How nourishing your forgotten organ can help to beat the bloat

What are the 7 most important organs of your body?

Most people would have no trouble listing the major players in the game: the brain, the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the kidneys, the heart, the stomach, and the intestines. But what about the one sitting on life’s proverbial bench…the one who is often considered the forgotten organ on the team?

Enter: the gut. In the intricate landscape of human health, this silent central player influences everything from digestion to immunity. The microbiota refers to the trillions of microbes that live in the human gut, which is home to a complex ecosystem of approximately 300 to 500 bacterial species comprising nearly 2 million genes. In fact, the number of bacteria within the gut is approximately 10 times that of all the cells in the human body.

So, what is a common occurrence when the good bacteria in our bodies become unbalanced?

One woe that many of us face is bloating. Often accompanied by constipation, bloating can result from an imbalance in the gut microbiota. This uncomfortable sensation of fullness or tightness in the abdomen can, indeed, disrupt our daily lives. Sometimes the swelling can be so severe; it may feel as though our skin is being stretched across our stomachs. Fortunately, emerging research sheds light upon the symbiotic relationship between gut-healthy foods, probiotics, and effective bloating relief.

As summarized in The Lancet, “Gut flora might also be an essential factor in certain pathological disorders, and bacteria are also useful in promotion of human health.” The Oxford Academic Gastroenterology Report reports that accumulating evidence suggests a possible association between functional constipation and abnormal gut microbiota. So, equipped with this scientific armor, how can we possibly reduce bloating by restoring the balance in our gut?

The first step is to make healthful choices. Increasing our physical activity, eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, getting a restful night’s sleep, and reducing the stress in our lives are all good for gut health. A diet rich in gut-healthy and anti-bloating foods is crucial. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are

packed with probiotics, thus, enhancing the diversity of the gut microbiota and contributing to overall digestive well-being.

Scientifically Proven Benefits:

Academic research consistently supports the consumption of these foods for a healthy gut. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition emphasized the positive impact of fermented foods on gut health, citing improved digestion and reduced bloating as notable benefits.

Moreover, always remember to nourish your forgotten organ. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, researchers found that probiotic administration could significantly improve gut health and functions.*

In the quest for a solution, could probiotics help to balance the live beneficial bacteria that promote a harmonious gut environment? If so, how long will it take before we start to feel better?

The timeline for probiotics to alleviate bloating varies among individuals. Noticeable improvements may occur within a few weeks of consistent probiotic consumption. BioGaia Probiotics, crafted by leading experts in the field, have been specifically designed to address a host of concerns, including bloating.

Probiotics and Bloating Relief:

Contrary to common misconceptions, probiotics do not exacerbate bloating; rather, they alleviate it. Numerous studies have shown that probiotics can help regulate the gut microbiota, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy balance of bacteria.*

Probiotics and Bloating Constipation:

Moreover, probiotics play a pivotal role in addressing not only bloating but occasional constipation as well.* Research published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology highlights the efficacy of certain probiotic strains in promoting regular bowel movements, thus, reducing the discomfort associated with occasional constipation.*

The Power of Gut-Healthy and Anti-Bloating Foods:

While daily probiotic supplements play a significant role, its synergy with a diet rich in gut-healthy foods emerges as a powerful duo by providing scientifically backed solutions to alleviate bloating and promote overall digestive wellness.

Embrace the journey to a healthier gut and let the symbiotic dance of probiotics and nourishing foods lead the way. Hopefully, you and your quiet bench warmer can go out into the world and be back in the game feeling better than you ever have before.