How can I tell if I have a digestive disorder?
Digestive disorders impair the function of your digestive system. When it functions normally, you process and derive nutrients from the food you eat before expelling the remnants as waste. The food you eat travels through your gastrointestinal tract, passing through your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Digestive disorders interrupt the process of digestion and can result in a range of symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Unintentional weight loss
Causes of digestive disorders can vary, and there may be more than one factor causing or worsening your digestive issues. You might experience a digestive disorder due to an inflammatory condition, unbalanced diet, bacterial overgrowth, or improper medication use. An untreated digestive disorder can affect nutrient absorption and lead to malnutrition.
What are some of the most common digestive disorders?
Elemental Acupuncture provides traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for some of the most common conditions affecting the function of your digestive tract. You can contact Elemental Acupuncture for alternative and complementary treatments for:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic (long-term) condition that typically has unknown causes. You might experience persistent symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, and bloating due to intestinal contractions, high stress, or issues with the nerves in your intestines.
Candida
Candida is a type of fungal overgrowth that can occur in your gut and digestive tract. Alongside typical digestive symptoms, it can cause fatigue and mouth ulcers.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease causing long-term inflammation in the intestines. The most common area of inflammation for people with Crohn’s disease is the small intestine, but inflammation can occur anywhere along the digestive tract.
Parasites
Parasites such as tapeworms or protozoa can invade your digestive tract in several ways, including eating undercooked meat or swimming in contaminated waters.
How do acupuncture and Chinese medicine treat digestive disorders?
Acupuncture restores balance to your digestive system’s function to regulate your bowel movements and alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramps. The treatments can:
- Reduce excessive acid production
- Increase digestive enzyme production
- Improve food digestion
- Prevent malnutrition
Based on your condition and its severity, Dr. Leddy might also give you customized treatment with herbal medicines.
To find out how traditional Chinese medicine can treat your digestive disorder, call Elemental Acupuncture or book an appointment online today.
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