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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How can bloating be avoided?
Hi,
I become bloated, especially after i eat (regardless of what it is). There's no pain assoicated with my bloating and everything else in my degestive system is working fine.
I also have constant dark circles under my eyes and feel tired in the mornings even though i've had a solid 9 hours sleep.
Am i allergic/intollerant to wheat or dairy since i have these symptoms and crave milk and bread/cerial/oats/pasta? -
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Chris Fonda
Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian
As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile
You may have a sensitivity to gluten/ dairy. What you are describing sounds like you may be missing out on important nutrients and could be malabsorbing (which may be why you are experiencing the bloating with a build up of gas).
My best advice is to go to your local GP (or family GP) and let them know that you are experiencing these symptoms. You may need to be tested to see if you may have coeliac disease, IBS, or fructose/lactose malabsorption/intolerance.
I hope this helps.Report this post
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Peta Adams
Dietitian
I am an Accredited Practising Dietitian locally born and working within the Riverina.I have a passion for helping people to achieve their nutrition goals, coaching … View Profile
As Chris has aptly said despite the lack of bowel symptoms you may have malabsorption of nutrients such as Iron which may be contributing to your fatigue and dark circles, which is associated with conditions such as Coeliac Disease.
However lethargy is also common in people with food intolerance to chemicals such as naturally occuring amines, glutamates and preservatives.
To help investigate these conditions, Coeliac genetic testing/serology, Iron, B12 and Vitamin D levels would be a good place to start.
Following these results, I would contact a Dietitan and try to investigate dietary causes.Report this post
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Lyn Christian
Nutritionist
As a Naturopath and Nutritionist I am passionate about the promotion of health using functional foods to correct nutrient imbalances.All health conditions need to be … View Profile
What you are describing sounds like a food intolerance. Ironically, most people crave the foods to which they have an intolerance. The wheat/gluten protein especially, has opiate like qualities which explains cravings and ‘addictions’ to it. With the milk, it may be an intolerance to either the protein (casein) or the sugar (lactose) . Your GP can send you to pathology to have a lactose/fructose malabsorption test. Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of a food intolerance and also adrenal exhaustion. Ask your GP to check for Coeliac disease and your also thyroid levels.
Allergy type symptoms show almost immediately after ingestion of the offending food. Intolerance symptoms may take up to 72 hours . Certainly have an allergy or Food intolerance test to ascertain which foods may be affecting you. As Peta has said, naturally occurring chemicals in foods-amines, salicylates, glutamates plus preservatives and artificial additives may also be the cause of the bloating.
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Jane O'Shea
Dietitian, Nutritionist
I am an Accredited Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian. I am also a licensee for the “Am I Hungry?” Mindful Eating Program, “Am I Hungry” … View Profile
Bloating is certainly a sign of distress in the digestive system. If simple steps to remedy the situation fail, such as reducing stress, eating slowly, avoiding fizzy drinks, taking probiotics and following a healthy diet, then further investigation is needed.
Inflammation of the gut can lead to feeling quite unwell and may include feelings of lethargy, tiredness, fuzzy head and general malaise.
Bloating may be a sign of intolerance which would require following certain steps to identify the problematic food/s and avoiding that food/s to see if symptoms improve.
An Accredited Practising Dietitian is trained in food intolerances and will be able to help you.Report this post
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Elke Supple
Dietitian
Core Nutrition is the business of Mrs Elke Supple, Accredited Dietitian & Nutritionist who provides family orientated nutrition consultancy. Elke specialises in weight loss, food … View Profile
The answers above are all good. However I must point out that this needs proper assessment first. Because bloating is a symptom of so many conditions it is imperative to get testing to rule out possible causes before assuming this is food intolerance. Other possible causes of bloating are inadequate production of stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes, and an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gut. Doing a food & symptom diary will help determine if food intolerances or an imbalance of fibre, gaseous foods or undigestible sugars (e.g. fodmaps) are a bigger contributor to your bloating.
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