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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Tired of bloating? Doctor shares how he solved the problem
Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. Many people dismiss it as a minor inconvenience after a heavy meal, but for others, it can be a recurring issue that affects daily comfort, self-confidence, and even overall health. The sensation, often described as abdominal fullness, tightness, or excessive gas, can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple dietary triggers to more complex gut conditions. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a board-certified gastroenterologist known to his Instagram audience as 'Dr. GI Joe,' explains what he did to tackle his consistent issue with bloating. Treat constipation first Slow bowel transit can indeed trap gas and make bloating worse. Thus, Dr Salhab suggests adding digestion-friendly fruits such as kiwi, mango, and pineapple. He explains that, 'These contain natural enzymes (actinidin, bromelain) that can help break down food. Actinidin and bromelain are both proteolytic enzymes, meaning they break down proteins. He also adds that fiber boosters like psyllium husk and chia seeds can also help improve stool frequency and consistency, supporting a healthier gut environment. Consider the low FODMAP diet FODMAPs, short for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, are types of carbohydrates that can pull water into the gut and cause gas during digestion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Dr. Salhab recommends a three-step process: elimination (removing high-FODMAP foods for 4–6 weeks), reintroduction (adding them back one at a time to find triggers), and personalization (avoiding only the problematic foods). Cut down on lactose For those who are lactose intolerant, dairy can be a major bloating trigger. Dr. Salhab advises switching to lactose-free milk and yogurt, hard cheeses, or plant-based alternatives such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Lactase enzyme tablets, like Lactaid, can also help when consuming dairy outside the home. Try a gluten-free trial While not everyone benefits, some individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity report less bloating when avoiding gluten. Dr. Salhab notes that gluten-free bread, pasta, and snacks are now more accessible in supermarkets, making short-term trials easier. However, he cautions that gluten should not be cut out without medical evaluation if celiac disease is suspected. Use targeted probiotics 'Not everyone needs probiotics, but certain strains can be helpful,' says Dr. Salhab. He recommended Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, which has been shown to help relieve bloating and constipation-predominant IBS. Disclaimer : The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
Axios
06-05-2025
- Health
- Axios
Move over, oat milk: Lactose-free dairy is having a moment
The rising star of the dairy aisle: lactose-free milk, which is now more popular than plant-based alternatives. Why it matters: Health-conscious consumers — many of them lactose intolerant — are redefining what "healthy milk" means and moving away from almond and oat drinks. By the numbers: Sales of lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy milk (think: brands Fairlife and Lactaid) grew about 14% in the past year, and have driven dairy's overall comeback, per NielsenIQ data shared with Axios. Meanwhile, plant-based milk sales have dropped 5% year over year — "very counter to what we've seen for many years," says Chris Costagli, NIQ VP of food insights and a dairy industry veteran. Catch up quick: Soy milk led the alt-milk charge in the '90s, followed by almond (still the category leader despite a recent dip) and oat. What's happening: Consumers are returning to cow's milk because they're getting wise to the fact that there are additives like texturizers in many plant-based alternatives, Costagli says. Plus, lactose-free dairy milk offers inherent protein and calcium, which is why dietitian Tamara Duker Freuman says she's switched lactose-intolerant patients to it. And taste is a factor. Unlike plant-based milks, dairy milk tends to froth better, taste creamier and not curdle in hot beverages. Between the lines: Lactose-free dairy milk is typically cow's milk with an added enzyme that breaks down the lactose. Zoom in: Lactose-free milk Fairlife, which is filtered to have high protein and low sugar, surpassed $1 billion in annual retail sales in early 2022. Fairlife's rise hasn't been without controversy: There's a Fairlife class action lawsuit over new animal cruelty allegations. Fairlife didn't respond to Axios' request for comment about this. Yes, but: There's still room for plant-based milk in a healthy diet — especially if you opt for varieties without carrageenan or added gums, Freuman says. The bottom line: Whether you're pouring oat, almond or ultra-filtered cow's milk, today's consumers are getting smarter about what's actually in the carton.
