My SIBO results were negative, yet the bloating is constant and making me miserable. I have no idea what the trigger is and I’m considering giving the GAPS diet a shot.
11 Likes
Can you explain what the GAPS diet is?
I’ve seen improvements by cutting out soda, spreading my fiber intake more thinly throughout the day, and lowering my total fiber to 25g. I also switched to getting fiber only from whole foods like veggies and fruit rather than processed bars. Avoiding artificial sweeteners and loosely following low FODMAP helped too. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact fix, but I feel way better now after consulting a specialist. I also prioritize hydration, take a nightly probiotic, and keep a very consistent sleep and workout routine. It takes some trial and error to find your specific triggers.
I’m 49 and going through the same thing; I think perimenopause might be the cause. It’s exhausting. A keto/low-carb approach has helped me lose weight and manage the bloat, though it returns if I fall off the wagon. I’ve also added probiotics and the occasional digestive enzyme.
Gas-X is a lifesaver for quick relief!
Bloating usually happens when digestive insufficiency causes food to ferment or putrefy, leading to gas and microbial overgrowth. This can be an organ-specific issue with the stomach, pancreas, or gallbladder, or even a neuromuscular problem involving the vagus nerve. You should get a comprehensive checkup for H. pylori, celiac, and fecal elastase. Addressing nutrient deficiencies like magnesium and B vitamins is key, and I’ve found that adding Finnesa (got mine here) can really help support gut balance and smooth digestion during recovery.
I didn’t find relief until I discovered my allergies to gluten and beef. The beef allergy was a total shock and wouldn’t have shown up on a standard elimination diet. Once I stopped eating them, the bloating vanished.
For me, it was bread, onions, and cauliflower—they all cause major issues. Starting with a low FODMAP diet is a smart way to see what affects you. Just remember that painful gas is bloating, but regular flatulence is actually a sign of a healthy system.
2 Likes
Going almost entirely carb-free was what worked for me.
Cutting out gluten and dairy, following low FODMAP, and using digestive enzymes did the trick.
I moved to a diet of beef, eggs, healthy fats, and very minimal carbs like rice or fruit. It fixed my gut completely, and I feel better than I have in twenty years.
Intermittent fasting combined with cutting out sugar and reducing dairy and carbs worked for me. I stick to high protein and lots of vegetables now.