Symptoms and Signs of GI Conditions

Gastrointestinal symptoms include bloating, heartburn, indigestion, cramps and more vague abdominal pain, as well as loose stools (diarrhea) or hard/difficult/infrequent stools (constipation.) Diagnoses may include: GERD, esophagitis, ulcers, gallbladder disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Targeted Diagnostic Testing

Often, endoscopy of the upper or lower GI tract is necessary to rule out serious illness such as inflammatory bowel disorders or tumors. If these are negative, we turn to more detailed microscopic and functional testing  to look for specific pathogenic micro-organisms, cellular mechanisms, and inflammatory factors too small to be seen through scopes.

Recommended Treatment Plan Options

Whole Health Solutions always focuses on natural methods to support your body to begin healing without harsh medications. Treating leaky gut, which is often a key component of autoimmune or brain/mood disorders even when there are no gut symptoms, involves “the 5R’s”. These are: 1.) Remove micro-organisms, food intolerances, or other offending agents. 2.) Replace digestive secretions, such as enzymes or hydrochloric acid. 3.) Reinoculate with beneficial bacteria, called probiotics. 4.) Repair the lining of the gut with needed building blocks, anti-inflammatory herbs, and other factors. 5.) Rebalance lifestyle factors contributing to gut dysfunction: Sleep, exercise, and stress can all affect the GI tract. See information on the 5R’s of healing the gut.