The Hidden Secrets of Your Digestive Health

In a recent study commissioned by AbbVie Pharmaceuticals and shared by Fox News, it was revealed that nearly three-quarters of the entire U.S. population suffers digestive health issues. Even though digestive health problems are quite common, many patients are reluctant to mention them to their medical professionals. Did you know most of your current and unforeseen health conditions are related to your digestive health? Read on to learn about common intestinal, stomach or digestive concerns to share with your family doctor.

Many medical studies and research prove that there is such a strong connection between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and several other conditions such as:

• Allergies

• Migraines

• Fluctuating weight

• Joint pain

• Auto-immune diseases

• Fatigue

• Mental clarity

Before the connection can be explained, you may need to familiarize yourself with these common GI issues:

• IBS – irritable Bowel Syndrome, which causes both constipation and diarrhea and correlates with mental clarity of stress, anxiety. This often is treated with stomach relaxers, over-the-counter fiber supplements and even probiotics

• Crohn’s Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis, describes an inflammatory bowel disease which affects the bowel walls or lining and can result in severe abdominal cramps, persistent diarrhea and unfinished waste disposal. Because this is an ongoing condition that deals with inflammation, you may receive treatment of cortisone steroids, antibiotics, aminosalicylates and or/immunomodulators to help manage symptoms and provide healing from severe inflammation damage

• Celiac Disease – this is a GI condition that is caused by a gluten-intolerance with symptoms including several abdominal pain, vomiting or chronic diarrhea and even abdominal bloating! There are other symptoms as well, and many of these vary widely between patients. Treatment typically includes a change of diet and replenishment of deficiencies such as iron, vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc, calcium or folate. Celiac Disease is also common with other auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and certain thyroid diseases

• Gastric Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) is most commonly known as acid reflux or heartburn, and this condition affects at least 20 million individuals within the United States. Burning sensations in the chest and regurgitation of stomach acid are the most common symptoms, but the list grows to include chronic sore throat, dysphagia (where one feels like food is stuck in the esophagus) and even belching. This is treatable with over-the-counter medications, as well as other therapy methods. There is some connection to GERD and non-seasonal asthma, aspiration pneumonia and dental damage

The staff at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic looks out for your complete well-being. If we are unaware that you are experiencing any digestive discomfort, we may be unable to provide the most thorough diagnosis and treatment. Remember to tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms, aches, pains or other issues, no matter how minor you think they may be.

Once a condition is determined, the physicians at our walk-in medical facilities in Phoenix use an integrative medicine approach to provide well-rounded treatment for you. We take a combination of traditional medical treatments along with holistic or naturopathic methods to help individuals better manage their symptoms as well as heal naturally in completion depending on condition diagnosis.

If you have further questions about digestive health or integrative medicine, feel free to call any of our Phoenix family clinicsfor more information!

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic has been a board-certified family practice in the Valley for over 20 years. We love to share health information and tips in our social media. Feel free to check out our Facebook or Twitter!

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