Gastrointestinal illness typically manifests in some combination of abdominal pain, bloating/gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Because the gut is central to our absorption of nutrients and the functioning of the immune system, and is connected via efferent and afferent vagal connections with the brain, GI illness may also result in a variety of other system dysfunctions – musculoskeletal, cognitive/emotional, autonomic, skin, and chronic illness.
In approaching GI and associated conditions, it is important to take a systematic approach based on an understanding of or hypothesis about what is wrong. Sometimes functional testing is helpful in informing this – stool or breath testing, or functional imaging. Other times, empirical treatment directed at specified aspects of gut function and disorder may be appropriate. Mind/body connections are often also of critical importance in GI conditions.
As an integrative practice, we have a wealth of experience in sorting out gastrointestinal issues.