Gastrointestinal Disorders

Millions of Americans suffer daily from gastrointestinal disorders, but they don’t have to. Free yourself from the pain and discomfort of your digestive disorder by seeking help from Mechelle Kennedy, NP-C, at Adaptations Wellness in Spring Branch, Texas. Mechelle will help you heal your gut naturally. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

What are gastrointestinal disorders?

Gastrointestinal disorders are disorders of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In charge of breaking down food and drink into nutrients that the body can use and absorb, the digestive tract includes the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Large and small intestines
• Liver, pancreas
• Gallbladder

Gastrointestinal disorders fall into two main camps, functional and structural. Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occur when the GI tract looks normal but doesn’t move properly. Structural gastrointestinal disorders such as anal fissures occur when your bowels look abnormal and work improperly. Examples of common gastrointestinal disorders include:

The first signs of gastrointestinal disorders often include symptoms like:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn, especially heartburn that does not respond to antacids
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat (difficulty swallowing)
• Rectal bleeding
• Belly pain
• Weight gain or loss

Gastrointestinal disorders may be mild or much more severe, leading to issues like cancer. 

What causes gastrointestinal disorders?

A combination of things may cause gastrointestinal disorders. Possibilities include:

• Food intolerance
• Lactose intolerance
• Insufficient fiber intake
• Chronic overuse of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen
• Excessive alcohol consumption leading to liver problems

Autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

How do you treat gastrointestinal disorders?

Regardless of symptoms, the best way to treat any gastrointestinal disorder is by discovering its origin and addressing the root of the problem. 

When you have the proper knowledge, you can take control of your disease and reverse it. At Adaptations Wellness, Mechelle helps you discover this knowledge and empowers you with a plan that likely includes meaningful dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as supplements with ingredients designed to support digestion, reverse inflammation and protect the gut.

Even minor gastrointestinal disorders can disrupt your life and make your days harder to get through than they need to be. If you’re suffering, you don’t have to settle. Get to the bottom of your illness and heal your gut by scheduling a consultation at Adaptations Wellness online or over the phone today.