All diseases that pertain to the gastrointestinal tract are considered by the medical community to be digestive diseases. Sadly, over 85 percent of all adult Americans suffer from some form of intestinal problem. In fact, most nutrient or toxicological conditions can be traced back to a problem in the digestive system. Nutrient deficiencies, pollution, poor diet, dehydration, stress, poor sleeping habits, and lack of exercise are among the long list of contributors to these staggering statistics. Suffering from these conditions causes a myriad of bodily harms, encompassing every cell and organ in the human body. Fortunately, the vast majority of these conditions are entirely preventable and often times easily remedied. Let the caring staff at Balanced Well-Being Healthcare of Fort Collins help! We have the experience and expertise to accurately diagnose your condition and provide fully integrative solutions resulting in an actual cure, not just the treatment of symptoms.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal disturbances include (but are not limited to):

• Insufficient exercise
• Traveling or other changes in routine
• Consuming high volumes of dairy products
• A diet low in fiber or some other nutrient deficiencies
• Being stressed
• Pregnancy
• Resisting the urge to have bowel movements
• Overusing laxatives (over time these can weaken your bowel muscles)
• Taking medicines containing calcium or aluminum (antacids often contain these)
• Taking certain supplements or medications (antidepressants, iron pills, and narcotics are common)

These contributors often lead to what are known as “functional disorders,” or those in which the bowel looks otherwise normal but functions improperly. Functional gastrointestinal problems are the most common and affect the colon and rectum. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one such condition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS (also called spastic colon, leaky gut, irritable colon, or nervous stomach) is a condition in which the colon muscle contracts more easily than in people without the condition. A number of factors can trigger IBS, including certain types of food, certain supplements or medications, and stress. Symptoms of IBS can include abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, excessive gas, and a change in bowel habits such as dramatic shifts away from normal stool. People with IBS commonly experience alternating constipation and diarrhea.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky Gut is a condition in which microbes, waste, or other toxins “leak” through an weaker or excessively permeable gut wall resulting in these toxins moving into the blood stream and other internal areas of the body. This in turn can cause a myriad of problems and insight an immune response. Once your body’s intestinal lining is damaged, it is less able to protect your body’s internal environment, and your ability to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances into your system appropriately will be compromised. The body’s natural response to a compromised intestinal lining may in fact produce additional toxins. For instance, the liver will produces oxygen radicals and carcinogens, and the body’s immune system may overreact causing increased food sensitivities or further damage other organs. The weakening of the gut wall itself may be caused by toxins, poor diet (malnutrition), parasites, infection (viral or bacterial), or medications. Conditions related to Leaky Gut Syndrome include:

• Crohn’s Disease
• Colitis
• Frequent Headaches
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.)
• Irritable Bowel Disease (I.B.D.)
• Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (see below)
• Certain Skin Conditions (ex. Eczema and Psoriasis)
• Food Allergies
• Chronic Indigestion

Removing glutens and casein from diet and decreasing your sugar consumption may help in the treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome. Certain anti-fungal agents, supplements and probiotics are also recommended depending on the nature of the patients condition. For a complete analysis of your own condition, call Balanced Well-Being Healthcare today so we can custom tailor a recovery and wellness plan specifically for you!

Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth

Within each of our digestive systems lives a complex micro-ecosystem of bacteria (roughly 1000 species known) that interact with each other and your body in a symbiotic way allowing you to properly digest your food and keep your digestive system healthy. Typically, these vast microbial populations are kept in balance by gastric acid secretion, intestinal movement, certain immunoglobulins, pancreatic secretions and even each other. The beneficial microbial colonies compete with each other, keeping one another in check so no specific microbial colony dominates. Abnormal pancreatic or immune function, decreased mobility or radical changes in diet, and the introduction of new bacteria into your system can cause this delicate internal balance to break down and allow for the abnormal and excessive growth on one or more types of bacteria. This “takeover” by one or more bacterial species is what we refer to when we say “bacterial outgrowth.”

A recent scientific study found that 36% of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome could trace their disease back to to a small bowel bacterial outgrowth, or Dysbiosis (aka. Dysbacteriosis). This condition can cause severe serious malnutrition and other deficiency syndromes, as well as perpetuate further damage to the digestive system as the dominating bacterial species (outgrowth) continues to damage other bacterial populations. It is currently believed that a small bowel bacterial outgrowth is one of the most misdiagnosed and under diagnosed conditions today.

Colon Cancer Screening

Every year about 130,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of colon cancer. It is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, with advances in early detection and treatment, colon cancer is one of the most easily curable forms of this disease. By using a variety of screening tests, it is possible to prevent, detect, and treat the disease long before any symptoms appear. One of the most troubling aspects of colon cancer is that in its early stages, there are seldom any symptoms. When symptoms do become apparent, the cancer is often in an advanced state. When symptoms do become apparent, they often include blood on or mixed in with the stool, sometimes severe weight loss, irregular bowel habits, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Most cases of colon cancer are detected in one of four ways:

• Screening people at average risk for colon cancer (beginning at age 50)
• Colon screenings in patients with symptoms
• Screening people at higher risk for colon cancer (if you have a personal of family history of cancer)
• A chance finding at a routine checkup

Early detection is always the best chance for a cure. Many gastrointestinal disturbances can be prevented or minimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good bowel habits, and submitting to screening. At Balanced Well-Being Healthcare, we have the experience and expertise to accurately diagnose your condition, and build a solution together based on your unique needs. Please call us today to arrange your initial consultation.