Gastrointestinal (GI) issues have the potential to significantly disrupt an individual’s daily life, leading to symptoms ranging from erratic bowel movements and gas to persistent bloating, which can cause discomfort and dissatisfaction with one’s body. These problems are widespread, affecting an estimated 62 million individuals, complicating their everyday routines.
Persistent symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, or gas necessitate professional intervention for proper management and alleviation of the GI disturbances. We are equipped to assist you in pinpointing foods that may be triggering these issues, curtailing symptom frequency, and minimizing overall gut inflammation. By working closely with a dietitian, individuals can find relief and regain control over their digestive health and well-being.
Below is a list of common digestive issues that can be treated by a Registered Dietitian:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Crohn’s Disease: An inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to severe abdominal pain and digestive tract inflammation.
- Ulcerative Colitis: Another form of inflammatory bowel disease that specifically affects the colon, causing ulcers and inflammation.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
- Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Chronic Constipation: Persistent difficulty in passing stools, leading to abdominal discomfort and bloating.
- Gallstones: Solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can cause intense pain and digestive issues.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the walls of the intestines.
- Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that can cause digestive problems and abdominal pain.
- Food Intolerances and Allergies: Reactions to certain foods that can cause various digestive symptoms.
- Peptic Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, leading to pain and discomfort.
- Fatty Liver Disease: A buildup of fats in the liver that can impact digestion and overall liver function.
- Malabsorption Disorders: Conditions like tropical sprue or pancreatic insufficiency, where nutrients are not properly absorbed by the digestive system.
- Bloating and Gas: Common symptoms that may be linked to various underlying digestive disorders.
- Gastroparesis: Delayed emptying of the stomach, leading to nausea, vomiting, and other digestive symptoms.
These digestive issues vary in severity and underlying cause but can be assessed and managed with the guidance of an experienced dietitian, focusing on individualized care and nutritional interventions.