Gastrointestinal Diseases (GI) involve the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and rectum. The accessory organs which can be affected by problems in the GI tract are the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
The GI system is designed to process nutrients and energy from food and fluid. It breaks down the food into its component parts carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber. When the GI system is impaired these functions are reduced which results in nutritional deficits. It can be mild or serious depending on the person and covers a wide variety of symptoms.
GI problems impair the digestion of foods in different ways.
Digestion of food can be reduced so fewer nutrients can be converted properly. Food may be digested properly but nutrients may not be absorbed into the bloodstream. Finally, food and nutrients may be expelled too soon or specific nutrients and fluids lost through feces.
Because of the variety of problems which can result the symptoms can be extensive.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Heartburn, indigestion, dyspepsia, acid reflux
- Gas, bloating, constipation, belching, bloating, flatulence
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Abdominal Pain Syndrome
- Gallbladder and Biliary tract disorders
- Gallstones/Pancreatitis
- Gallstones in women /defecation problems
- Diarrhea acute or chronic
- Hemorrhoids and other anal disorders
- Obesity
- Circulatory problems
- Stomach pain
Fatigue and dehydration
Once problems begin in the digestive tract then trouble can affect the accessory organs.
The Accessory Organs
Digestive tract
The first line of defence in the body is the digestive tract. It includes stomach acid, digestive enzymes, mucosal barriers, lymphatic tissue, immune cells and lots and lots of bugs. These bugs generally live symbiotically in the digestive tract. The beneficial effects include improved digestion, nutrient absorption, vitamin production, production of beneficial compounds which address such things as weight management and mood management, immune system health as well as digestive aids. When these microbes go out of alignment then the problems begin.
Liver
This is the largest internal organ and is very powerful. It filters toxins from the bloodstream and is the only organ which can repair its own damaged tissue. It has additional symptoms which relate directly to the liver such as easy bruising, fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, Jaundice, abdominal pain, personality changes, persistent vomiting.
Gallbladder
This is a little sac that stores bile from the liver. It’s just beneath the liver. Usually, the gallbladder just does its job releasing bile via the cystic duct into the small intestine to help break down the foods. Gallstones are one of the major problems of the gallbladder. These can lie dormant forever or activate block the cystic duct which causes great pain. The inflamed gallbladder can occur as a result of gallstones and if continuing to re-occur the gallbladder will become rigid and scarred. Symptoms include indigestion, increased bile, chronic diarrhea and increased gas.
Pancreas
The pancreas is responsible for breaking down everything you eat. Pancreatitis occurs when the organ can no longer support digesting these foods and the enzymes begin to eat away at the pancreas instead of decomposing the heavy proteins which is its job. Symptoms include nausea and then pain. You can feel like your head is spinning or feel like you are going to fall over frequently. This usually occurs after the onset of pain.
What to do
It is important with any gastrointestinal symptoms to get a proper medical checkup to find out exactly what the problem is.
At the Urban Integrative IV and Detox Clinic we are uniquely equipped to diagnose and help treat in the best way possible, helping the system to build back a healthy relationship with all its many parts.
Please contact us at (416)463-2911 to book an appointment.