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Most everyday bloating is not typically linked to food intolerances, which suggests that an elimination diet may not be very effective. Moreover, restricting your dietary options can negatively impact your gut health in multiple ways, including a decrease in the diversity of your gut microbiome. “Ideally, your gut thrives on a wide range of foods,” explains Van Eck, noting that elimination diets inherently limit this variety. Over time, these dietary restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may worsen existing digestive issues. Essentially, Dr. Ganjhu asserts that broadly avoiding certain food groups is more likely to harm than help.
Instead of cutting out specific foods, consider more reliable methods to manage bloating, according to Nielsen. Drinking plenty of water and meeting your fiber needs is the most beneficial approach, she says. However, it’s important to introduce fiber gradually; if your body isn’t accustomed to it, a sudden increase can actually worsen your symptoms. Building up your fiber tolerance slowly is key. Should you continue to experience gas and bloating despite these adjustments, it may be worth consulting your physician to explore potential allergies, intolerances, or other digestive disorders. As a general principle, Dr. Ganjhu recommends obtaining healthcare advice from your doctor or healthcare provider.
5. Everyone should take a gut health supplement.
The adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” holds true for gut health, according to Dr. Ganjhu. While digestive supplements might benefit some individuals under specific circumstances, they are not universally necessary or advisable, especially for preventive care. “If your gut functions well without intervention, there’s no need to complicate things,” Dr. Ganjhu says.
Interfering with your gut health without a clear need could lead to unintended consequences. Take probiotics, for instance: each capsule introduces new bacteria to your gut microbiome, which can disrupt the existing balance and potentially lead to the very problems you’re trying to avoid, like bloating and digestive discomfort. In fact, excessive intake of vitamins and supplements “can be very detrimental,” warns Dr. Gluckman.
Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize the “lack of regulation” in the supplement market, as Nielsen points out. Some products may include unlisted ingredients, including prescription medications. This is true even for items labeled “organic” or “natural,” as noted by Dr. Gluckman. Furthermore, the FDA does not evaluate supplements for efficacy before they are marketed, which means there’s no assurance that they will deliver the promised benefits or contain the specified ingredients.
6. Vitamins and supplements can replace whole foods.
Today, supplements are available for nearly every nutrient—fiber, fish oil, vitamins A through E, and beyond. With a plethora of nutrient-rich pills and gummies on hand, it’s easy to wonder if maintaining a healthy diet is still necessary. “People often choose supplements without addressing lifestyle factors that could be the underlying cause of any digestive issues,” states Nielsen. After all, what’s the point of consuming broccoli for its fiber if a simple capsule could provide the same benefits?
Source
www.self.com