Infuse Issue 15 February 2022 | Page 16

THINGS THAT CAN HELP
Practical strategies
• Avoid drinking fizzy drinks
• Eat slowly and speak between mouthfuls when you are not swallowing
• Don ’ t hold burps or farts in for too long – excuse yourself from company and let out that gas !

Get help and don ’ t give up until you have your own list of strategies that help you .

Medical therapies
• If you have IBS or another functional gut disorder , speak to your doctor about prescription drugs that may help .
• If you have IBS , it is worth trying gutdirected hypnotherapy . The clinical evidence showing a benefit is building .
Supplements
Probiotics might help , although the evidence is far from clear at present . Part of the problem is that everyone has a unique gut microbiome and probiotic supplements are all different . The best advice at present is to take a probiotic supplement that has been clinically tested for the outcome you are looking for . You could also try consuming fermented foods and drinks more often .
Some herbal treatments may also help .
© Dietitian Connection 16 Infuse | February 2022