Possible Causes of Digestive System Problems and Recommended Treatments

This blog post is adapted from information by Vitalia Naturopathic

Each year, approximately 20 million people are affected by digestive disorders in Canada, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Gas, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, loose stools, and heartburn are among the most common digestive system ailments that occur.

Problems can occur in different parts of the digestive tract. The causes of symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and heartburn are not always clear. In some instances, low levels of stomach acid, low digestive enzymes, low bile production, and intestinal mobility issues may contribute to digestive symptoms.

Another common culprit of digestive problems is an overgrowth of fungus within the small or large intestine. As the amount of fungus grows, symptoms like acid reflux, gas, constipation, and bloating may occur. Some studies indicate that 25 percent of people with unexplained digestive problems have an overgrowth of fungus in the small intestine. (2)

In addition to fungus, bacteria can also cause digestive problems. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. It is estimated that up to 78 percent of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also suffer from SIBO. (3)

Symptoms of Digestive Problems

Digestive disorders like IBS and SIBO can cause a range of symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal bloating (especially after meals)
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive burping
• Excessive flatulence
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Sensation of fullness (slow digestion after meals)
• Loose stools and/or constipation
• Bowel urgency
• Floating stools (presence of fat in stools)
• Undigested food in stool

Nearly any food can aggravate digestive disorder symptoms. Therefore, it can be very difficult to determine what foods are causing side effects.

If you find that your symptoms get worse after eating foods high in sugar or fiber, consider testing for SIBO. In some cases, eating healthier can make symptoms worse. You should also consider SIBO if probiotics or fermented foods tend to make your symptoms worse.

Associated Medical Conditions

Digestive problems, including SIBO, may also be associated with other medical conditions, such as:

• Chronic iron deficiency
• Chronic B12 deficiency
• Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
• Elevated liver enzymes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (4)
• Rosacea (5)
• Interstitial cystitis (6)
• Hypothyroidism (including Hashimotos) (7)
• Restless leg syndrome (8)
• Histamine intolerance
• Acne
• Eczema

Some studies have also found a higher incidence of IBS in patients with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. (9) (10) In studies conducted on children with both autism and SIBO, research found that SIBO may be associated with the symptoms of autism. (11)

Treatment for Digestive Problems

Treatment for digestive problems is based on where the deficiencies are found. The initial phase of treatment focuses on digestive support and may include bitters, digestive enzymes, treatment of low stomach acid, or reduction of high stomach acid. Removal of foods that have been found to irritate the gut is also recommended. In cases of SIBO, a low FODMAP diet may be used.

The second phase of treatment involves treating any fungal or bacterial overgrowth. Herbal preparations have been found effective in treating symptoms of SIBO. (13) Herbs such as garlic, berberine, myrrh, thyme, and emulsified oregano are most commonly used.

Vitalia Health Care offers a wide variety of diagnostic tests, such as urine, stool, and breath samples, to target the possible underlying causes of digestive health ailments. The Naturopathic Doctors on the team will work with you directly to develop a treatment strategy to help treat the root cause of your digestive problems. Learn more about Vitalia Health at vitaliahealthcare.ca