Why is digestive health important?

Why this resource is helpful:

"Your digestive system breaks down nutrients that your body can absorb and use for energy, cell repair, and growth. When your digestive health is out of alignment, this process stops functioning properly, making it difficult for your body to absorb and use carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.



Because digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea often fluctuate, many patients don"t realize they"re experiencing digestive health problems until their condition has advanced.

What are the symptoms of digestive health problems?
Some of the most common digestive symptoms to watch out for include:

Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach cramps
Feeling full or heavy
Bloody stool
Acid reflux
Weight loss or weight gain
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Difficulty swallowing

Depending on your condition, general fatigue, depression, or even acne can accompany digestive problems.

What are some common digestive health conditions?
Dr. Chang diagnoses and treats a number of digestive health conditions at his office, such as:

Leaky gut
Also called increased intestinal permeability, leaky gut is a digestive condition in which bacteria and other toxins begin penetrating the intestinal wall, which can allow them to enter the bloodstream.

Food allergies
Food allergies are the body"s immune response to a certain food. For example, if you have a peanut allergy, you may suffer from severe reactions like anaphylaxis or hives when in contact with food that contains peanuts. Those with severe food allergies typically know about their reactions and carry an EpiPen as a preventive measure."

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