I have had bloating and IBS symptoms for years. What should I do next?
The question, asked by a woman aged 30 to 44
I am 28 years old. I have bloating. I have stomach discomfort. I have bowel movements for many years. Some days I am constipated. Some days I need to use the bathroom times. I have changed my diet. I have tried Ayurveda. The symptoms keep returning. What should I get? What treatment options should I look at?
If the symptoms keep appearing again, even after changes in diet and Ayurvedic medicine. It means the root cause is not addressed. This can mean the real trigger has not been found yet. It is important to understand that IBS is a label for a group of symptoms, not a cause. Here’s what could be happening: There can be an imbalance of the gut bacteria. It means that the bad bacteria are more than the good bacteria. This causes gas, bloating, and constipation. When the bacteria move from the large intestine to the small intestine, this is called SIBO. It is one of the common causes of bloating. Lactose, gluten, and certain fermentable carbohydrates trigger the symptoms. It can be coeliac disease, which is an autoimmune condition, or a low-grade inflammation, which can also look like IBS. Once the root cause is found, treating IBS is very easy.
Suggested Tests
CBC, ESR and CRP, to check for anaemia and inflammation Faecal calprotectin, to rule out inflammatory bowel disease tTG-IgA with total IgA, to rule out coeliac disease Stool routine and microscopy, including ova and parasites Comprehensive stool analysis, to assess gut bacteria, digestion and inflammation Lactulose or glucose breath test, to check for SIBO Lactose breath test, to check for lactose intolerance H. pylori stool antigen TSH, as thyroid function affects bowel movement Vitamin D, vitamin B12 and ferritin, as long-standing gut symptoms can affect absorption
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, we have a very practical approach that starts with testing. Our gut programme is built to find the exact trigger that is causing bloating and then heal the gut. We don’t believe in just suppressing or calming the issue for a few weeks.
A deep gut diagnostics in which a clinical stool evaluation happens, gut microbiome testing and breath tests for SIBO can show what is happening inside. It also includes which bacteria are growing in number and how well you digest food. A functional medicine doctor who connects the symptoms, test results, and lifestyle into one clear diagnosis. We then start with a personalised gut healing protocol. In this, we remove everything that is harming the gut and work on repairing the gut lining, rebuilding good bacteria with the right foods and targeted supplements. If at all appropriate, depending on the case, we even provide peptide therapy. Ozone therapy is recommended if the harmful microbes are overgrown. The ozone’s antimicrobial action can help rebalance the gut. This is used alongside your treatment plan. Our nutritional coach plans a home-friendly meal plan along with a grocery list, and if required, our executive chef can run a live workshop for your cook. Our clinical psychologist helps break the stress-gut loop. Most of our clients come to us after years of trying this and avoiding that approach. So here they know what is finally being tested and changed. You can consult with us online or visit our clinic in HSR Layout.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
It is important to incorporate fibers from fruits and vegetables in one's diet. It will not only encourage good gut bacteria but will prevent the occurrence of IBS. Maintain regular eating schedules. This will help in regulating bowel movements. Manage your stress by doing some breathing exercises. It will be helpful since the nervous system and the gut are connected.
What to Do Next
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