Microbiome Company Shares Data on United States of Gas and Bloat

Kevin Price of the Price of Business show interviewed Sam Schatz of Biohmhealth.

According to a statement, “BIOHM has released its ‘Gut Quiz’ data. From a sample of 35,000 individuals across the U.S., trends are appearing by regions and states based on constipation, gas, bloating, Candida diagnosis, and antibiotic use.

“States with the highest bloating statistics include Vermont with 74% of participating residents reporting bloat symptoms, followed Nevada by Arizona with 71% reporting bloat. Though stress is a contributing factor to gut health challenges, it’s too early to say if tense senate race tallies have any impact in Nevada and Arizona.

“Vermont was also at the top of the list for gassiness, with 73% reporting gas symptoms, followed by Kentucky and Kansas both at 62%. Maple syrup is not known to cause gas, but dairy can sometimes wreak havoc – and Vermont has big dairy notoriety with Vermont Cheddar and Ben & Jerry’s). Alaska came in as the least bloated and gassy state.

“While not often connected, “constipation” is actually a friend to gas and bloating, as verified by the top three states in this category, with Maine at the lead with 58% reporting gas, followed by Vermont and Nevada once again in the top three at 52% and 51% respectively.

“Less subjective reporting came in on diagnoses of Candida, which is a fungal yeast that presents gut health challenges. Mississippi ranks number one in Candida diagnoses, with 12% reporting Candida, followed by Kansas and New Mexico both at 11%.

“Some new states appear on the top list related to use of antibiotics. Louisiana came in the number one as the state with the most people reporting use of antibiotics at 37%, followed by Delaware at 32% and Mississippi at 29%. Maine and Alaska were the lowest in antibiotic use. Antibiotics are known to destabilize the gut by clearing out good bacteria and fungi – and are often prescribed with high quality probiotics.

“‘Beyond the pure curiosity aspect of this data share, it is important to highlight the many layers and nuance that can go into a balanced microbiome – even geography,’ noted BIOHM president Sam Schatz. ‘The propensity of these symptoms is also worthy of awareness to normalize the conversation around gut health and gain more national attention on how our environments – social, physical, and cultural – could play a role.'”

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