What are Digestive Issues?

Digestive issues & digestion problems can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on our quality of life. Common conditions include acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The digestive system is a complex and essential system that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The gut microbiome is a critical component of the digestive system, and an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to various health problems. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and ensure proper functioning of the digestive system. If you are struggling with a chronic digestive condition, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for you. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage and even overcome digestive problems, so you can improve your overall health and well-being.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that reside in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and performing various functions within the body. The gut microbiome is composed of trillions of microbial cells, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, which collectively form a dynamic and interconnected system.

The gut microbiome interacts with the host’s immune system, influences nutrient absorption and metabolism, helps digest certain foods (such as fiber), produces vitamins and short-chain fatty acids, and plays a role in protecting against pathogens. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper digestive function, immune system regulation, and overall well-being.

What Causes Poor Digestion & Digestive Issues?

All of the factors listed below can cause damage to the beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This can result in poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions.

• Antibiotics, for example, can kill off beneficial bacteria in the gut along with harmful bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
• Heavy metal toxicity can also damage the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.
• Chronic illness and stress can also negatively impact the gut microbiome by altering the balance of bacteria and increasing inflammation.
• A poor diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can also harm the gut microbiome, leading to poor digestion and an increased risk of chronic health conditions.
• Certain medications can also damage the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for example, can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, leading to poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies.
• Smoking, chemical exposure, and chlorinated water can also harm the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.
• Parasites can damage the gut microbiome, leading to poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies.
• Insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes can also lead to poor digestion.
• A body pH level that is too acidic can damage the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.

What are some Common Digestive Issues and Illnesses?

Common digestive complaints and illnesses include:

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) are two common digestive complaints characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Crohn’s disease and colitis are two types of IBD that affect the digestive tract.
• Food allergies and sensitivities, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, can also cause digestive problems. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, while people with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
• Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramping, and abdominal discomfort are also common digestive complaints.
• Peptic ulcers, caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, can also cause stomach pain and discomfort.
• Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum, can also cause discomfort and pain.
• Gallstones and liver disease can also cause digestive problems.
• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
• Dyspepsia is a term used to describe upper abdominal pain or discomfort, while gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents.

How does Candida Affect Digestion?

Candida overgrowth can lead to a wide range of digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. It can also cause nutrient deficiencies, as the yeast can prevent the absorption of nutrients from food. It can also lead to “leaky gut syndrome”, which is when the yeast creates holes in the intestinal tract, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can cause systemic inflammation and an immune response, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin problems. Food sensitivities can also be developed, as the yeast can release toxins that can trigger an immune response to certain foods. This can lead to allergic reactions and symptoms such as hives, rashes, and headaches. Other health problems that candida can have a part in includes depression, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. It can also aggravate symptoms of existing conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How do Parasites Affect Digestion?

Parasites can cause a wide range of digestive complaints, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. They can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as the parasites can prevent the absorption of nutrients from food. Parasites can also cause “leaky gut syndrome“, which is when the parasites create holes in the intestinal tract, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can cause systemic inflammation and an immune response, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin problems. Food sensitivities can also be developed, as the yeast can release toxins that can trigger an immune response to certain foods. They can also cause anemia, as they consume red blood cells. Other health problems that candida can have a part in includes depression, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. It can also aggravate symptoms of existing conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How are Poor Digestion & Digestive Issues Treated?

When addressing digestive complaints, first the patient is assessed for parasites and candida overgrowth with BioScan SRT testing. The testing also includes food sensitivity testing, which is usually dominant in the beginning of treatment until the inflammation is reduced. In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, other treatments for poor digestion may include:

• Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as H. pylori, while antispasmodics and antacids may be used to alleviate symptoms of IBS, GERD, and other conditions.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, promoting proper digestion and overall health.
• Enzymes: Digestive enzymes can help to break down food and improve nutrient absorption.
• Herbal supplements: Ginger, peppermint, and fennel can help to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and other digestive complaints.
• Hydrochloric acid supplements: HCL supplements can be used to increase the acidity of the stomach, which can help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Fiber supplements: Fiber supplements can help to promote regular bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation.
• Counselling and therapy: Stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to poor digestion and should be addressed as well.

Can Acupuncture Help Digestion & Digestive Issues?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to help balance the body’s energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), and promote healing. Acupuncture can help to regulate digestion by promoting the movement of Qi and blood in the gut. This can help to alleviate symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Acupuncture can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can be beneficial for conditions such as IBS, IBD, and other digestive complaints. Acupuncture can also help to relieve stress, which can be a contributing factor to poor digestion. Stress can lead to an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, which can slow down digestion and lead to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.