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The Different Digestive Problems & Disorders You Should Be Aware Of

Written by Dr. Kirilyuk Inna Anatolyivna on Tue, 01 August 2023

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Ever feel your stomach growling for no reason in the middle of the day? Well, it's not your stomach at all! The grumbling sound that feels like it's coming from inside your belly is hot air moving inside your intestines! There's even a name for it, it is called "borborygmi" (pronounced BOR-boh-RIG-me).

Our gut has been a target of new modern-day ailments every forthcoming day. This has materialized as a result of our ever-changing lifestyle and poor diet habits giving rise to common digestive system diseases.

Listen to your gut

Our gut does more for our body than it's often credited for. Our digestive system is sensitive to our physical as well as our mental state. Here are some of the factors that can contribute to the most common digestive disorders.

  • Running away from a balanced diet
  • Compromising on sleep
  • Following a sedentary lifestyle
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • Overeating
  • Overstressing
  • Poor chewing of food

Some of us face minor digestive problems, but this list of digestive disorders can lead to serious conditions if not treated properly. It's thus important to listen to your gut!

Digestive health and diseases

Digestive health is crucial in one's well-being. With the rise of diseases that affect the digestive system, it is necessary to be more vigilant.

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

Imagine you're lying down on your back, and all of a sudden, the contents of your stomach start back flowing into your food pipe and in your mouth! As gross as it sounds, it is also extremely uncomfortable and painful. GERD can be relieved with medical treatment and by adopting a better lifestyle.

2. Crohn's disease:

This is the chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Crohn's disease has no permanent cure but can be treated, and its progression can be slowed with treatment and watching what you eat.

3. IBS-Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Not having a smooth potty schedule can be irritating for many. IBS causes irregular bowel movements along with a list of digestive problems. In most cases, this condition can be controlled by following a better-suited diet, and by adopting simple home remedies for everyday digestive problems. In other cases, medications are prescribed for treatment.

4. Celiac disease:

It is a serious autoimmune disease that may be caused by genes combined with food that contain gluten. It causes digestive problems and inflammation in the intestines. A strict non-gluten diet is a must to follow to manage Celiac disease! Bye-bye wheat flour.

5. Non-celiac gluten intolerance:

Can't digest gluten, but don't have celiac disease? You might have a condition known as non-celiac gluten intolerance. It is characterized by the inability to properly digest gluten protein in day-to-day life. While dealing with non-celiac gluten intolerance, it is advised to avoid foods with wheat, rye, and barley in all forms to keep digestive problems away.

6. Ulcerative colitis:

This disease causes pain and inflammation in the innermost lining of the intestines. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include blood and pus in the feces, intense diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps. Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer. In mild cases, it can be treated with medications but in severe conditions, it might require surgery.

7. Lactose intolerance:

It is caused by the body's inability to digest lactose present in dairy products. It causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating on the consumption of dairy products. It is best to avoid dairy products as this condition can't be cured but only managed. This means bidding farewell to ice creams and milk eateries!

You are not alone!

If you suffer from lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance or conditions like Crohn's disease, know that you are not alone! There are millions of people across the globe who suffer from these diseases and lead fulfilling lives.

World-famous fashion icon Victoria Beckham openly roots for a gluten-free diet as it has helped with her gluten sensitivity. SNL comedian Pete Davidson has Crohn's disease and is known to joke about it.

Actress Annie Hathaway is lactose-intolerant and she has publicly admitted to not being able to consume milk or dairy products. Lisa Kudrow who has spoken about women's health and body image issues over the years is also known to lead a lactose-free lifestyle due to her lactose intolerance.

Try to know your gut

By paying close attention to our bowel movements and minor gastric disturbances like constipation, bloating, indigestion and heartburns, we can try to understand what type of foods or habits cause these problems in our gut.

One might notice that not drinking enough water or consuming too much coffee might make them feel constipated. Overeating might also cause indigestion or heartburn for some whereas Consuming Dairy products might cause diarrhea in some people. The key is to identify these problem-causing elements which will be unique for all and avoid them for the sake of our gut!

To improve your wellbeing, and keep your digestive system in top shape, remember to follow these self-care tips for good health.

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Dr. Kirilyuk Inna Anatolyivna

She is graduated from Vinnytsia National Medical University, in 2008.
2008-2010 resident, family practice.
2010-2015 General practitioner, family practice doctor.

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  1. NIDDK/NIH - Digestive Diseases at Niddk
  2. 9 Common Digestive Conditions From Top to Bottom at Everyday Health

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Current Version

Aug, 01 2023

Written By

Dr. Kirilyuk Inna Anatolyivna