Taurine And Bloating

Taurine is often considered an amino acid, but technically it is just a natural acid found within your body. Taurine is utilized in functions such as neuron signal transmission, calcium and electrolyte balance, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride regulation. A lack of taurine can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and cramping, and fluid retention throughout the body. Some women supplement with taurine to reduce bloating and pelvic discomfort related to PMS, while some bodybuilders use it as a diuretic to lose water and highlight their muscle development.

Taurine and Digestion

Taurine is an important ingredient within bile and can be found in the intestines in abundance. Bile is made in the liver and secreted from the gall bladder into the intestines to aid with fat digestion and utilization. Inadequate amounts of dietary taurine can lead to weak bile and poorly digested fatty food, which continues down into the large intestine to cause problems. 1"

Taurine and PMS

One theory as to why PMS symptoms occur is related to pelvic congestion and disruption of the nerve impulses to and from the various neural ganglia surrounding the sacrum and lower lumbar spine. Taurine is thought to alleviate some symptoms of PMS because it helps generate normal nerve impulses. Further, taurine has antioxidant, detoxifying and diuretic properties, which may also help reduce issues related to PMS.

Taurine as a Diuretic

Taurine’s ability as a natural diuretic is said to provide relief from PMS-related water retention and bloating, although the evidence for this claim is still anecdotal. However, taurine is needed for electrolyte balance because it keeps potassium and magnesium inside your cells while keeping excessive sodium-based salts out, as cited in “Fluids and Electrolytes with Clinical Application.” In this way, taurine acts as a diuretic and removes excess fluid from tissues, which the body eventually excretes as urine 3. Further, taurine is involved in calcium homeostasis within bones, and a lack of dietary taurine can lead to elevated levels of calcium in the blood and other tissues, which can cause:

• fluid disruption
  
• edema
  
• bloating

Taurine and Cholesterol

Clogged arteries increase blood pressure, put more strain on the cardiovascular system and lead to pooling of fluid in certain areas of the body, such as the ankles and lower abdomen. Pooling of fluid is called edema, but sometimes referred to as bloating if it occurs within the lower abdomen.

Other Uses of Taurine