For some, bloating is an occasional inconvenience. For
others, it’s a daily occurrence that can make eating an
uncomfortable experience.
Common Experiences
“My digestion used to be fine.”
“Everything seems to make me bloated, even a glass of
water.”
“By the end of the day, my pants don’t fit anymore.”
“I can’t figure out what foods are bothering me.”
“I feel full after only a few bites.”
“It feels like there’s trapped gas, but I can’t get rid of it.”
“I wake up with a relatively flat abdomen, but by evening I
look pregnant.”
“I’m afraid to eat at this point.”
Digestion: A Chain of Events
Digestion involves several organs working together. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to help digest protein. The pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine, where carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down for absorption. Bile, released by the gallbladder, helps with fat digestion. Finally, the remaining material passes into the large intestine, where gut bacteria act on undigested material and the remaining waste is eliminated.
If any part of this process is not functioning properly,
bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort may develop.
What Is Your Gut Trying to Tell You? A North-to-South Approach
The Stomach
We suspect the stomach when protein-rich foods trigger a
feeling of heaviness or pressure in the upper abdomen.
Bloating may be accompanied by a brick-like sensation in
the stomach, as though food is just sitting there. Symptoms
are typically felt just below the breastbone.
The Gallbladder
Bile is essential for digesting fats and absorbing vitamins A,
D, E, and K. Gallbladder problems may cause steady pain or
pressure in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to
the back or right shoulder blade. Pain often follows a fatty or
heavy meal, accompanied by nausea and bloating. Pale,
greasy, or floating stools may also suggest the gallbladder.
The Small Intestine
The small intestine is where most digestion and nutrient
absorption take place. We suspect the small intestine when
carbohydrate-rich meals are followed by bloating or
abdominal cramping. Changes in bowel habits and excessive
gas may also point to a problem in the small intestine.
The Large Intestine
The large intestine absorbs water and forms stool, and its
bacteria ferment fiber and carbohydrates that weren’t
digested higher up. We suspect it when bloating builds
slowly, several hours after eating or toward evening, along
with gas, constipation, or loose stools.
It’s important to note that digestive problems rarely fall into neat categories. Symptoms often overlap, and more than one organ may be involved.
More Than a Comfort Issue
Digestion and absorption are essential for obtaining the
vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Impaired digestion
can lead to nutrient deficiencies that affect multiple body
systems and contribute to a wide range of health problems.
The Functional Medicine / Applied Kinesiology Approach
Nearly everyone has blind spots when it comes to what and
how to eat. So many food options are unhealthy, and
conflicting advice about nutrition only adds to the confusion.
For those dealing with bloating, choosing the right foods can
be even more challenging.
But digestive problems aren’t always caused by diet alone.
Are medication side effects throwing the body’s chemistry
off? Are you getting enough sleep? Is there difficulty
digesting the work environment or tensions at home?
Many factors must be considered when evaluating digestive
issues. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach,
emphasizing the role of diet and nutrition in health and
disease. Applied Kinesiology adds another dimension by
using muscle testing to identify problematic foods and guide
dietary changes.