Gut doctor 'cured' bloating just by switching up his diet in 3 ways

Bloating is a common gut-related issue, which can be resolved by tweaking your diet among other things. A gastrointestinal doctor says just three changes helped him get rid of it.

While it’s important to spot the root cause of bloating to stop it from recurring, a simple exercise helps relieve gas instantly. The long-term solution requires you to give up on some of your favorite breakfast items, that aren’t necessarily healthy for your brain or the gut.

Woman bloating and abdominal pain

3 things a gut doctor did to get rid of bloating

Gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab explains in one of TikTok videos that he was able to solve bloating issues by switching his diet, which may not be convenient but is important for your gut health.

Fruits to treat constipation

Constipation is one of the most common causes of bloating. Bloating reduces automatically when you get rid of the waste and gas accumulated in your intestine.

While doctors advise against the viral 5-minute constipation hack on TikTok, the GI specialist suggests eating fruits high in fiber, such as kiwi, pineapple, papaya, and mango. These contain digestive enzymes to help with bloating.

Follow a low FODMAP diet

For the unversed, FODMAPs are foods with high carbohydrates that contribute to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The doctor suggests avoiding gluten and lactose if you’re intolerant to either, as they contribute to bloating.

Even though sourdough bread isn’t gluten-free, it is proven to reduce symptoms of bloating in people with gluten intolerance. I included sourdough bread in my diet for a week and it made two key improvements to my gut health.

Probiotic supplement

If fruits rich in fiber and a gluten-free diet don’t treat your bloating, the doctor advises supplementing with a good probiotic. He recommends the ones with live cultures, such as Bifidobacterium strains.

Aside from what you eat, how you consume your meals counts equally. Bloating is a common among people who eat too fast as they tend to swallow air with each bite.

As well as the rate at which you eat, the frequency of your meals counts too. It is best advised to stop eating at least three hours before you hit the sack.

Dr. Joseph Salhab is a board-certified gastroenterology specialist based in Florida. He is providing his services in Advent Health and Lake Wales hospitals. He went to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) before joining ACOI as a resident.