Gut Health
Gut health is essential for maintaining a balanced digestive system. It plays a significant role in managing conditions like acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, which helps regulate digestion, immunity, and even mood. When the balance of these bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues.
Keeping your gut in balance by eating fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress can significantly improve these conditions and support overall well-being.
Common digestive conditions we can treat:
Acid Reflux and GERD
Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and discomfort in the chest. While common and treatable through diet changes and medications, acid reflux can lead to more serious health issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Constipation
Constipation is when you have less than three bowel movements per week or find it hard to have a bowel movement. It's common and can be caused by a lack of fiber, not drinking enough fluids, or not being active. Other health issues or medications may also be to blame. While it varies from person to person, there are many ways to help prevent and treat constipation with medication to your ability to have normal bowel movements.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common condition that involves the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. It often occurs when your digestive system struggles to absorb fluids or reacts to an infection, food intolerance, or stress. While uncomfortable, most cases of diarrhea are short-lived and can be managed with hydration and diet adjustments, but persistent or severe cases require medical attention.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms come and go over time; or can last for days, weeks, or months. While the exact cause of IBS isn't known, it's believed to involve the brain-gut connection and can be managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and customized treatment with medication.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux/Gerd?
The symptoms of acid reflux and GERD differ between children and adults.
Children may experience frequent vomiting, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and a hard time gaining weight.
While older children might have heartburn, nausea, chest pain, and breathing issues.
Adults typically report heartburn, regurgitation, and a sensation of food stuck in the throat, along with dry cough or hoarseness.
Untreated GERD can lead to complications for both children and adults, damaging the esophagus and impacting quality of life. Medical intervention is recommended to help reduce the damage uncontrolled acid can cause over time.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Constipation presents differently in children and adults, though many symptoms overlap.
In children, constipation often includes fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard and painful stools, stomach pain, and the presence of stool leakage in their underwear, indicating a backup of stool in the rectum. Children may also withhold stool due to fear of painful bowel movements, which can exacerbate the problem.
In adults, constipation generally manifests as infrequent bowel movements, hard or dry stools, straining, and the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. Both children and adults can experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a reduced appetite as a result.
Chronic constipation in both age groups may be linked to dietary factors like insufficient fiber and fluid intake, and lifestyle changes like reduced physical activity.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Constipation presents differently in children and adults, though many symptoms overlap.
In adults, constipation generally manifests as infrequent bowel movements, hard or dry stools, straining, and the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. Both children and adults can experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a reduced appetite as a result.
In children, constipation often includes fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard and painful stools, stomach pain, and the presence of stool leakage in their underwear, indicating a backup of stool in the rectum. Children may also withhold stool due to fear of painful bowel movements, which can exacerbate the problem.
Chronic constipation in both age groups may be linked to dietary factors like insufficient fiber and fluid intake, and lifestyle changes like reduced physical activity.
