Bloating & Constipation
Daily bloating and sluggish digestion are so common they get treated as normal. They are common — but they're signals, and they're worth investigating.
Why bloating and constipation aren’t just ‘normal’
Persistent bloating and constipation point to how well your digestion, motility, and gut microbiome are actually working. They can stem from SIBO, dysbiosis, low stomach acid or enzyme output, food intolerances, motility problems, or gut-brain axis dysregulation.
Treating them as background noise misses the information they carry. Dr. Gaucher's approach is to find the specific driver.
Symptoms and patterns investigated
- Bloating that builds through the day
- Gas and abdominal discomfort
- Infrequent, incomplete, or hard-to-pass bowel movements
- Straining or a feeling of never fully emptying
- Bloating tied to particular foods
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Nervous or anxious stomach
What Dr. Gaucher investigates
- SIBO — via breath testing, a common and missed cause of bloating
- Dysbiosis — stool testing where indicated
- Digestive function — stomach acid, enzymes, and bile
- Food triggers and intolerances
- Motility and the gut-brain connection, and thyroid function, since low thyroid slows the gut
Treatment approach
Treatment addresses the specific driver: tailored antimicrobial protocols for SIBO or dysbiosis, support for digestion and motility, identifying food triggers, and restoring the microbiome and the gut-brain axis through stress regulation. The goal is regular, comfortable digestion that lasts — not a cycle of temporary fixes.
Connected conditions
Bloating and constipation frequently connect to:
Common questions
Can a naturopath help with chronic bloating and constipation in Victoria, BC?
Yes. Dr. Gaucher investigates the gut, digestive, and thyroid drivers behind chronic bloating and constipation, then treats the specific cause rather than managing symptoms.
Is daily bloating normal?
Common is not the same as normal. Persistent bloating can point to SIBO, dysbiosis, motility issues, food triggers, or chronic stress, all of which can be investigated and treated.
What tests help find the cause?
Breath testing for SIBO, stool testing for dysbiosis, and blood testing for food sensitivities where indicated, alongside assessment of digestion, thyroid function, and the gut-brain axis.