10 Common Causes of Digestive Issues

Digestive issues can be a real pain—literally. Whether you deal with occasional stomachaches or chronic diarrhea, you may be wondering what’s disrupting your gastrointestinal system. Here are 10 common causes of digestive issues and what you can do about them.

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Commonly called acid reflux, GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy, inflammatory, and acidic foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and taking antacids should help manage symptoms.
2. Gallstones: Women are more susceptible to gallstones than men. These hard deposits form in the gallbladder and block the bile ducts, causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment may include diet and nutritional changes first to avoid surgery to remove the gallbladder.
3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Managing this chronic condition often involves dietary changes, stress management, and dietary changes.
4. Crohn’s disease: This digestive issue is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect any part of the digestive tract, causing chronic inflammation that leads to stomach cramps, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Conventional treatment involves medication, and sometimes surgery. Functional Medicine can help you get to the root cause and formulate a natural approach that is much less abrasive.
5. Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is another type of IBD specifically affecting the colon and rectum. Inflammation causes sores to form on the lining of the colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Conventional treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory drugs and immune system suppressors. Functional Medicine approaches can gently reduce the inflammation naturally.
6. Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder leads to damage in the small intestine after eating food containing gluten. Nutrient deficiency is a common result, along with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The best rule of thumb treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
7. Lactose intolerance: People who are lactose intolerant can’t digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and gas after consuming dairy. Managing it involves avoiding lactose-containing foods or using lactase supplements.
8. Peptic ulcers: Open sores on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus are known as peptic ulcers. Common causes include bacterial infections, smoking, and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Conventional treatment may include antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid. Functional Medicine approaches focus more on root cause and natural interventions.
9. Diverticular disease: Diverticulosis involves the formation of small, bulging pouches in the colon, known as diverticula. If these pouches become inflamed or infected, it’s known as diverticulitis, a less common but quite serious condition. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and bowel changes. Increased fiber intake and nutritional interventions should help manage the condition, though surgery may be needed in severe cases.
10. Hemorrhoids: These swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus cause pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. Aging, pregnancy, and chronic constipation or diarrhea increase the risk of hemorrhoids. Treatments include dietary changes, topical treatments, and, in severe cases, surgery.

At Advanced Functional Medicine, we take digestive disorders seriously. Our doctors spend quality time with patients, examining symptoms, diet, nutrition, and lifestyle to formulate customized dietary and supplement plans. If you’re tired of stomach pain and frequent trips to the restroom, contact our San Diego clinic at 858-412-5744 or schedule an appointment online to find a solution to your digestive issues.