Unbalanced intestinal flora can lead to bloating. Bloating is a natural phenomenon. As long as they do not occur more than 24 times a day, doctors speak of normal digestion. After all, the intestines can contain up to 1.5 liters of gas in the meantime.
However, if intestinal gas escapes more frequently or in large quantities, this may be due to an unbalanced intestinal flora. Although bloating can theoretically arise just as easily due to intolerances or swallowed air, studies have shown that an imbalance between the different types of intestinal bacteria also has a flatulent effect.
Bloating can be accompanied by loud intestinal noises, sometimes an unpleasant feeling of pressure in the abdomen or even a visibly swollen bloated abdomen. With such severe symptoms, the quality of life of those affected is often limited. But how can bloating be controlled? Checking which bacteria colonize the intestine can be a first step towards improvement.
Which bacterial species of the intestinal flora cause bloating?
Thousands of bacterial microorganisms live in the intestine. But not all species of these intestinal bacteria cause bloating.
Gases form mainly:
- Bacteroides vulgatus: a bacterial species that produces hydrogen, methane and sulfur.
- Methanobrevibacter smithii: which, together with the genus Bacteroides, produces the majority of intestinal gases.
- Enterobacteriaceae: which, above a certain number, can cause diseases.
- Escherichia coli: which make up only about one percent in a healthy intestinal flora.
A common cause of bloating is an overproduction of intestinal gas. This can have various causes. Certain foods can be the cause, but sometimes there is an excess of gas-forming intestinal bacteria in the intestinal flora.
A bloated belly is an everyday occurrence for you? In this case, it is best to consult a doctor first. If he rules out diseases of the digestive organs, and if you get enough exercise and eat a balanced diet, the above-mentioned intestinal bacteria are probably causing the bloating.
Using the right intestinal bacteria for bloating
If the wrong intestinal bacteria are in the majority, this can lead to severe flatulence. If, on the other hand, you make sure that your intestines are colonized by more beneficial intestinal bacteria, bloating and a painfully bloated belly will most likely soon be a thing of the past.
In 2014, a study proved that probiotics help prevent colic in infants. A follow-up study proved that gas-forming Proteobacteria dominate in the intestines of infants suffering from flatulence. In contrast, the study authors found only small numbers of Bifidobacteriae and Lactobacilli in the intestinal flora. Bloating and colic often occur in babies because the natural microbiome is not yet fully developed. According to the study, the development of the intestinal flora can be supported by the administration of probiotics.
But what does that mean for you? Well: studies like this suggest that a balance among gut bacteria helps combat bloating. Although all probiotics support intestinal movement, when it comes to fighting too much gas in the gut, it’s the type of gut bacteria ingested that makes the difference. For bloated belly, experts specifically recommend Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus casei Shirota.
To stop feeling bloated, however, you can support your intestinal bacteria with probiotics. We recommend colon drink, it has 900 trillion good bacteria and 27 strains. It is not just a regular yogurt from Costco or Walmart. This is the best colon drink in the market.
Equally important are aspects such as:
- Slow and conscious eating
- At least 30 minutes of exercise per day
- Relaxation
- Well-tolerated foods
For bloating, abdominal pressure, bloating and constipation, the tips you can find in other articles on our BLOG.
