Digestive Disorders

What are digestive disorders?

Digestive disorders are conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which include the following: 

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Gallbladder
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Anus

The digestive system breaks down and absorbs nutrients from the food you eat. When it isn’t functioning as intended, it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Accurately diagnosing your specific digestive disorder is essential to developing an effective treatment plan that addresses the underlying issues and provides long-lasting symptom relief.

Are there different types of digestive disorders?

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center diagnoses and treats a range of digestive disorders, including:

Celiac disease

This autoimmune condition is an intolerance to the grain-based protein gluten. Without treatment, celiac disease can damage the small intestine’s lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.

Crohn’s disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that leads to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning symptoms are persistent and recurrent. This inflammatory condition can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, without any structural abnormalities.

Diverticulitis 

Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation or infection of small pouches that develop within the colon's walls. This condition can cause abdominal pain, elevated body temperature, and changes in bowel habits.

Acid reflux

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.

How are digestive disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing digestive disorders requires a thorough medical history review and physical exam. Based on your symptoms, Arbor Vitae Holistic Center may recommend additional testing, such as:

• Fecal occult blood test
• Stool culture
• Imaging scans
• Allergy and food sensitivity tests

With an in-house laboratory, the team can perform many types of digestive testing onsite. They may refer you to a specialist for additional testing.

What are the treatments for digestive disorders?

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center’s integrative approach draws from multiple modalities to restore and improve your digestive function. After a comprehensive exam and testing, the team may recommend any of the following treatments:

• Nutritional counseling
• Lifestyle modifications
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Educational resources
• Nutritional supplements
• Probiotics and prebiotics

The team works with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific digestive disorder and symptoms. 

Call Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.