Digestive Disorders - Natural Health Solutions

Digestive Diseases

The digestive system plays a vital role in nourishing and hydrating the body. It begins at the mouth and esophagus and continues through the stomach and the intestines. Many organs contribute to the process performed by what is also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

As food and beverages work through the GI tract, it relies on all components working properly to break down the food and deliver nutrients before waste removal. Any problem along the way can cause complications in the entire body. Diagnosing digestive complaints is difficult since many digestive disorders often have similar symptoms.

Here are some of the most common digestive diseases, and many can also be treated naturally:

• Acid Reflux
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Fecal Incontinence (Bowel Control Problems)
• Colon Polyps
• Constipation
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Diarrhea
• Diverticular Disease
• Dumping Syndrome (Rapid Gastric Emptying)
• Food Allergies (Allergic Reactions)

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle connecting the esophagus to the stomach malfunctions. The passage has a valve that allows food through and closes after to keep stomach acid in place. However, if the valve remains open, it can allow acid to enter the esophagus leading to what people know as heartburn or acid reflux.

Acid reflux can be triggered by GERD when the immune chemical cytokine is released causing inflammation. Acid Reflux is also a known symptom of the autoimmune disease Sjogren's Syndrome.

Barrett's Esophagus Disease

Chronic acid reflux can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. Exposure to the acid causes the lining to turn red and thicken. The development of Barrett's esophagus means the individual has a slightly increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Fecal Incontinence (Bowel Control Problems)

Fecal incontinence can include the inability to stop a bowel movement or fecal leakage that may go unnoticed by the individual. The problem may arise due to injury, childbirth, lifestyle, or disease.

Colon Polyps

Polyps are clumps of usually harmless cells. Colon polyps are when the lumps grow on the lining of the colon. Polyps can develop into cancer, so experts recommend removal and testing when detected.

Constipation

Constipation is the inability to pass stool or to pass a smaller amount than usual. People with constipation may also have a typical-sized bowel movement, but one that is harder and painful to pass. Occasional constipation happens to everyone, but chronic constipation requires medical intervention.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Sudden attacks of nausea and vomiting are known as cyclic vomiting syndrome. Doctors cannot always determine the cause, but the debilitating problem can cause many health concerns if it occurs too frequently.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD and acid reflux are the same conditions. A GERD diagnosis happens when people experience acid reflux consistently and cannot control the matter with basic antacids.

Diarrhea - Chronic or Severe

Diarrhea is loose, watery, and sometimes uncontrollable stools. A common concern, diarrhea is not a digestive disorder if it occurs during a stomach virus or other reasons for stomach upset. Chronic diarrhea is a serious concern because it can rob the body of nutrients and result in dehydration.

Diverticular Disease

Any condition that affects the diverticula is a diverticula disease. The diverticula protrude from the lining of the colon as sac-like pouches. If the diverticula become inflamed, they can cause pain and blockages. In addition, infections and abscesses may form in the colon and can spread to the abdominal lining.

Dumping Syndrome (Rapid Gastric Emptying)

Dumping syndrome causes people to feel nauseous and lightheaded after eating. Stomach discomfort and bowel movements may occur immediately after eating. Some conditions improve through dietary changes, and others require surgery.

Food Allergies (Allergic Reactions)

Food allergies can cause mild reactions like headaches or rashes or may present a life-threatening situation if the individual experiences anaphylactic shock. Allergies can begin at birth or develop slowly over time.

Food allergies are particularly troubling because they are digestive and immune system disorders that can trigger autoimmune diseases.

Gallstones

Gallstones can cause intense pain, nausea, and vomiting. The stones form in the gallbladder from a cholesterol-like substance in bile. Gallstones can pass on their own or become stuck and require surgical removal.

Gastritis and Gastropathy

Gastritis and gastropathy may only cause mild indigestion-like symptoms but can become a health concern that needs treatment. Bleeding of the stomach and inflammation of the stomach lining can occur with the conditions.

Gastroparesis (Gastric Emptying)

The stomach not emptying itself of food is a condition known as gastroparesis. Despite meaning stomach paralysis, no paralysis exists. Instead, the ailment occurs when the muscles and nerves become damaged or do not work together correctly, causing digestion to slow.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes pain, bowel inflammation, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Sufferers of IBS can experience mild symptoms like cramps and headaches or have severe conditions that cause lifestyle disruptions, malnutrition, and more.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance causes pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other digestive problems when people consume dairy products containing lactose. The problem can occur due to injury or may have a genetic component.

Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is often asymptomatic. As a result, a diagnosis may only happen after testing for another health concern. The disease develops when extra fat builds in the liver and is a risk factor for cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can begin after surgery or another injury or illness. Excess bacteria can lead to malnutrition due to a lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are sores on the stomach lining where digestive acids in the stomach get through the mucus lining and dissolve the tissue. Pain, bloating, and a lack of appetite are only a few of the possible symptoms of the disorder.

Short Bowel Syndrome

The surgical removal of part of the small intestine may not leave enough for the body to absorb nutrients. As a result, people with the concern can become malnourished and dehydrated despite consuming a healthy diet.

Small Bacterial Overgrowth

The overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can begin after surgery or another injury or illness. Excess bacteria can lead to malnutrition due to a lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and diarrhea. In addition, patients experience inflammation in the colon and rectum that could lead to colon ulcers. Ulcerative colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Additional Resources

• Digestive Disorders - John's Hopkins Medicine
• Digestive Diseases - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases