Your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) runs from your mouth to your anus. The list of potential afflictions is lengthy due to it being a large, encompassing system. While many conditions could afflict the GI tract, most ailments are preventable, and all are treatable.
Each gastrointestinal issue falls into one of two groups: functional or structural. While vastly different in terms of appearance and causations, they both nonetheless inhibit the functioning of your GI tract and digestion by extension.
WHAT ARE FUNCTION GUT ISSUES?
A hallmark of this branch is miscommunication or the loss of effectiveness in breaking down food. However, the cause for this is still an anomaly. Despite the advances in medicine and technology, the origins of functional gut afflictions are a biological mystery. This Functional diseases can manifest as:
- Constipation
- IBS
- Nausea
- Gas/bloating
- GERD
- Diarrhea
Digestive problems are exceedingly common, happening occasionally but can become more serious concerns if they persist. Roughly half of all cases worldwide are functional and are commonly a result of:
- Low fiber diets
- Stress
- Purposefully delaying bowel movements
- Certain medications
- Consuming large amounts of dairy
STRUCTURAL GUT DISEASE
This disease looks at the GI tract’s exterior and closely examines it for abnormalities. If damage deforms a section rendering it inoperable, surgery will be the only viable remedy.
Symptoms of this classification are:
- Hemorrhoids
- Diverticulitis
- Colitis
- Colorectal cancer
READY FOR A GUT CHECK?
It’s impossible to tell apart the two forms as they share many of the same symptoms. The only chance for effective diagnosis is a comprehensive examination. From there, we can tailor treatment for your case. Seeking help early on is important as gut concerns can negatively impact your metabolism, causing weight gain.
At Palm Beach Health Center, we value your health above all things. It’s our goal to make you feel at home during each visit. You’ll be on a first-name basis with the team in no time. Call us today and overcome your troublesome gut condition and optimize your performance!
