Digestive Disorders in Grapevine, TX

Have you experienced the vicious cycles of digestive disorders and are unsure how to heal your digestive tract? At Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, we can illustrate to you how important it is to heal a digestive disorder, starting with proper nutrition. Our team of physicians is well-versed in digestive disorders and protocols to heal a troubled lining of the digestive tract. 

At any point in your life, you could have an unhealthy digestive tract from traditional medications like antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapy, and antacids. Lifestyle choices — such as excessive consumption of alcohol, eating too much sugar, living with chronic stress, and other detrimental behaviors — can only make your health and digestive disorder worse. Not to mention, you may also have chronic constipation, exposure to a bacterial infection, toxic chemicals, a parasite, a fungal infection, a food intolerance, or various other conditions that may be undiagnosed. The great news is that, for most patients, the intestinal wall is highly regenerative. By giving your digestive tract a break from irritants, it may heal within a few days. However, if you have extensive damage, you will probably need more time to heal. We can help you find solutions through integrative medicine that aims to improve your body’s overall health. Get started with a consultation today!

When you have a leaky gut, not only do oversized, undigested food particles enter the bloodstream but so do bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. When this happens, an alarm goes off in the immune system, which builds antibodies against these foreign molecules. This leads to a vicious cycle of allergic and autoimmune responses. Every time someone with a leaky gut eats something, there is a lot of stress on their body. The longer this leaky gut and incomplete digestion exist, the less the body's systems are able to function correctly. If you suspect that you have a digestive disorder, we recommend that you see a physician.

There are many possible causes of digestive disorders that interfere with the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Some common factors include a poor diet, stress, food allergies or sensitivities, medications, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain genetic conditions. In some cases, however, no specific cause can be identified. Our professionals at the Kotsanis Institute are highly trained and experienced in helping to identify the underlying causes of digestive disorders and provide treatment options to help manage symptoms.

What are the signs of a leaky gut? Issues with digestion — such as excessive gas, bloating, recurrent diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome — might be signs of a leaky gut. However, the following might also indicate a digestive disorder:

• Allergies or asthma
• Hormonal imbalances
• Autoimmune disorders: Hashimoto’s, lupus, psoriasis, celiac
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression and anxiety
• Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dermatological issues: acne, rosacea, or eczema
• Candida overgrowth/recurrent yeast infections
• Food allergies

Diagnosing digestive disorders typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examinations, and various diagnostic tests. Physicians start by gathering detailed information about the patient's symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and medical history. This is followed by a physical examination to check for abdominal tenderness, swelling, or other signs of digestive issues. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests, stool tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to detect abnormalities in the digestive tract. Endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, allow direct visualization of the gastrointestinal tract and enable tissue biopsies for further analysis. In some cases, specialized tests like breath tests or motility studies are conducted to assess specific digestive functions. Combining these methods helps physicians accurately diagnose the underlying digestive disorder and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing digestive disorders. Lifestyle choices such as consuming a diet high in processed foods, lacking in fiber, and excessive intake of fatty or spicy foods can predispose individuals to digestive issues. Chronic stress and insufficient physical activity also contribute significantly to digestive health problems. Age is another factor, as older adults are more prone to conditions like diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. Family history plays a crucial role, as having close relatives with digestive disorders can elevate one's risk. Additionally, long-term use of certain medications, including NSAIDs and antibiotics, can disrupt the digestive system. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and obesity further increase the risk of developing digestive disorders. Finally, environmental factors like exposure to certain toxins and infections can also contribute to the onset of these conditions.

Our team of physicians firmly believes that the cornerstone of any health program is adequate and proper nutrition. Because of the important role nutrition plays in your health, energy levels, wellness, and anti-aging process, we will encourage you to begin with a nutritional assessment as a baseline for future treatment recommendations.

Our goal is to ensure that your body gets the necessary fuel needed to function properly. We talk with you privately about your nutritional assessment as it pertains to your current health, eating habits, sleeping routine, lifestyle, level of stress, and more. We may also request some other diagnostic tests (like blood work) to rule out other medical explanations for your symptoms. Then, we can design a program for your digestive disorder and your overall nutritional needs. This highly individualized plan is designed to help naturally fight fatigue, increase energy levels, and improve your overall health through nutrition, elimination of digestive tract irritants, and supplementation.

How many people have a digestive disorder?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 60 – 70 million Americans are affected by some type of digestive disorder.

What are the most common digestive disorders?

The most common digestive disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), lactose intolerance, cancer, peptic ulcers, Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and hiatal hernia.

When should you see a doctor for digestive problems?

You should seek medical help if you:

• Vomit blood
• Experience pain or difficulty swallowing
• Have persistent heartburn that won’t go away, even with extended medication use
• Experience unusual, persistent stomach or belly pain
• Have an unexplained weight loss of more than 10 pounds
• Pass black or bloody stools
• Have persistent diarrhea
• Experience chronic constipation

How does stress impact digestive health?

Stress has a profound impact on digestive health, often exacerbating existing conditions or triggering new symptoms. The gut-brain connection means that psychological stress can lead to physical symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Chronic stress can also affect the gut microbiota, leading to imbalances that can contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help alleviate these digestive issues.

How important is hydration for digestive health?

Hydration is crucial for maintaining digestive health. Water helps break down food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed effectively. It also softens stool, making it easier to pass and preventing constipation. Inadequate fluid intake can lead to digestive discomfort and exacerbate conditions like constipation and bloating. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, along with consuming hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables, supports optimal digestive function.

Is there a connection between mental health and digestive disorders?

Yes, there's a strong connection between mental health and digestive function, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. Stress, anxiety, and depression can influence gut motility and sensitivity, potentially leading to or exacerbating conditions like IBS. Conversely, chronic digestive issues can impact mental well-being, creating a cycle of discomfort and emotional distress. Addressing mental health through therapy, stress management techniques, and, when appropriate, medication, can play a crucial role in managing digestive disorders. It's important to approach treatment holistically, considering both physical and psychological aspects.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kotsanis has helped many patients heal their digestive disorders at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine. Now his team would like to offer their knowledge, experience, and expertise for your digestive issues. Contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our patient care coordinators in our Grapevine, TX facility.