Gastrointestinal Conditions Treatment in Minnesota

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What are Gastrointestinal Conditions?

At Newbridge Health & Wellness, we treat a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions using an evidence-based and whole-person approach. GI conditions refer to a variety of disorders involving the digestive system, which includes the organs and tissues involved in breaking down food for the use of proteins, carbohydrates, fats micronutrients, and water that the body can use for energy production. The digestive system also assists with separating and removing wastes to be eliminated from the body.

The entire GI system is made up of a range of vital organs which include:

• Mouth
• Throat (Esophagus)
• Stomach
• Small intestine 
• Large intestine 
• Rectum
• Anus

In addition, the GI tract also incorporates processes from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. And common digestive disorders vary considerably in scope. However, though many symptoms of GI conditions are particular to a specific condition, many are also universal.

Common GI Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas & Bloating
• Constipation
• Cramping
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Loss of appetite
• Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
• Fatigue 
• Fecal incontinence
• Diarrhea  
• Gastroparesis (Slow motility)

It’s also important to note that any time you see blood in your stool in association with these symptoms, this is a clear indicator to contact your practitioner.

Multiple factors may underlie gastrointestinal disorders including diet and lifestyle, medications, exposure to toxins and chemicals, and other health issues such as Type 1 diabetes. At Newbridge Health & Wellness, we consider your complete health history to build a clear picture of how to move forward with treatment.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is characterized by pain in the abdomen usually related to bowel movements. Changes or disruptions of normal bowel movements such as constipation and diarrhea may also indicate IBS. In addition, you may also exhibit these symptoms without any visible damage or detectable disease in your digestive system. 

Changes to diet and nutrition are often recommended as a possible solution to IBS, though you may also be prescribed medicines, probiotics, mental health therapies, or encouraged to make lifestyle changes as a form of treatment.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that is often indicated by inflammation or irritation in the digestive tract. 

Common symptoms include diarrhea, cramps, and pain in the abdomen in addition to the loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. This condition has a variety of treatments that may include a combination of medicines, diet and nutrition modification, and other methods designed to decrease the inflammation in your digestive tract. 

Ulcerative Colitis 

Another form of chronic IBD, Ulcerative Colitis occurs due to abnormal immune system reactions which can cause ulcers and inflammation in the inner lining of the large intestine. The condition can develop at any age but is most common in people age 15 to 30.

Common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. In addition, this condition can cause a loss of appetite and a lack of proper nutrition. Treatment typically includes medicines and nutrition modification to help reduce inflammation, as well as surgery in some extreme cases.

C. Diff

C. diff, otherwise known as Clostridiodes difficile, is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon (colitis) and diarrhea – and has been known to be contracted after extended hospital stays. However, C. diff can be contracted by anyone and can also occur after you’ve been taking antibiotics.

Symptoms of C. diff may also include fever, tenderness in the abdomen, stomach pain, nausea, and a loss of appetite. The condition is also contagious and may require close monitoring of the condition, medicines, along with changes to diet to balance the gut microbiome. 

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune condition that is caused by eating gluten – a substance found in rye, barley, wheat, or any food made from these ingredients. This condition can damage the lining of your small intestine and cause the inability to absorb vital nutrients and minerals from food. 

Celiac disease can develop at any point – from infancy to adulthood – and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, foul-smelling stools, weight loss, and lactose intolerance. Treatment includes strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. 

Diverticulitis 

Diverticulitis is caused when Diverticula – small, pouch-like formations – form in the lining of the digestive tract, most often in the lower part of the large intestine. These formations are common in people after age 40 but can cause problems when they become inflamed or infected. 

Diverticulitis can cause extreme abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and cause a significant change in bowel movements. Pain can persist for several days in severe conditions, and is often treated with diet and nutrition modification, antibiotics, rest, and lifestyle changes.

Would You Like to Learn More About How Functional Medicine Can Help with Gastrointestinal Conditions?