Envelopes stacked.

Mailbag! Try THIS for Embarrassing Bloating and Gas

I suffer from constant bloating. No matter how little I eat, I feel as stuffed as if I just had Thanksgiving dinner. What should I do?

–Pearl from Lancaster, PA

Bloating most often happens when the microorganisms in the gut have a meal. As the collection of bacteria and other organisms eat, they produce gas… and that gas causes bloating and pain. It’s generally pretty uncomfortable… for everyone in the room!

I’m going to share some tips from my practice to keep those little critters from eating too much.

Eat less sugar. If you’re thinking that sugar gets blamed for everything, you’re right! One of the worst things sugar does for your digestion is feed unhealthy bacteria. Those bad bacteria LOVE sugar and produce extra gas as a byproduct. Replacing them with artificial sweeteners won’t do the trick, however – they, too, tend to throw things off. It’s best to just reduce sugars and foods that act like sugars.

Eat fermented foods. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kefir, and yogurt all contain healthy bacteria. Those good bacteria can help create a microbiome that reduces gas. The problem is, these foods sometimes increase gas for a short period of time before settling down.

Avoid eating late in the evening. Most folks eat late because of a busy schedule, but making time to eat earlier in the day can help reduce gas and bloating. The digestive system works best during the day, and it slows down at night. This is because, during the day, you’re moving and walking around, which allows for peak digestion. Try to eat at least a few hours before going to bed.

If those don’t do the trick, try some of these additional tips:

· Use salt. Many articles on bloating will say to avoid salt because it causes you to bloat, but don’t believe it. Salt is necessary to make hydrochloric acid in your stomach, and the acid is needed to keep bad bacteria levels down.

· Take a good prebiotic and probiotic. I like a probiotic product which has both fiber (prebiotic) and good bacteria (probiotics). The fiber feeds the good bacteria, boosting their numbers.

· Try herbs. Basil, dill, ginger, fennel, and mint can all help decrease bloat.

· Look for potential food intolerances. This is probably the hardest step. Try keeping a food diary to see what foods cause you to feel the most bloated. Dairy is a very common intolerance, as well as wheat and corn.

· Check in with your doctor. If symptoms persist, there could be a more serious problem. Make sure you talk to your doctor to rule all possible issues out.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)

A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...

Read This

Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!

We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...

Read This

Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY

“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...

Read This

Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle

Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...

Read This

Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food

New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...

Read This

A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s

Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...

Read This

The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed

A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...

Read This

Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health

Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...

Read This

The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts

I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...

Read This

Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus

“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...

Read This