13 things I have tried during my almost decade-long struggle with chronic bloating. What hasn't worked, what helped a little, and the only thing that actually gave me results.
My husband has been through a similarly frustrating journey with gut health and inflammation, with similarly disappointing results. I don't have any insight to share since we're still looking for answers, but thank you for sharing your experience! You're definitely not alone in this journey.
I'm so pleased to hear that a visit to a kinesiologist helped! I've been unwell throughout 2024 with different issues to yours but I couldn't find an answer to my symptoms either. I felt like I'd tried everything and was exhausted by it all. Then, a friend recommended a kinesiologist here in the UK and my session followed the exact same format you mentioned. I was a bit sceptical at first but it's now been almost two months since my initial visit and I am finally seeing improvement! Huge kudos to you for enduring all this while continuing to work, it's really challenging and incredibly hard (and often our symptoms are hidden from others so we seem to be functioning normally and yet...). Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to get better! ❤️
Thank you for the lovely comment Agatha, I’m glad to hear you are too seeing some improvement after seeing a kinesiologist! Fingers crossed you keep getting better!
Hi, I have a similar problem that began after COVID, and I was diagnosed with gastroparesis last year. It might be worth requesting a test to see if your digestion is functioning normally. I’ve been following a low FODMAP diet and taking prebiotics and probiotics, but nothing seems to work. I exercise regularly and go for daily walks, yet my weight remains unchanged. So reading this, is quite helpful in knowing what works for other people. I’m gonna give Artah a go!
Hi Frances, that’s interesting – I never heard of gastroparesis! I definitely know my dygestion is a bit slurred and I can’t seem to dispose of fat and sugar properly, so I am piling up on toxins. At least, that’s what transpired from my research. Have you found anything that helps at all so far? Let me know if the Artah tincture works for you!
I have a similar problem with digesting fat and sugar. It might be best to consult your gastroenterologist and mention gastroparesis; getting tested could be beneficial, and they may be able to prescribe medication. I’ve adjusted my diet by eliminating lactose, gluten, fat, and fiber, which has helped, but I still experience occasional flare-ups.
I’m the same Martina! I’ve suffered with awful bloating for years. When having a hammam in Marrakech last month (basically nude) I was asked if I was pregnant 🤦♀️
I haven’t really done much to look into it, so all of your advice here is amazing - thank you! I also have terrible periods and wonder if that’s linked. Processed foods make it worse for me, so I try to eat as little UPFs as possible, but I can’t figure out what other foods make it better/worse. I’m veggie and eat a mostly healthy, mostly cooked from scratch diet with plenty of veg. It’s so frustrating!
I’m very tempted to nip over to Italy to visit Alessia!
I would have never have thought Emma! It’s so frustrating isn’t it. And don’t get me started on being asked if you are pregnant by total strangers…I guess perhaps the woman in the hammam was concerned about your safety? But still. 😑 I too have a mostly veggie diet, and I wonder if that has something to do with being bloated – eating too many veggies, even though technically healthy, definitely create gas when decomposing in our bellies. Thinking back to my diet up until my early twenties, when I was living in Italy, I used to eat way more pasta, meat and fish then I do now…perhaps there is something in there too. Let me know if you ever need Alessia’s contact, she is fluent in English!
This post is a true public service, thank you Martina! I'm just starting to explore some bloating issues that have developed gradually over the last three years. I already know my biggest culprits are onion, garlic and pulses (sad) but I get by with a little bit of onion and garlic. Bloating didn't disappeared when I eliminated entirely for a week or two (the longest I could do).
I'm still on the traditional path with doctors and tests (they did find and treat a parasite with antibiotics which got rid of the worst symptoms), but I'm still waiting for more answers. I realised hydration is a big issue for me (I barely drink any water), but I'm looking for more guidance on adjusting my diet which I would describe as 70% good and 30% all over the place (bit of sweet tooth, random eating times, some stress eating etc). I will be sure to share any other useful insights as I uncover. It has been most useful to have a couple of friends on similar yet more advanced journeys and benefiting from their knowledge even if of course, issues and bodies differ. So thanks again!
My pleasure Lucia! Garlic and onion – man that’s tough. I have a similar problem with soy sauce – I adore it, but it makes me sooo bloated! I hope you do find answers, please keep me updated with your journey as I’d love to hear what has worked for you!
Thank you for sharing and opening up Martina! Yesterday I just finished a 14 day antibiotic treatment for the same reason. I am hoping it works because I have been sick for the past two weeks! I specially suffered the mornings (as you also mentioned) and sometimes I was even awoken by night cramps. Absolutely horrible!
Sorry to hear that Elisabet! I have never heard of being prescribed antibiotics for gut-related issues, from what I heard antibiotics tend to kill all bacteria (good and bad), so I imagine you have been given a course of probiotics afterwards to repopulate your gut? Let me know how you get on, I'd love to hear!
I was told I have "Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)" after doing a Breath Test. So the doctor recommended to take antibiotics to remove the excess of harmful bacteria. She hasn't adviced probiotics yet, but I have an appointment with her in 10 days, so we'll see.
The Fodmap has helped as well, but as you said, too restrictive to follow 100%. It's helpful to know what harm you, though.
And I am also lactose intolerant (and guessing I also don't digest very well other foods like you), so... we got the lucky bunch!
Hello - you don’t mention gluten. I am not a coeliac, but I am gluten intolerant. Suffering from awful bloating and digestive discomfort at one time , I stopped eating anything with gluten in and the symptoms disappeared - quite quickly actually. I imagine you have explored this avenue, but I have never shown up as being coeliac on blood tests.
Hi Joan, thank you for reminding me – I did actually run a celiac test when I went to see the gastroenterologist and it came back negative. My food intolerance blood tests didn't suggest anything related to gluten. My Italian naturopath also tested me for gluten and it was fine. I know it is a common inflammatory element in diets (much like cow's milk), but I'd rather avoid having to give up on gluten unless I absolutely have to! I am happy to hear it helped with your issues and you feel better!
This works miracles. I have suffered from a sporadic colon for all my adult life, which cause terrible bloating and cramps. I was prescribed this by a gastroenterologist here in Switzerland (it’s an over the counter medication, no prescription required) and looks like it’s available in Italy, for the next time you are there. I don’t think you can get it in the UK
I’m so glad I found this post. I have pretty much done all of the things you have tried (including kinesiology) over the course of almost 20 years and am still on the journey. The most frustrating thing has been having my IBS/ gut issues dismissed as being psychological and have I thought about exercise (spoiler- I’m pretty active)? Thank you for sharing this x
I could have written this, point by point! And the only person that actually got me, that said it’s going to take time, but I will eventually solve this puzzle, is my nutritionist. She had a holistic approach, and led me to a homeopath doctor and to an abdominal ultrasound that all the previous gastroenterologists had ignored, in favour of more invasive approaches. Along the way I discovered I am lactose intolerant, I have fat liver and I am waiting for a minor surgery to remove my gallbladder in weeks. There are days when I feel better and days when the bloating is roaring back, but I found that what really works for me is being constant with my diet and walk daily. Good luck with your path!
Thank you so much for sharing this - it’ll help loads of people I’m sure 🩷🩷 My bloating is linked to endometriosis and it’s been really hard to manage over the years too x
Poor you, one of my daughters has similar gut issues and I know how frustrating and distressing they are. We investigated pretty much everything, as you have, but did finally conclude that anything in the allium family is causative for her. It’s a pain for sure, I had to totally rethink the way I cooked, but it made a huge difference to her and though stress still causes flare ups she is so, so much better than before. Good luck in finding a solution that works for you and is sustainable. x
My husband has been through a similarly frustrating journey with gut health and inflammation, with similarly disappointing results. I don't have any insight to share since we're still looking for answers, but thank you for sharing your experience! You're definitely not alone in this journey.
Thank you CJ, I know I’m not alone! It’s actually quite mind-blowing how many people seem to be silently suffering with similar isssues…
I'm so pleased to hear that a visit to a kinesiologist helped! I've been unwell throughout 2024 with different issues to yours but I couldn't find an answer to my symptoms either. I felt like I'd tried everything and was exhausted by it all. Then, a friend recommended a kinesiologist here in the UK and my session followed the exact same format you mentioned. I was a bit sceptical at first but it's now been almost two months since my initial visit and I am finally seeing improvement! Huge kudos to you for enduring all this while continuing to work, it's really challenging and incredibly hard (and often our symptoms are hidden from others so we seem to be functioning normally and yet...). Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to get better! ❤️
Thank you for the lovely comment Agatha, I’m glad to hear you are too seeing some improvement after seeing a kinesiologist! Fingers crossed you keep getting better!
I’m in Italy. I will go to the pharmacy to get Candinol.
Let me know how you find it! As I said, it might not work for every case, but it definitely helped me a lot.
Hi, I have a similar problem that began after COVID, and I was diagnosed with gastroparesis last year. It might be worth requesting a test to see if your digestion is functioning normally. I’ve been following a low FODMAP diet and taking prebiotics and probiotics, but nothing seems to work. I exercise regularly and go for daily walks, yet my weight remains unchanged. So reading this, is quite helpful in knowing what works for other people. I’m gonna give Artah a go!
Hi Frances, that’s interesting – I never heard of gastroparesis! I definitely know my dygestion is a bit slurred and I can’t seem to dispose of fat and sugar properly, so I am piling up on toxins. At least, that’s what transpired from my research. Have you found anything that helps at all so far? Let me know if the Artah tincture works for you!
I have a similar problem with digesting fat and sugar. It might be best to consult your gastroenterologist and mention gastroparesis; getting tested could be beneficial, and they may be able to prescribe medication. I’ve adjusted my diet by eliminating lactose, gluten, fat, and fiber, which has helped, but I still experience occasional flare-ups.
I’m the same Martina! I’ve suffered with awful bloating for years. When having a hammam in Marrakech last month (basically nude) I was asked if I was pregnant 🤦♀️
I haven’t really done much to look into it, so all of your advice here is amazing - thank you! I also have terrible periods and wonder if that’s linked. Processed foods make it worse for me, so I try to eat as little UPFs as possible, but I can’t figure out what other foods make it better/worse. I’m veggie and eat a mostly healthy, mostly cooked from scratch diet with plenty of veg. It’s so frustrating!
I’m very tempted to nip over to Italy to visit Alessia!
I would have never have thought Emma! It’s so frustrating isn’t it. And don’t get me started on being asked if you are pregnant by total strangers…I guess perhaps the woman in the hammam was concerned about your safety? But still. 😑 I too have a mostly veggie diet, and I wonder if that has something to do with being bloated – eating too many veggies, even though technically healthy, definitely create gas when decomposing in our bellies. Thinking back to my diet up until my early twenties, when I was living in Italy, I used to eat way more pasta, meat and fish then I do now…perhaps there is something in there too. Let me know if you ever need Alessia’s contact, she is fluent in English!
This post is a true public service, thank you Martina! I'm just starting to explore some bloating issues that have developed gradually over the last three years. I already know my biggest culprits are onion, garlic and pulses (sad) but I get by with a little bit of onion and garlic. Bloating didn't disappeared when I eliminated entirely for a week or two (the longest I could do).
I'm still on the traditional path with doctors and tests (they did find and treat a parasite with antibiotics which got rid of the worst symptoms), but I'm still waiting for more answers. I realised hydration is a big issue for me (I barely drink any water), but I'm looking for more guidance on adjusting my diet which I would describe as 70% good and 30% all over the place (bit of sweet tooth, random eating times, some stress eating etc). I will be sure to share any other useful insights as I uncover. It has been most useful to have a couple of friends on similar yet more advanced journeys and benefiting from their knowledge even if of course, issues and bodies differ. So thanks again!
My pleasure Lucia! Garlic and onion – man that’s tough. I have a similar problem with soy sauce – I adore it, but it makes me sooo bloated! I hope you do find answers, please keep me updated with your journey as I’d love to hear what has worked for you!
Thank you for sharing and opening up Martina! Yesterday I just finished a 14 day antibiotic treatment for the same reason. I am hoping it works because I have been sick for the past two weeks! I specially suffered the mornings (as you also mentioned) and sometimes I was even awoken by night cramps. Absolutely horrible!
Sorry to hear that Elisabet! I have never heard of being prescribed antibiotics for gut-related issues, from what I heard antibiotics tend to kill all bacteria (good and bad), so I imagine you have been given a course of probiotics afterwards to repopulate your gut? Let me know how you get on, I'd love to hear!
I was told I have "Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)" after doing a Breath Test. So the doctor recommended to take antibiotics to remove the excess of harmful bacteria. She hasn't adviced probiotics yet, but I have an appointment with her in 10 days, so we'll see.
The Fodmap has helped as well, but as you said, too restrictive to follow 100%. It's helpful to know what harm you, though.
And I am also lactose intolerant (and guessing I also don't digest very well other foods like you), so... we got the lucky bunch!
Hello - you don’t mention gluten. I am not a coeliac, but I am gluten intolerant. Suffering from awful bloating and digestive discomfort at one time , I stopped eating anything with gluten in and the symptoms disappeared - quite quickly actually. I imagine you have explored this avenue, but I have never shown up as being coeliac on blood tests.
I hope you find the remedy soon.
Hi Joan, thank you for reminding me – I did actually run a celiac test when I went to see the gastroenterologist and it came back negative. My food intolerance blood tests didn't suggest anything related to gluten. My Italian naturopath also tested me for gluten and it was fine. I know it is a common inflammatory element in diets (much like cow's milk), but I'd rather avoid having to give up on gluten unless I absolutely have to! I am happy to hear it helped with your issues and you feel better!
https://www.iberogastadvance.it/
This works miracles. I have suffered from a sporadic colon for all my adult life, which cause terrible bloating and cramps. I was prescribed this by a gastroenterologist here in Switzerland (it’s an over the counter medication, no prescription required) and looks like it’s available in Italy, for the next time you are there. I don’t think you can get it in the UK
Thank you Cecilia, I'll keep an eye out next time I go back home!
Spastic, not sporadic!
I’m so glad I found this post. I have pretty much done all of the things you have tried (including kinesiology) over the course of almost 20 years and am still on the journey. The most frustrating thing has been having my IBS/ gut issues dismissed as being psychological and have I thought about exercise (spoiler- I’m pretty active)? Thank you for sharing this x
I could have written this, point by point! And the only person that actually got me, that said it’s going to take time, but I will eventually solve this puzzle, is my nutritionist. She had a holistic approach, and led me to a homeopath doctor and to an abdominal ultrasound that all the previous gastroenterologists had ignored, in favour of more invasive approaches. Along the way I discovered I am lactose intolerant, I have fat liver and I am waiting for a minor surgery to remove my gallbladder in weeks. There are days when I feel better and days when the bloating is roaring back, but I found that what really works for me is being constant with my diet and walk daily. Good luck with your path!
Thank you so much for sharing this - it’ll help loads of people I’m sure 🩷🩷 My bloating is linked to endometriosis and it’s been really hard to manage over the years too x
Poor you, one of my daughters has similar gut issues and I know how frustrating and distressing they are. We investigated pretty much everything, as you have, but did finally conclude that anything in the allium family is causative for her. It’s a pain for sure, I had to totally rethink the way I cooked, but it made a huge difference to her and though stress still causes flare ups she is so, so much better than before. Good luck in finding a solution that works for you and is sustainable. x