Bloating Testing and Treatment
Bloating Treatment in Melbourne – Understand What’s Really Causing Your Symptoms
Gut Health Naturopath & Nutritionist, Rachel Larsson
Bloating is the most common gut symptom I see in my Melbourne (online) gut health clinic. Many people describe themselves as looking “six months pregnant” by the afternoon — even when all of their medical tests come back normal.
Here’s the truth:
👉 Bloating is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
👉 It always has an underlying cause.
👉 And with the right approach, it can improve.
Bloating can affect far more than digestion — it disrupts confidence, food choices, clothing comfort, travel, social plans and emotional wellbeing. That’s why it’s essential to understand why it’s happening, not just mask the symptoms.
I’ve helped hundreds of people reduce their bloating naturally and rebuild food confidence using a combination of naturopathy, nutrition, gut testing and my root-cause framework.
Below, I’ll help you understand the real reasons behind bloating and how to find lasting relief.
What Causes Bloating?
Bloating happens when there is too much gas, gas is trapped, or digestion isn’t functioning properly. Understanding which of these applies to you is the key to long-term relief. The most common root causes include:
✔ SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Gas is produced in the wrong part of the gut → immediate bloating after meals.
Learn more on my SIBO page.
✔ Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis)
Overgrowth, undergrowth or imbalance in the large intestine → gas, distension and inconsistent bowel motions.
✔ Slow or altered gut motility
Food and gas move too slowly, causing build-up.
✔ Low stomach acid or enzyme insufficiency
Poor digestion leads to fermentation and bloating.
✔ Food intolerances and malabsorption
Common triggers: lactose, fructose, sorbitol, gluten, FODMAPs.
✔ After-effects of gastro, infection, antibiotics or stress
Disrupt the microbiome and digestive function.
✔ Hormonal fluctuations
Oestrogen and progesterone shifts → slower motility → bloating.
(Especially during PMS or early in the cycle.)
✔ Leaky gut and gut inflammation
Can heighten sensitivity and cause visible distension.
✔ Stress + the gut–brain axis
Stress reduces digestive function → bloating after even small meals. When you understand which of these applies to you, the right treatment becomes clear.
Why Does My Bloating Get Worse as the Day Goes On?
This is one of the most common patterns I see. It often indicates:
- Motility slowing across the day
- Fermentation of food in the small intestine
- SIBO or microbial overgrowth
- Food intolerances
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Gas trapping due to inflammation
This pattern is highly treatable once we understand your underlying drivers.
How to Test for Bloating
Testing helps you understand the “why” behind your bloating — and prevents wasting money on the wrong treatments.
1. Diagnostic Testing
(Via your GP or specialist)
Helpful for ruling out conditions such as:
- coeliac disease
- inflammatory bowel disease
- ovarian or pelvic concerns
- cancers
- gallbladder issues
These can include:
✔ blood tests
✔ colonoscopy
✔ gastroscopy
✔ ultrasound
Diagnostic testing is essential, but it often comes back “normal” even when symptoms remain.
2. Functional Gut Testing
(Used to assess how your gut is actually working)
Functional tests help identify issues missed by diagnostic tests:
✔ Comprehensive Stool Test: Assesses microbiome, digestion, inflammation, enzymes, parasites, yeasts.
✔ SIBO Breath Test: Identifies hydrogen, methane or hydrogen sulphide overgrowth.
✔ Organic Acids Test (OAT): Useful for yeast/fungal overgrowth and metabolic issues.
✔ Leaky Gut Marker Tests: Assesses intestinal permeability.
✔ FODMAP Malabsorption Tests:
Identifies lactose, fructose or sorbitol intolerance.
Read more on my Functional Gut Testing Page.
Do I Need Gut Testing for Bloating?
Testing can be helpful — but only the right tests.
Useful Tests
- Comprehensive stool test
- SIBO breath test
- Organic Acids Test
- Leaky gut testing
- FODMAP intolerance testing
Not always helpful
- Generic food intolerance tests
- IgG sensitivity testing
- Microbiome-only tests without clinical context
Inside my program Bloated to Body Confident, I teach you when testing is helpful, which tests to choose and how to read results clearly.
How to Treat Bloating Naturally
Long-term relief requires understanding your root cause.
Inside Bloated to Body Confident , you’ll learn how to:
✔ Nutrition → targeted to your digestive pattern
✔ Herbal medicine → motility, microbial balance, inflammation
✔ Microbiome support → correcting imbalance
✔ Digestion support → enzymes, stomach acid, absorption
✔ Nervous system support → gut–brain regulation
✔ Lifestyle factors → stress, sleep, movement
✔ Addressing food intolerance without long-term restriction
Most people see improvements within 4–6 weeks.
FAQs: Bloating
1. Diagnostic testing to rule out disease
2. Functional gut testing (stool test, SIBO test, leaky gut test) to assess how your digestion is functioning
I share how to identify your root cause inside my FREE Masterclass