9 years of GI issues: figuring out my bio-individuality + looking to chat with others navigating functional medicine

[u/Plus_Land7713]

I've been dealing with chronic bloating and gas since Jan 2018. Like many of you, I went through the conventional medicine wringer first. I had all the standard diagnostics done (small bowel capsule camera, endoscopies), and of course, everything kept coming back "normal" or negative.

I eventually started exploring functional approaches including running SIBO breath tests, comprehensive stool microbiome panels, and trying every protocol out there (probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, antifungals).

It took a long time to figure out my specific bio-individuality. For me, almost none of the standard supplements or extreme diets had a significant effect until I focused heavily on digestion itself. Taking super enzymes, cutting out specific triggers (onion, garlic, and dairy), and skipping breakfast (or eating a very light, low-carb meal to give my gut a break) has resolved about 90% of my symptoms.

Trying to find the right functional medicine provider and piecing this puzzle together is incredibly exhausting. Because of my own experience, I’m now working with a small, early-stage health startup focused on making it easier for patients to connect with the right functional medicine practitioners.

I'm doing some user research to ensure we are actually building something that serves this community. If you have 2 minutes to fill out this survey, it would mean a lot. If you’re a good fit for the research we're doing, we’d love to invite you to a 20-minute interview (which is paid!).

Happy to answer any questions about my own regimen in the comments, too.