What Causes Digestive Upset?
Common digestive problems include heartburn/GERD, IBD, and "IBS". Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and stomach cramps. Irritable bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis - both difficult disorders to treat with conventional medicine but there are many natural options to help. Irritable bowel syndrome or "IBS" tends to be a "differential diagnosis" where there is digestive disorder present, but a person still experiences digestive upset.
Some potential causes of digestive issues include:
1. Food Sensitivity
A very common cause of digestive upset. Common allergens are glutne, dairy, soy, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant), and corn. Two ways to test for food sensitivity are a blood test (tests IgG or antibodies to food) or to do an elimination diet (eliminate all inflammatory foods for 2-3weeks then reintroduce them and look for a reaction). One tip is to journal the foods that you eat and to note how you feel after the meal in order to make connections with food sensitivities.
2. Stress
Your digestive tract contains 80% of your serotonin receptors (mood elevating neurohormone), hence your ability to deal with stress has a huge effect on your digestion, hence a "nervous stomach". Take note of when you have digestive issues - how are you feeling in that moment? Did anything happen before that was stressful? What is your environment like? If you become aware of and are able to identify your triggers, you can learn how to address them and eradicate them.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause changes with your digestive, bowel movements, and food sensitivities/allergies. For example, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or menopause can lead to constipation.
4. Dehydration
Improper water consumption (less than 6-8 glasses of water a day) can lead to constipation. Dehydration can also cause headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, lack of concentration, and more.
Some potential causes of digestive issues include:
1. Food Sensitivity
A very common cause of digestive upset. Common allergens are glutne, dairy, soy, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant), and corn. Two ways to test for food sensitivity are a blood test (tests IgG or antibodies to food) or to do an elimination diet (eliminate all inflammatory foods for 2-3weeks then reintroduce them and look for a reaction). One tip is to journal the foods that you eat and to note how you feel after the meal in order to make connections with food sensitivities.
2. Stress
Your digestive tract contains 80% of your serotonin receptors (mood elevating neurohormone), hence your ability to deal with stress has a huge effect on your digestion, hence a "nervous stomach". Take note of when you have digestive issues - how are you feeling in that moment? Did anything happen before that was stressful? What is your environment like? If you become aware of and are able to identify your triggers, you can learn how to address them and eradicate them.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause changes with your digestive, bowel movements, and food sensitivities/allergies. For example, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or menopause can lead to constipation.
4. Dehydration
Improper water consumption (less than 6-8 glasses of water a day) can lead to constipation. Dehydration can also cause headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, lack of concentration, and more.
How Can Dr. Nicole Help?
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Treatment includes a combination of nutritional and lifestyle changes:
First is to address any underlying medical conditions or imbalances. Second is to address diet and food hygeine (size and timing of meals) and water intake. Third (or first depending on the person) is to address stress and how to implement stress reduction techniques. |