentation of carbohydrates, producing gas, bloating and belly pain.
In a recent study, researchers detected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in 50% of patients using acid inhibitors. This condition occurs when bacteria that belong in the large intestine spread to the small intestine where they are not normally found.
Evidence exists that by lowering your acid production by taking acid inhibiting drugs, you can increase your risk of infection from several parasites and bacteria, including, Giardia, C. Difficile, Salmonella, Campylobacter and H. Pylori.
Taking acid inhibitors does not address the root cause of what’s causing your bloating and belly pain, and promoting the growth of these bugs can actually worsen your bloating and belly pain.
2. GUT ANTI SPASMOTICS (Dicyclomine or Bentyl)
Bentyl may be prescribed for the treatment of intestinal pain and cramping.
It addresses symptoms by slowing the natural movements of the gut by relaxing the muscles in the intestine and stomach.
Bloating, constipation, nausea and abdominal discomfort are some of the side effects of taking anti spasmotics.
Taking Bentyl or acid inhibiting drugs not only just masks the cause of your symptoms, but these powerful medications may make the symptoms worse and do not address the root causes of your discomfort.
3. SIMETHICONE (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas)
Simethicone works by breaking up gas bubbles and may help gas pass through your digestive system.
There is little clinical evidence that simethicone relieves gas production.
One study did not show improvement in patients suffering with bloating or symptoms due to ingestion of lactose, fructose, fructans or fiber.
Simethicone may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of your discomfort.
4. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Activated charcoal works by absorbing gas in the digestive system.
It can also absorb nutrients that the body needs and interfere with the absorption of supplements and prescription medications, therefore it’s important to wait 90 minutes to two hours before eating meals, taking supplements or prescription medications.
Because charcoal absorbs water from the gut, it can lead to constipation and dehydration.
Here are 3 Important Steps You Can Take Now to Start Eliminating Bloating & Belly Pain
1. Avoid Dairy Products
Dairy is one of the most common foods causing bloating and belly pain.
70% of adults worldwide do not produce enough lactase, the intestinal enzyme that helps break down lactose, the sugar in milk.
Not absorbing lactose in the small intestine allows the undigested lactose to pass to the colon where bacteria ferment it and cause bloating, gas and pain.
The most common sources of dairy are milk, cheese, yogurt and butter.
Dairy can also be found in processed foods (salad dressing, chocolate and candy).
2. Remove Gluten and FODMAPS
Gluten tends to bind to the wall of the small intestine, which can lead to bloating, inflammation and pain.
FODMAP stands for “fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols.
These simple carbohydrates are resistant to digestion.
Instead of being digested in your small intestine, they reach your large intestine, where colon bacteria ferment it and can cause painful bloating.
Common FODMAPs include:
Fructose: a simple sugar found in many fruits and vegetables
Lactose: a carbohydrate found in dairy products
Fructans: found in grains like wheat, spelt, rye and barley
Galactans: found in large amounts in legumes
Polyols: sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol and mannitol
Your gut bacteria then use these carbs for fuel, producing hydrogen gas and causing digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Eliminate dairy, gluten and foods high in FODMAPS for 30 days and you should notice a decrease in your bloating and belly pain.
3. Identify and Fix the Root Causes of Your Bloating and Belly Pain
Finding and eliminating trigger foods is just the first step in eliminating your bloating and pain.
Having a comprehensive DNA stool test ordered and properly read to identify pathogens and gut imbalances is a must.
Some of the underlying causes of bloating and belly pain I commonly find on a DNA stool test include:
Presence of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungal forms or worm
Low levels of digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, probiotic bacteria
Low levels of bile salts necessary for the proper breakdown and absorption of fats
High levels of inflammatory makers
Presence of antibodies indicating sensitivity to gluten containing grains
Most conventional doctors will recommend prescription or over the counter medications because they are unaware of the root causes of chronic bloating and belly pain.
It’s important to have symptomatic relief while trying to resolve the problem, but, if you want to stop the pain for good, you’ll need to do some investigating.
It is very difficult to and figure out or manage these symptoms on your own without the guidance of a practitioner who has years of success in treating it.
Treating properly and for a length of time that resolves all underlying causes is the key to eliminating your symptoms for good – sadly, many people quit before fully finishing their program.
You will want to work with a practitioner who has 35 years of experience, knows how to properly identify and treat the findings and has personally experienced resolution from this nightmare.If you are ready to finally take control of your health and put an end to chronic bloating and belly pain, click the link below to get signed up for an “Breakthrough Case review”.During this 60 minute consultation, I’ll dive deep with you into your health history, current issues, what’s worked and not worked. I’ll review your labs and make dietary, supplement and lifestyle recommendations to eliminate the root causes of your belly problems.
How To Get Help Today
If you are tired of dealing with chronic bloating and belly pain, it’s time to get the help you need.
P.S. My name is Dr. Gaila and I am a Board Certified Traditional Naturopath, a Board Certified Functional Medicine practitioner, hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition and Biology and am a Licensed Chiropractic Physician in California.
I suffered with chronic bloating and belly pain for over 30 years (beginning at age two).
After researching and studying natural medicine for several years, I discovered the root causes of my chronic bloating and pain, developed a program to identify and get rid of the symptoms and would like to help you overcome yours.
I can help you on your journey to find a solution – I’ve been there myself.
I understand how you are feeling and how miserable it is to live with chronic bloating and belly pain.
