Every now and then, digestive problems occur. These problems take different forms, ranging from frequent stooling to bloating and acid reflux. While these symptoms may seem minor, they may be a sign of digestive diseases.
Digestive diseases affect different parts of the gastrointestinal system and may be acute or chronic, functional or structural. These diseases have their own triggers and symptoms, but they often share overlapping causes, such as inflammation, food sensitivities, and imbalanced gut flora.
Thankfully, many digestive issues respond well to natural interventions. With the right combination of dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplements, many individuals experience improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being.
If you’re experiencing digestive problems, your gut may be trying to tell you something. Discover more about common digestive disorders, including their symptoms, root causes, and a path to natural healing.
What Are Digestive Diseases?
Digestive diseases are conditions that affect the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract, which comprises the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus. The digestive tract also includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Digestive diseases affect up to 70 million people in the US, accounting for hundreds of billions in hospital costs.
There are various types of digestive diseases, which are typically classified based on their duration and the structures they affect.
- Based on duration, digestive diseases can be classified as chronic or acute. Chronic digestive disorders last for extended periods, ranging from a few months to several years. Acute digestive diseases last for shorter periods, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Based on affected structures, digestive disorders can be divided into functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and organic gastrointestinal disorders. Functional GI disorders cause GI symptoms without structural or anatomical abnormalities, while organic GI disorders can be traced to structural problems in the GI tract.
Digestive disorders can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the specific condition and the affected part of the digestive tract. Common digestive disorder symptoms include bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. s
There are several different types of digestive diseases, but some occur more frequently than others. Below are 7 common digestive diseases, along with their symptoms and natural treatments.
Struggling with ongoing digestive issues? Explore our gut health and restoration care to better understand what’s affecting your digestion.
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when the stomach contents move backward into the esophagus (food pipe) or beyond (such as the oral cavity, larynx, and lungs). The stomach contents are acidic, and the backflow of this acid causes heartburn and inflammation.
According to estimates from the Temple University School of Medicine, up to 20% of the population has GERD. 6% of US adults have a severe form of the condition. These figures make GERD one of the most common digestive disorders.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Common symptoms of GERD include:
- Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest that is usually worse when lying down
- Acid regurgitation, characterized by a backwash of sour liquid into the throat
- Nausea
- Swallowing difficulties
Less common GERD symptoms include:
- Feeling a lump in the throat
- Increased salivation
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Hoarseness
Natural Treatments for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Lifestyle changes and home remedies may be enough to relieve most GERD symptoms. Using supplements can further help in reducing the frequency and severity of cases.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can help manage GERD. They include:
- Losing excess weight
- Raising the head of the bed by about 6 to 9 inches if symptoms are worse at night
- Eating dinner at least 2 hours before sleeping
- Avoiding trigger foods, such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and spices
- Adopting mindful eating practices, like eating slowly and thoroughly chewing
- Reducing food portions
- Quitting smoking
Supplements
Dietary supplements, such as ginger, peppermint, and caraway oil, can help alleviate GERD symptoms, including heartburn and nausea. Probiotics may also reduce GERD symptoms by stabilizing the gut and reducing regurgitation. Melatonin has also shown promise in reducing symptoms of GERD.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits. IBS presents in 3 major forms: IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant), IBS-C (constipation-predominant), and IBS-M (mixed type). The overall prevalence of IBS ranges from 3.8% to 10.1%.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
General stomach discomfort is the broadest symptom of IBS, and it may present in various ways. The type of IBS may influence the exact symptoms a person experiences. Here are the common IBS symptoms.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue or fibromyalgia
- Painful sexual intercourse
Natural treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a curable condition, but the right natural treatment strategies for IBS can adequately manage it. These strategies include:
Dietary Modifications
Removing common triggers, such as gluten, dairy, caffeine, and processed foods, can help. A low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet is often effective in managing symptoms. Foods low in FODMAPs include bananas, blueberries, oats, corn, brown rice, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Increasing intake of soluble fiber from oats, beans, fruits, and certain vegetables also supports gut health and reduces IBS symptoms. Removing foods high in gluten, dairy, beef, pork, and caffeine can also further support the gut and help manage IBS.
Supplements
Probiotics (live organisms that have beneficial effects) help maintain gut flora balance and reduce IBS symptoms. Examples of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha. Peppermint oil may help alleviate abdominal pain, while fiber supplements can ease constipation.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting on any supplement if you have other underlying health conditions, especially of the gut.
Lifestyle Changes
Stress reduction is a crucial component of the natural treatment for IBS. Practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, mindfulness, and massage therapy all have distinct benefits in reducing stress and, in turn, contributing to IBS management. Regular physical activity can also help relieve stress.
3. Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum, characterized by ulcers and recurring inflammation. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract) affecting more than 600,000 people in the United States.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can cause gastrointestinal and general-body symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Bloody stool
- Mucus or pus in stool
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Nocturnal defecations
- Urgency to defecate
- Persistent bowel movement urges (even with empty bowels)
- Weight loss, fever, and nausea (in severe cases)
Natural Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis
The treatment goal of ulcerative colitis is to induce and maintain remission (an improvement in symptoms) in patients. Below are the primary natural treatment approaches of UC for achieving remission.
Nutritional Therapy
The “5-Rs” program is a nutritional therapy that functional health practitioners use to manage ulcerative colitis. The Rs stand for Remove, Replace, Re-inoculate, Repair, Rebalance.
This program eliminates inflammatory foods (such as refined sugars and red meat), introduces anti-inflammatory foods (like leafy greens and fatty fish), incorporates probiotics into the diet, repairs the gut lining with vitamins and supplements, and establishes a long-term, balanced diet.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients should eliminate harmful habits such as smoking and reduce exposure to toxins. At the same time, some lifestyle habits should be adopted. These include mindfulness practices and stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and exercise.
4. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease is also a type of inflammatory bowel disease, affecting close to 400,000 people in the US.
The main difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is the site of inflammation. Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract (from the mouth to the anus), while inflammation in ulcerative colitis is limited to the large intestine and rectum.
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease are generally digestive and related to the gastrointestinal tract. However, as the condition progresses, other general-body symptoms may arise.
Here are the common digestive symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Mouth sores
- Anal infections
The general symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Joint pain
- Redness in the skin and eyes
- Rashes
- Kidney stones
- Bile duct inflammation
- Growth delays in children
Natural Treatments for Crohn’s Disease
The treatment goal of Crohn’s disease is to induce and maintain remission, as is the case with other inflammatory bowel diseases. Specific cohns disease treatment strategies are highlighted below.
Dietary Changes
Avoid pro-inflammatory foods, such as red meat and refined sugars. Include anti-inflammatory foods (like leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts) and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut to support gut health.
Supplements
The use of supplements in Crohn’s disease serves three main functions: targeting malnutrition and vitamin deficiency, improving overall immune function, and relieving some patient symptoms. Common supplements health practitioners recommend for these purposes are:
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and B9 (folic acid)
- Vitamins A, C, E, and D
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Iron
Ensure you consult with your healthcare provider before using any of these supplements.
Lifestyle Modifications
Some lifestyle habits (like smoking, drinking, and environmental exposure to toxins) can increase inflammation levels in the body, which may worsen Crohn’s disease. These lifestyle habits should be avoided.
Likewise, adopting lifestyle habits that can help combat inflammation is also beneficial. These include healthy eating, regular physical activity, relaxation practices, and the responsible use of medication.
5. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive or imbalanced bacteria colonize the small intestine, leading to a range of digestive and non-digestive symptoms. Common causes of SIBO include motility disorders, reduced gastric acid secretion, structural abnormalities, and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Some of the digestive symptoms of SIBO are:
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Altered bowel habits
The extraintestinal symptoms of SIBO include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Anemia
- Unexpected weight loss
- Anxiety
- Acne
- Depression
Natural Treatments for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
The natural treatments of SIBO include dietary modifications, antimicrobial herbs, and supplements.
Diet
Adopt a low-FODMAP diet to limit the growth of excess bacteria and improve abdominal symptoms. Foods low in FODMAPs include tomatoes, rice, fish, nuts and seeds, bananas, and oats.
Certain foods, like garlic, onions, and beans, can also trigger symptoms in SIBO patients. Limiting their intake and focusing on more well-tolerated foods can also help reduce symptoms.
Antimicrobial Herbs
Plant-based antimicrobials, such as oregano, berberine, and thyme, can reduce the bacterial load in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show they may be as effective as conventional antibiotics (such as rifaximin) but with fewer side effects. You should seek professional advice before using antimicrobial plants, as the wrong plant or plant part can exacerbate the issue.
Supplements
Due to nutrient and vitamin malabsorption, supplementing vitamins A, B12, D, and E is an essential aspect of SIBO management. Digestive enzymes and antimicrobial supplements may also provide relief. Before starting any natural regimen, speak to your healthcare provider.
6. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools at least three times in 24 hours. It is classified as acute (less than 2 weeks) or chronic (longer than 4 weeks). Acute cases are usually caused by infections, contaminated food or water, or medications, while chronic cases are linked to conditions like IBS, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or food allergies.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
The poster symptom for diarrhea is frequent, watery stools. However, other symptoms may accompany diarrhea, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Urgent need to defecate
- Headaches
- Appetite loss
Natural Treatments for Diarrhea
Natural remedies can effectively ease symptoms of acute diarrhea. Chronic cases often require more specialized care, in addition to these natural treatments, which typically begins with an investigation into the condition’s cause.
Here are some natural treatment strategies for managing diarrhea:
Diet
A bland diet can reduce gut irritation and improve diarrhea symptoms. The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) diet is commonly used, especially in the first 2 days. This diet can be expanded later to include plain cereals, skinless poultry, boiled vegetables, and broth. Avoiding greasy, spicy, and high-fiber foods can also help with diarrhea symptoms.
Hydration
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, and coconut water help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. A homemade ORS (1 liter of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt) is a useful alternative when commercial products are unavailable.
Supplements
Zinc reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea. Probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, support the gut microbiota (the normal microorganisms in the gut) and aid in recovery. Glutamine supplements can promote the repair of the intestinal lining and reduce symptoms.
7. Abdominal Bloating
Abdominal bloating is a common digestive complaint marked by a sensation of fullness or tightness in the stomach, sometimes accompanied by visible swelling. It affects 1 in 3 people and may occur on its own or as a symptom of other digestive diseases like IBS.
Symptoms of Abdominal Bloating
The symptoms of bloating include:
- Fullness or tightness in the stomach
- Visible swelling or distension of the stomach
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Excessive gas, flatulence, or burping
- Abdominal noise and rumbling
Natural Treatments for Abdominal Bloating
Different natural strategies can help relieve bloating symptoms. They include the following:
Dietary Modifications
Reduce high-FODMAP foods (such as garlic, onions, beans, and dairy) and opt for low-FODMAP alternatives, including cucumbers, potatoes, rice, and eggs. A personalized dietary plan may offer the best results.
Dietary supplements can also help relieve gas and improve digestion. These supplements include:
- Probiotics (help restore gut flora balance)
- Kiwifruit extract (aids in protein digestion and bowel movement)
- Moxa leaves (help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating)
Lifestyle Modifications
Eating slowly, staying hydrated, avoiding chewing gum, and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the amount of swallowed air and improve symptoms. For hydration, stick to water and limit your intake of sodas and alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Prevent Digestive Diseases?
Yes, you can prevent many digestive diseases by eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, staying physically active, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices. While some digestive problems may still arise even with these preventive strategies, their severity and frequency are much reduced.
A healthy diet in the context of preventing digestive disorders includes a lot of fiber (from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains), as well as gut-friendly substances like probiotics. Furthermore, exercising, quitting smoking, maintaining proper food hygiene, getting sufficient sleep, and incorporating relaxation practices can all support a healthy digestive system.
Do You Need Surgery for Digestive Diseases?
No, most digestive diseases do not require surgery, and health practitioners only consider the surgical route when other treatments have failed. A well-balanced diet and lifestyle can help manage many common digestive disorders.
Most digestive cases that require surgery are due to a structural abnormality, like bowel obstruction, obstruction of blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, and a rupture or puncture of digestive organs. Functional gastrointestinal disorders (like irritable bowel syndrome and functional indigestion) are unlikely to require surgery.
How are Digestive Diseases Diagnosed?
Digestive diseases are mainly diagnosed through clinical examinations, imaging techniques, endoscopy, and specific tests. Clinical examinations are the most basic diagnostic procedure, typically involving an assessment of symptoms and the patient’s medical history.
The next step includes imaging and endoscopy tests (like magnetic resonance enterography, computed tomography scans, virtual colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound). For more specific diagnoses, healthcare practitioners may require further specialized tests, like an IBD disk.
What Is the First Sign That You Have a Digestive Disorder?
The first sign that you have a digestive disorder is the appearance of digestive symptoms. These symptoms include abdominal bleeding, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, fecal incontinence, pain, swallowing difficulties, and vomiting. Virtually all digestive disorders present with at least one of these symptoms. The exact symptoms you experience can then help in reaching a specific diagnosis.
Conclusion
The natural treatment of common digestive diseases typically entails making the proper dietary and lifestyle modifications.
For a personalized diet and lifestyle plan, you can visit the Bay Clinic of Chiropractic in Panama City, Florida. Under the leadership of Dr. Tony Salamay, the Clinic will thoroughly assess your condition and symptoms to determine the best option for long-term, holistic management of your condition. You can reach us at (850) 785-9372 or via email at info@thebaydoctor.com.
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