3 Ways to Diagnose Digestive Issues | Chiropractor for Gut Health in West Omaha, NE
Hey there, I’m Dr. Jeremiah Sample from Family First Chiropractic. Today, let’s discuss how you can diagnose your own digestive problems. Did you know that up to 73% of people aged 18 to 44 experience some form of digestive issue at least three times a month? This alarming statistic comes from a study by the National Institutes of Health. With digestive problems affecting so many people in this age group, let’s explore some self-diagnostic steps.
Upper vs. Lower GI Tract
First, it’s essential to distinguish whether your problem is related to the upper or lower GI tract:
- Upper GI Tract: Includes the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, throat, and mouth.
- Lower GI Tract: Encompasses the small intestine, large intestine, and colon.
Assessing Digestive Speed
The next step is to determine whether your digestive system is moving too quickly or too slowly:
- Fast Digestion: This may lead to diarrhea or loose stools.
- Slow Digestion: This could result in constipation.
Depending on your findings, you might consider incorporating insoluble fiber to speed things up or soluble fiber to slow things down in your lower gut.
Watch for Changes in Blood, Urine, or Vomit
Pay attention to any recent changes, such as:
- Vomiting: Has it increased or decreased?
- Blood: Is there a sudden appearance of blood in your urine or stool?
- Color and Smell: Any drastic changes in color or smell could indicate a problem.
These signs warrant immediate attention from a healthcare professional.
Check Spine and Pelvis Alignment
Finally, and most importantly, ensure your spine and pelvis are properly aligned. Subluxations, or misalignments in your spine, can create nervous system pressure, disrupting communication between your brain and gut. This will ultimately affect how your digestive system functions.
If you have questions about your gut health or are unsure what’s causing your digestive problems, please comment below, and we’ll reach out to you. Remember, proper diagnosis is the first step towards better health.
