The Link between Digestive Problems, Nutrition Deficincies, and Chronic Disease

I am amazed by the number of patients suffering from constipation, diarrhea, increased gas, bloating after eating, fatigue and many other symptoms of gastroinstestinal distress. This kind of distress is considered a 'functional condition' (meaning not a disease) by the conventional medical community, and as a result it is often not taken seriously. But from my perspective, we know these gastor-intestinal (GI) symptoms indicate serious functional problems that can lead to disease.

Digestive problems often cause poor absorption of the nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. The resulting nutritional deficiencies contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease.

The increase in chronic illnesses is one of the major health stories of our lifetimes. Today seven out of ten Americans will die from the complications of a chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, depression, metabolic and digestive disorders (including heartburn and acid reflux), rheumatoid arthritis, fibroids, and osteoporosis, to name a few.

(Acute diseases, by contrast, are characterized by rapid onset, are usually treated with antibiotics or surgery and are time-limited.)

Why the dramatic increase in chronic diseases? Clearly we are living longer, and many of us under greater stress, both of which contribute to degenerative conditions. But only recently has the role of nutrition begun to be given its due.

Many patients in my practice are surprised to learn that their chronic condition or disease can so often be traced to a nutritional deficiency. But the linkage is clear enough. Nutrition affects our immune system, organ function, hormonal balance and cellular metabolism. The nutritional deficiency comes first, followed some years later by symptoms, which lead in time to disease. To make things worse, the whole downward spiral is accompanied by accelerated aging.

Fortunately, there are many steps anyone can take to support healthy gastro-intestinal function and resolve digestive health problems.