GERD

GERD is a common problem that impacts around 20% of the population. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often referred to as acid reflux, occurs when excess acid travels back up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes irritation and inflammation of the lining of this passageway between the stomach and throat. It’s most common in people who have a weak lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter, situated just above the abdomen, is the valve that keeps stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When this valve is weak, the acid can flow into one’s esophagus at any time and cause heartburn or severe stomach pain. It may also result in the corrosion of one’s esophagus and a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus.

IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems. IBS tends to affect people without any accompanying diseases or disorders. It’s usually a precursor to more severe problems like diverticulitis and colon cancer. IBS can be hard to diagnose since symptoms frequently mimic other conditions, and many people don’t know they have it until they go to the doctor and are told there is something wrong with them. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, urgency in passing urine or stool, nausea, and vomiting. Those with IBS may experience symptoms in some or all of these categories, but only rarely will they have more than one symptom at a time.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the walls of your digestive tract. The main areas of the digestive tract that can be affected are the small and large intestines. People with Crohn’s disease may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, bleeding, severe cramping, inflammation, and abscesses in their small intestines. It can also cause complications with their bowels or bladder.

Bloating & Gas

Both gas and bloating can be frustrating problems to deal with and can be symptoms of severe digestive tract problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, or tumors in the digestive tract. These conditions can lead to pain and cramping in the stomach and back, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the gas buildup can cause one to pass more than just gas; it can also lead to intense abdominal pain due to pressure on internal organs.

Constipation & Diarrhea

Constipation and diarrhea are quite common but also dangerous to one’s health. These two symptoms are often related to one’s diet, lack of exercise, and dehydration. They may also indicate something more severe, like digestive tract problems. It’s essential to seek help when this happens. Prolonged constipation or diarrhea can result in dehydration, rashes, flushing, and severe skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It can also cause severe cramping and dehydration and may even be fatal. In children, prolonged constipation or diarrhea can cause severe dehydration and malnutrition, leading to brain damage and even death.

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is a widespread digestive problem. It occurs when the stomach has difficulty digesting food properly, causing upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It may also result in a burning sensation within the abdomen that worsens whenever ingesting food. The pain is typically temporary and won’t cause any long-term damage to your organs. However, if you notice that you have been suffering from frequent or severe bouts of dyspepsia, you should get examined by a physician for further testing and diagnosis. Other symptoms may include:

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating and swelling in the abdomen or chest area after eating

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the large intestine and rectum. There are different types of IBD, but ulcerative colitis causes the most damage to the lining of your digestive tract. It occurs when white blood cells attack the cells that line your colon and rectum, causing them to produce more mucus. As a result, ulcers form on your colon walls, leading to chronic inflammation and pain. Ulcerative colitis can also cause fatigue, weight loss, cramps or diarrhea, and bleeding from the rectum or vagina (although this is less common). You should consult with a physician if you have any symptoms of this condition.

Lactose Intolerance

Some people cannot digest lactose, the primary sugar in milk. Lactose intolerance is not a disease but can cause mild to severe symptoms like bloating and gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after eating or drinking lactose foods. If you notice that you’re experiencing these symptoms more often than not, it may be because your body cannot properly digest lactose. If you don’t want to give up dairy products altogether, consider trying supplemental products that contain lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose so it can easily be digested.