Lesser-Known Causes of Bloating

Lower Magnesium Linked to Metabolic Syndrome

In a new study researchers examined the relationship between magnesium status and metabolic syndrome in more than 15,000 US adults. Participants were given a “magnesium depletion score,” and results showed that each unit increase in this score increased the odds of metabolic syndrome by about 30%. 

Magnesium participates in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body!! Good food sources are nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.

Did You Know?

Bloating Can Have Many Causes

Bloating is not normal. If it doesn’t resolve with simple strategies, it could be a sign of something else, such as:

▪️ Parasites

▪️ Low stomach acid

▪️ Gut motility issues

▪️ H Pylori overgrowth

▪️ Low digestive enzymes

▪️ Dysbiosis (disrupted gut microbiome)

▪️ Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

▪️ Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIFO)

▪️ Leaky gut (increased permeability)

This is not an exhaustive list! These are only the issues that are specific to the gut, but bloating can also be caused by hormones, stress, or alcohol consumption. 

The only way to solve a problem is to first find out what the problem actually is. This is something we excel at in naturopathic & functional medicine. 

Health Tip

Micro-Habits for Gut Health

Whether you’re wanting better digestion, clearer skin, more energy, or a more balanced mood, none of this will happen without a happy gut. So remember these simple everyday micro-habits to support your gut:

1. Stay hydrated (your digestive juices depend on it!)

2. Eat the rainbow (for antioxidants & fiber)

3. Try ground flax, chia, or hemp seeds (healthy fats to reduce inflammation)

4. Boost magnesium (particularly if you tend toward constipation)

5. Keep moving (exercise enhances the diversity of the gut microbiome)

References
[Magnesium Depletion Score and Metabolic Syndrome in US Adults: Analysis of NHANES 2003 to 2018](https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae075), The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024.

Magnesium Depletion Score and Metabolic Syndrome in US Adults: Analysis .... https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgae075/7608307.

(2) Magnesium Deficiency Associated With Metabolic Syndrome. https://www.thecardiologyadvior.com/home/topics/metabolic/magnesium-deficiency-associated-with-metabolic-syndrome/.

(3) Low Magnesium Levels in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: a ... - Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12011-015-0446-9.

(4) Magnesium and Metabolic Disorders | SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-62703-044-1_8.