A little digestive distress is a part of life.
A heavy meal or not eating at the usual time or a lingering gastrointestinal ailment that requires lifestyle changes; digestive problems are widespread. It’s so common among us Canadians that every year, more than 20 million Canadians struggle with digestive disorders.
Listed below are five of the most common gastrointestinal problems and what can be done about them.
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Do you feel a burning pain in the middle of your chest after meals or at night? Acid reflux is a condition when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. While it’s common to experience heartburn once in a while, having symptoms that affect your daily life could be a sign of a chronic digestive condition known as GERD.
The symptoms include
- Persistent heartburn
- Bad breath
- Nausea
- Unexplained tooth erosion
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Pain in your chest or upper part of your abdomen
Most people find relief by avoiding certain foods and beverages that trigger their symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes can also prove helpful
- Avoiding food for at least two hours before bedtime
- Elevating the head of the bed
- Not lying down after a meal
- Over-the-counter antacids
- Quitting smoking
2. Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a topic most avoid talking about, but when it happens, it’s impossible to ignore. Occasional urgency to go is normal, but loose stool, three or more times a day that lasts for more than two weeks could be cause for concern.
Tricky to treat because diarrhea can have many possible gastrointestinal causes and it makes it difficult to carry on daily living.
Chronic diarrhea can indicate a more serious problem that may need medical intervention and should be evaluated by a holistic health professional.
3. Chronic Constipation
Unlike going multiple times a day, sometimes the inability to go troubles us. Typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week for two weeks or more, chronic constipation may also be the case that stools are hard and difficult to pass.
And like diarrhea again, the cause of chronic constipation can be difficult to diagnose. Treating the condition can begin with
- - Over-the-counter stool softeners medicines
- - Fiber supplements
- - Adding more fluids to your diet
If these fail to bring relief, consult a holistic health practitioner.
4. Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
An immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, the celiac disease damages your villi. It is the finger like protrusions in your small intestines that help you absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Eat gluten, and your immune system goes on the attack.
In children, symptoms may include
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Symptoms in adults besides the above-mentioned can also include
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Bone loss
- Depression
- Seizures
The only treatment for celiac disease is to completely avoid eating gluten. Common alternatives to gluten include
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Lentils
- Soy flour
- Corn flour
- Amaranth
Some people may be sensitive to gluten but test negative for celiac disease. Gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder, not an immune disorder, so it doesn’t cause serious problems. However, some of the same symptoms of celiac disease may occur.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Is your digestive tract irritable? Have you been experiencing stomach discomfort at least three times a month for past few months? It very well could be IBS.
Signs of IBS can vary widely from having
- Hard, dry stools or
- Loose, watery stools or both
- Bloating and gas
The cause of IBS isn’t known but treating symptoms centers largely on diet.
- Eating low-fat, high-fiber meals
- Avoiding common trigger foods (dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners)
- Eliminating foods that are high in certain carbohydrates
Stress can trigger IBS symptoms so learning to manage stress can be helpful for both IBS and your life.
Want to learn more about common digestive disorders? Check out our blogs related to digestive concerns or find a provider who can help you address your questions about digestive disorders and their treatments.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
