DIGESTIVE HEALTH

If you’ve been struggling with Acid reflux (GERD), Ulcers, IBS, constipation, leaky gut, SIBO, or autoimmune disease, find out how our team can help.

Gut health is important for many aspects of our well-being, from preventing chronic diseases, to improving mood and longevity. But what if you have suffered gut problems for a long time? When left untreated, chronic gut symptoms: 

  • Can worsen allergies, asthma, and skin conditions
  • Are associated with thyroid and gall bladder diseases 
  • Can contribute to sleep disorders and anxiety
  • Can in worst cases lead to more serious (autoimmune) inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)

SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among some of the more common diagnoses treated in Digestive Health appointments, but patients with any digestive complaints may request an appointment for more specialized treatment.

 

GERD, DYSPEPSIA, AND PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

 

Upper gastrointestinal disease affects millions of people worldwide. “Dyspepsia” and “indigestion” are catch-all terms for a range of upper GI disorders that include functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis/gastropathy, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and an assortment of less common conditions. 

 

Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, fullness, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, regurgitation, and belching. 

IBS

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is characterized by abdominal discomfort and alterations in bowel habits, including diarrhea (IBS-D), chronic constipation (IBS-C), or a combination of both (IBS-mixed; IBS-M). 

There are four disease subtypes found in equal proportions: diarrhea, constipation, mixed, and undefined (IBS-U). Statistics showed that 25–49% of IBS patients consult a primary care physician in a year, with an average of two to three visits per year. About half (25–50%) of referrals to gastroenterologists are IBS-related. 

IBS is more commonly identified in women than in men by 2:1 in Western countries.  People with IBS may experience bloating, intense abdominal pain, and myriad other intestinal and extra-intestinal comorbidities (i.e., anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, temporomandibular joint [TMJ]). 

CROHN’S & COLITIS

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), primarily comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are lifelong autoimmune diseases that lead to chronic and uncontrolled inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. The cause is not well elucidated but is believed to be an interplay of a faulty immune system, environmental exposures, including diet and toxins, and a genetic predisposition. 

 

Diet directly influences the gut microbiota and may be an important element in the treatment of IBD. Studies have found associations between the development of IBD and consumption of diets high in refined sugars, animal fat, and complex carbohydrates. In contrast, high-fiber diets supplemented with omega-3-rich foods are associated with lower rates of IBD.

 

The chronic intestinal inflammation found in IBD can cause malabsorption and maldigestion of food, leading to vitamin and nutritional deficiencies. Prevention and treatment of these deficiencies is paramount in the care of IBD patients. 

 

Leaky Gut & Food Sensitivities