WHAT ARE STOMACH CONCERNS?
At one time or another, most people experience stomach problems.
The stomach performs three main tasks:
- Stores swallowed food
- Mixes the food with stomach acids
- Sends the mixture on to the small intestine
Stomach pain is not all that uncommon. Sometimes, it can seem as though it appears out of the blue, while in most cases, it is related to something you either
1. Ate- food poisoning, indigestion;
2. Caught- flu, infection;
3. Experience routinely- gastritis, heartburn.
Pain occurring in the part of the abdomen involves the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract- the oesophagus, stomach and small intestines.
Pain occurring in the lower abdomen relates to the lower GI tract- the large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH CONCERNS?
As there are so many different types of stomach problems, you might mistakenly dismiss them. Minor untreated stomach problems can lead to serious chronic illnesses. It’s important to understand common as well as emergency symptoms so you know when to immediately take action.
Diarrhea
Stomach flu, usually common, your bowel movements become loose and watery. Some people get it more often because of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Watery stools
- Urgent feeling to have a bowel movement
- Nausea
- Blood in your stool
- Fever
Liver Disease
Different issues can cause liver conditions including inflammation of your liver.
- Viral hepatitis
- Immune System Problems
- Cancer and Tumors
- Inherited liver disorders
Some causes of liver disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug overdose
- Fatty liver
Dire consequences include
- Acute liver failure
- Cirrhosis
Gallstones
Gallstones are pieces of material that form in your gallbladder and the size can range from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Until they block a bile duct causing pain, you might not know you have them.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in your upper belly or right shoulder or back
- An upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Indigestion, heartburn, gas
Ulcers
Ulcers are breaks in the protective lining of the small intestine or the stomach. Ulcers form as a result of stress, excessive stomach acid secretion, poor lifestyle habits including heavy alcohol consumption and bacterial infection.
Blood in Stools
Bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract may result in blood in your stools.
Causes include:
- Anal fissure
- Colitis
- Peptic ulcers
- Diverticular disease
- Cancer
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
Pancreatitis
Your pancreas becomes inflamed causing pain and in severe cases harming your vital organs.
Causes include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Alcohol consumption
- Gallstones
- Metabolic disorders
- Family history of pancreas disorder
Symptoms include:
- Swollen belly
- Nausea
- Constant pain in the stomach that goes to the back
- Diarrhea
Gastritis
Inflammation or irritation in the lining of the stomach.
Caused include:
- Excessive alcohol use
- Vomiting
- Stress
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
Symptoms include:
- Upset stomach
- Bloating and pain in the stomach
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Black stools
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in your rectum and anus also called piles.
Causes include:
- Obesity
- Low fiber diet
- Pushing during bowel movement
- Anal sex
Symptoms include:
- Blood in your stools
- Bulging of tissue outside your anal opening
- Pain
- Itching
- Bleeding
Conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, perianal infections, diverticular diseases, colitis and colon polyps come under gastrointestinal disorders.
Many of these can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Seek help if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Blood when you have a bowel movement
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heartburn not relieved by antacids
- Unintended weight loss
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
Other symptoms that call for medical attention right away include:
- Chest pain
- Vomiting up blood or dark-colored flecks
- Having dark or bloody stools
- Severe or persistent constipation
- Swelling around an abdominal hernia site
- Dizziness
- Inability to keep down food or fluids
Many factors may upset the stomach and the GI tract and its motility including:
- Eating a diet low in fiber
- Not enough exercise
- Traveling or other changes in routine
- Eating large amounts of dairy products
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
- Overusing laxatives
- Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
- Taking certain medicines
- Pregnancy
CAN I TREAT STOMACH CONCERNS WITH HOLISTIC HEALTH TREATMENT?
Always discuss your health concerns with a medical professional.
The digestive system ranges from the mouth to the rectum and helps the body absorb essential nutrients and get rid of waste. Digestive problems can happen anywhere along that long route.
Several lifestyle modifications may help you manage your condition:
- Losing weight if you are overweight or recently gained weight
- Elevating the head of your bed
- Avoiding meals two to three hours before going to bed
- Eating foods high in fiber
- Drinking six to eight glasses of water
- Engaging in daily physical activity
Your stomach or intestinal problems such as heartburn, abdominal cramps or loose stools can also be related to stress.
Complementary approaches to functional gastrointestinal disorders have been seen to help manage these chronic disorders. Holistic health treatments work well to reduce stress and anxiety which can further help with GI issues.
Traditional Chinese Medicine provides an excellent complement to other holistic health treatments and practices, including massage therapy, herbal therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, chiropractic care and more.
Acupuncture is another popular alternative therapy for abdominal bloating and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Have a question about Stomach Concerns? ASK A PRACTITIONER or FIND A PRACTITIONER today.
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/.
