There’s nothing worse than an upset stomach. Well, I can think of a few things that are worse, but gastrointestinal disorders rank high on the list. An estimated 25 million Americans have functional gastrointestinal disorders, although 50-80% of people do not consult a physician for their symptoms despite reporting significant job absenteeism and lower productivity. It’s said that IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the second leading cause of missed workdays or school after the common cold!
Gastrointestinal disorders are like the elephant in the room. It’s the one issue you wish you could ignore. While you may think you can get through life with the occasional stomach ache, there’s a better truth out there for you. Not to mention, if left ignored the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders will progress and continue to disrupt your life.
That’s why I’m sharing about the five most common gastrointestinal disorders I see in my clients. Recognizing that your chronic constipation and bloating are due to more than last night’s dinner will help you find the healing you need and deserve.
Celiac Disease
If you’ve ever wondered about the gluten-free section at the grocery store, here’s why it exists: celiac disease. This gastrointestinal disorder causes a reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in bread and other foods made from wheat.
After someone eats gluten, the condition causes the immune system to attack the small finger-like villi, which help you absorb nutrients in your small intestines.
Symptoms of celiac disease may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Bone loss
Anyone who has celiac disease should avoid eating gluten. You can substitute brown rice, quinoa, lentils, and soy flour instead of wheat. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for celiac disease, but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
The interesting thing about celiac disease is that sometimes you may experience symptoms that are unrelated to the GI tract. Here are some of those symptoms:
- Anemia (from iron deficiency)
- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of the bone (osteomalacia)
- Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Mouth ulcers
- Headaches and fatigue
- Joint pain
- Reduced functioning of the spleen (hyposplenism)
Suffering from chronic abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea? You may suffer from a gastrointestinal disorder.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another common gastrointestinal disorder. It affects 25 to 45 million people in the United States. Interestingly, it impacts women more than men. There are usually multiple root causes that contribute to IBS like inflammation, chronic stress, and poor diet.
Most individuals with IBS suffer from bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel problems ranging from constipation to diarrhea. The symptoms can be unpredictable, and the condition can disrupt your professional and personal life.
Treatment of IBS symptoms focuses on eating low-fat, high-fiber meals. You should avoid anything that triggers your IBS symptoms such as:
- Alcohol
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Caffeine
- Dairy products
- Foods that produce gas
Often, supplementing with friendly bacteria like probiotics can help you feel better. Additionally, stress can trigger IBS symptoms, so managing your stress levels can also help ease your symptoms.
An estimated 25 million Americans have functional GI disorders, although 50-80% of people do not consult a physician for their symptoms despite reporting significant job absenteeism and lower productivity. It’s said that IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is the second leading cause of missed workdays or school after the common cold!
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, is a very common gastrointestinal disorder. It affects about 20% of the U.S. adult population.
GERD occurs when a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus does not shut properly. This allows stomach acid and contents to leak back up into the esophagus and cause irritation.
Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. It usually feels like burning chest pain. Other symptoms of GERD may include:
- Pain when swallowing
- Regurgitating food or sour liquid
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bad breath
- Breathing problems
Often, lifestyle habits are some of the root causes of Gerd. These habits can include:
- Being overweight
- Overeating
- Eating foods such as citrus, chocolate, fatty foods, or spicy foods
- Caffeine consumption
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Using aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines
Lifestyle modifications may reduce how often you experience acid reflux. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Quitting smoking
- Waiting at least three hours after eating before lying down
- Eating food slowly and chewing well
- Avoiding fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine which can trigger reflux
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is not the same thing as IBS. In fact, inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term used to describe gastrointestinal disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. These diseases included Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s usually affects the terminal ileum, which connects the small bowel to the beginning of the colon. It can also cause symptoms in other areas of the digestive tract. This chronic disorder causes inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers believe genetics and family history are two likely causes of the condition.
Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever.
Meanwhile, ulcerative colitis is a condition that involves inflammation and sores (ulcers) along the superficial lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms are similar to that of Crohn’s disease.
While there is no cure for these types of gastrointestinal disorders, there are integrative treatments that can restore a high quality of life and ease your symptoms.
RELATED: STOMACH FLU? TRY THESE NATURAL REMEDIES
Gastric Ulcers
Another common gastrointestinal disorder, a gastric ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of the stomach, and when irritated, may bleed.
The stomach contains a layer of mucus, designed to protect it against acid. An ulcer occurs when acid in the digestive tract wears away at the mucus lining and causes an open sore.
Symptoms can include:
- Intense stomach pain
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Common root causes of gastric ulcers include:
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria live in the stomach’s lining. H pylori bacteria can cause an infection that leads to an ulcer.
- Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, (NSAIDS) can inflame the stomach lining.
- Taking steroid medicines, anticoagulants and low-dose aspirin can increase the risk of developing a gastric ulcer.
Work with a Holistic Health Coach
Gastrointestinal disorders are one condition I see all the time in my patients. With a holistic approach and guidance on lifestyle modifications, you can ease the symptoms and in some cases totally reverse your gastrointestinal disorder. Contact me today to learn how!
