Digestive Disorders
In this country, one in five individuals suffers from an intestinal disorder. Gas and bloating, abdominal pain, and abnormal bowel movements are the first signs of trouble and are very common reasons for seeking the advice of a medical professional. Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in 150,000 individuals in the United States each year, results in death in 50,000 individuals, and is often the end result of years of “minor” gastrointestinal problems.
A variety of factors contribute to the development of an intestinal disorder. Viruses or food borne bacteria or parasites are common causes of acute infections and sometimes cause a lifetime of chronic problems. Food allergies or sensitivities can show up at any age and also cause acute, often intermittent, symptoms. Recent research has even uncovered miscommunication between the intestinal tract and the brain. And yes it’s true that excessive stress and psychological trauma can have a dramatic negative effect, often by shutting down the production and/or release of enzymes and other digestive factors.
Mainstream medicine considers many gastrointestinal disorders to be purely stress related. In my experience, this has rarely been the case. There is often a physical cause (infection, food sensitivity, digestive imbalance) in the vast majority of cases. Once identified, a multi-level treatment approach is targeted at treating the cause while providing quick and effective symptom relief.
Common Intestinal Disorders
- Lactose or other carbohydrate intolerance is the inability of the small intestines to digest sugar molecules in dairy products or other high carbohydrate foods like grains and potato.
- In Celiac disease, wheat or gluten intolerance creates inflammation and destruction of the lining of the small intestine.
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are inflammatory and destructive disease of the large intestines.
- Inflammation of small pockets in the colon wall is called diverticulitis and is often caused by chronic constipation.
- The most frequent diagnosis is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of function characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. IBS is most often dismissed as stress induced.
All of these disorders cause abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel movements, and fatigue. The symptoms can be severe and even become life threatening.
Diagnosis
It is vital to begin with a thorough evaluation including a detailed review of the medical history, a physical examination, and conventional lab testing including imaging, scoping, and biopsy if really needed.
Treatment
- As soon as all data are acquired, Dr. Han will initiate a “symptom relief” plan to make you feel better fast.
- If testing reveals an infection, the next step will be to eradicate the offending bacteria, fungus, or parasite with pharmaceutical and/or botanical medications.
- The third step is to restore the normal ecology and function of the intestines and related digestive organs.
- The final step is oriented to maintaining healthy gastrointestinal function and preventing future problems.