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Gastrointestinal Disease Treatment

Gastrointestinal conditions are characterized as any problem affecting the gastrointestinal or digestive system. The gastrointestinal system involves many different organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The primary role of the gastrointestinal system is to breakdown food into nutrients to provide energy for the body. There are many different types of gastrointestinal diseases, all of which require specific treatments and therapy options. Examples of gastrointestinal conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and many others. A list of the gastrointestinal conditions that Dr. Grewal treats with integrated functional medicine can be found on our services page.

Because the gastrointestinal tract makes up a large portion of our internal organs, digestive conditions have an enormous impact on our overall health. Issues with the mouth, stomach, liver, gallbladder, intestines, pancreas, and rectum are covered by the blanket term of gastrointestinal diseases. While some gastrointestinal conditions are curable, some conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS require life-long medical management to reduce symptoms.

In the United States, it is estimated that 60 – 70 million people are affected by gastrointestinal conditions. This number increases each year, as many more young Americans find themselves struggling with digestive health issues. People diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases are at risk for impaired nutrition, impaired absorption of essential nutrients, and reduced body weight. Chronic gastrointestinal disorders can be very painful and debilitating for patients. Unfortunately, traditional Western medicine does not offer many successful treatment options for chronic gastrointestinal issues.

Stress has a significant impact on the development of gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS. The brain-gut axis is a bidirectional communication pattern between the brain and the gastrointestinal system. When impaired by increased psychological stress, this pathway can lead to the development of a gastrointestinal disorder. Chronic dysfunction of the brain-gut axis results in many adverse health outcomes.

Integrated functional medicine focuses on finding the real source of dysfunction in the body to treat any health condition. By using a science-based and patient-focused approach to treating each patient, integrated functional medicine physicians develop a therapeutic and healing relationship with each client. Rather than treating the symptoms of a condition,  functional medicine GI treatment focuses on correcting the root cause of imbalance to improve overall health. Dr. Grewal, the best integrated functional medicine doctor in the United States, is ready to help you properly heal from your gastrointestinal disorder and take back control of your health! For more information about the benefits of integrated functional medicine, please visit our Center for holistic medicine.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are Gastrointestinal Conditions?

Gastrointestinal conditions affect many different areas of the gastrointestinal system. When functioning correctly, the gastrointestinal system serves to digest the food we eat into essential nutrients. These nutrients are absorbed and converted into energy. When this very complex system malfunctions, there are many negative health impacts. The area of the gastrointestinal affected dictates the symptoms and severity of each digestive health condition.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when stomach acid leaves the stomach and is brought up to the esophagus. Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn and regurgitation. Poorly controlled GERD can result in esophageal bleeds from tissue breakdown from chronic acid exposure. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a painful condition associated with dysfunction of the intestinal tract. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramping and pain, changes in regular digestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Chronic IBS is also linked to depression, anxiety, and acid reflux. Crohn’s disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy intestinal tissue, resulting in chronic inflammation and pain. While it is not currently known exactly what causes Crohn’s disease, family genetics, smoking, and the use of NSAID medications are possible factors that contribute to worsening Crohn’s symptoms.

How Can Functional Medicine Be Used To Treat Gastrointestinal Conditions?

Functional gastrointestinal disorders treatment is an excellent option for those who feel like they have tried everything to get control of their digestive health with no success. Integrated functional medicine practitioners understand the interconnected nature of the human body. Rather than treating surface-level symptoms, Dr. Grewal uses a systems-based approach to conduct a thorough health assessment of each of her clients. By understanding imbalances in the body, she can make corrections to areas that have been neglected and become dysfunctional. Each patient is given a personalized treatment plan to follow to repair their health and reduce the impacts of their gastrointestinal conditions. For more information about integrated functional medicine, please read our blog posts, What is functional medicine, and functional medicine vs integrative medicine.

What Approach Does Dr. Grewal Take On Treating Gastrointestinal Conditions?

Dr. Grewal is the best integrated functional medicine doctor in the United States. By using a systems-based approach to her treatment, Dr. Grewal can conduct a detailed health history on each of her patients. By understanding the interconnected nature of each body system, dysfunctional areas can be found and addressed. Dr. Greal creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient aimed to treat gastrointestinal conditions. Commonly, a patient’s health plan includes making lifestyle changes such as diet and activity changes. It is also common for Dr. Grewal to order various diagnostic tests to get a better understanding of areas of the body that require attention. Being committed to your health plan will result in remarkable improvements in your gastrointestinal condition and overall health!

What Is The Expected Outcome In Using Functional Medicine For Gastrointestinal Conditions?

Integrated medicine is an excellent option for treating chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Functional holistic medicine works – but requires commitment. Functional medicine GI treatment is not a quick fix for health issues. Dr. Grewal wants to help get you back on your feet and help motivate through your treatments with regular follow-up appointments and assessments. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and improvements in your health won’t be either! Dedication to your personalized plan will create long-lasting results that will improve the symptoms of your gastrointestinal condition and overall general health. We would love to help you start your journey to a healthier life with integrated functional medicine!