Gastrointestinal Disorders

Many people search for years on end to find answers to why their gut is at odds with their body. Finding or excluding an accurate medical diagnosis is the first step to understanding the war in your gut. With that understanding we can then examine foods with an evidence-based analysis of which are likely to be contributing to the symptoms. By modifying the diet and making other lifestyle changes you can call a truce with your gut and find the peace that will allow you to live a fruitful, productive life without spending most of the day troubled by your body and the reactions it has to foods. 

The following are examples of how we can utilize diet intervention in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. By modifying what goes into the body, many symptoms can be successfully managed and quality of life can be immensely improved.

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Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder characterized by intestinal damage and systemic inflammation from eating wheat, barley, and rye. 

Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac) also requires a strict gluten-free diet. It is important to differentiate gluten sensitivity from FODMAP/fructan sensitivity, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Other Diet Changes

Individuals suffering from malnutrition and trauma to their GI tract - including from substance abuse, eating disorders, infections, inflammatory bowel disease and surgery - often benefit from modifying diet to give the GI tract time to heal itself. Intestinal villi and digestive enzymes are compromised in these situations, causing food to be inadequately digested and absorbed. Gut bacteria and nervous system sensitivity are also altered, which greatly contribute to negative symptoms. Temporarily, modifying food intake can make the reintegration of food easier in a person's life. 

Low FODMAP Elimination Diet

Many carbohydrates in our diet are also eaten by gut bacteria, leading to a combination of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Some individuals are very sensitive to the effects of these gut bacteria, however, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Modifying fiber and carbohydrate intake and treating any coexisting bacterial imbalances are key to reducing symptoms in these cases. The Low FODMAP diet is meant to be individually tailored and temporary to allow as much freedom with food as possible. 

Fructose or Lactose Free Diet

Lactose and fructose are the two most commonly malabsorbed carbohydrates. When not fully absorbed in the small intestine, these small sugars make their way down to the large intestine, meanwhile pulling water into the colon and providing food for gut bacteria to feast on. The result - diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping for us!