Whether we actively think about it or not, our gut health can be the #1 factor that affects our mood and wellbeing.
Our digestive state plays a crucial role in our health as it is responsible for breaking down the food we eat, absorbing nutrients, eliminating waste and providing us with energy. However, when our digestive system is not functioning properly, it can lead to various health issues.
Here are 4 ways to tell if you may have digestive health issues and need to seek help from your naturopathic doctor:
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common signs of digestive issues is abdominal pain or discomfort. This can range from mild to severe pain and can be caused by various factors such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Although it is normal to experience abdominal discomfort from time to time, if more of your days are spent in discomfort than not, you should seek help from a professional to help diagnose and treat the problem.
There are different treatments for IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and general digestive distress. Your naturopathic doctor can help you find the proper diagnosis and treatment that may include herbal therapies, massage and dietary changes.
Changes in Bowel Movements
While this may not be everyone’s favorite topic of discussion, it’s an important one to have with your doctor.
Changes in bowel movements can be a sign of digestive or more serious issues. This can include diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the frequency or consistency of your stools. These can be signs that your body is lacking nutrients, missing fiber, needs more water or indications of other medical problems that need to be addressed.
If you notice any changes in your bowel movements, it is important to speak with a naturopathic doctor to determine the cause and start the proper treatment.
Bloating
Bloating can make you generally feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Bloating is a general feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdominal area. It can be caused by various factors such as eating habits, food sensitivities, or even certain medications. And while people experience bloating at different times of the month, after certain activities, and with shifts in hormones, the consensus is that bloating can be painful but benign if it is temporary.
But how can you know if your bloating is normal or caused by an underlying issue? That’s what your naturopathic doctor can test and treat you for to get you back to feeling your best.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Acid reflux and heartburn are associated by many with age and overeating.
Acid reflux is a common digestive issue that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Occasional acid reflux is not dangerous, but when it becomes a chronic issue, it can be diagnosed by your naturopathic doctor as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Untreated GERD over time can cause ulcers in your esophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding, and even trouble swallowing.
The job of your naturopathic doctor is to help you not only feel your best but function at your finest.
If you experience any of the above symptoms (or others) regularly, it is important to see a naturopathic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your naturopathic doctor is a healthcare professional who focuses on least invasive and most effective remedies and treatments to help improve your overall health and well-being. They diagnose and treat many digestive disorders, such as celiac disease, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and dysbiosis as well as bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.
Frustrated? Have you seen what seems like everyone and nobody has answers? At NaturopathicRx San Diego, we hear this a lot!. You are not alone and you do not have to suffer!
If you want to feel your best, schedule a consultation with our naturopathic doctors to see how they can restore your health to where it should be.