Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

What causes gastrointestinal dysfunction?

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is often the result of the foods we eat not agreeing with our body.

Your gastrointestinal tract involves many organs, including your esophagus, stomach, and intestines that process the foods you eat. Certain foods can cause inflammation in these organs that contribute to gastrointestinal upset and symptoms like boating, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome. 

Food sensitivities or intolerances cause inflammation. Over time the inflammation becomes chronic, leading to many gastrointestinal issues like bathroom emergencies due to diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas.

Other factors that may contribute to gastrointestinal dysfunction include:

• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Eating a low fiber diet
• Use of certain medications

Untreated chronic inflammation can cause severe symptoms and lead to ongoing complications in your gastrointestinal tract.

When should I seek help for gastrointestinal dysfunction?

You should schedule an evaluation at the office of Nancy Feiwel, MD, if you experience persistent or recurrent symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction. These symptoms can include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gas
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn and acid reflux

These symptoms are common reactions to food sensitivities, but determining which foods are causing the problem is impossible without an accurate food sensitivity test, which is Dr. Feiwel’s area of expertise.

What happens during my consultation for gastrointestinal dysfunction?

During your evaluation with Dr. Feiwel, you can expect to discuss your symptoms, your lifestyle and diet, and your medical history.

Dr. Feiwel offers a blood test that identifies which foods are making you sick. This highly sensitive test pinpoints foods that produce an inflammatory reaction in your body to confirm food sensitivities or intolerances. She creates a diet based on the results of your blood test and your symptoms.

The goal of Dr. Feiwel’s lifestyle medicine services is to eliminate food irritants from your diet and introduce foods that fight inflammation. Stopping the cycle of inflammation can significantly resolve your gastrointestinal discomfort and prevent more serious complications.

Over several months, Dr. Feiwel helps you implement a progressive diet into your daily life to reduce inflammation and heal your body. This diet can also support a healthy weight, increase your energy levels, and reduce your risk for diseases caused by chronic inflammation.

Schedule an evaluation online or call the office of Nancy Feiwel, MD, today to resolve your symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction.