Digestive Issues
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms of a digestive problem may not always present right away, yet when they do occur, the symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, food allergies and sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, and more. Often times a digestive problem is not detected until disease is diagnosed or the onset of severe symptoms appear. Our digestive tract plays a very important role within our immune system necessary in warding off harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Our digestive health constitutes 75% of our immune system for fighting off disease. Poor digestive health not only diminishes the ability to fight disease, it can also affect the function of your metabolism, needed in maintaining a healthy weight. The digestive system is also responsible for the absorption of food nutrients and vitamins which our body requires to maintain optimal health. Scientific evidence also indicates that our digestive system has a role in balancing our moods, the ability to handle stress, obesity, cholesterol levels and heart dysfunction. Diet plays a very important role in the development of a digestion problem. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a PH change within the intestine, decreasing the production of the microflora our bodies need to ward off disease. A decrease in production of microflora, a “leaky gut syndrome” can occur, due to a thinning and weakened state of the lining leading to food allergies or sensitivities, eczema, and inflammation. Decreased absorption of vitamins A, D, B6, as well as, minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium, iron and iodine also occur. Holtorf Medical Group physicians are trained to recognize digestive problems and implement effective treatments, which may include dietary changes, supplements or other digestive aids. If you believe you have a digestive problem, call 877-508-1177 to speak with a team member today.
Symptoms of a digestive problem may not always present right away, yet when they do occur, the symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, food allergies and sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, and more.
Often times a digestive problem is not detected until disease is diagnosed or the onset of severe symptoms appear. Our digestive tract plays a very important role within our immune system necessary in warding off harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Our digestive health constitutes 75% of our immune system for fighting off disease. Poor digestive health not only diminishes the ability to fight disease, it can also affect the function of your metabolism, needed in maintaining a healthy weight. The digestive system is also responsible for the absorption of food nutrients and vitamins which our body requires to maintain optimal health. Scientific evidence also indicates that our digestive system has a role in balancing our moods, the ability to handle stress, obesity, cholesterol levels and heart dysfunction. Diet plays a very important role in the development of a digestion problem.
A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a PH change within the intestine, decreasing the production of the microflora our bodies need to ward off disease. A decrease in production of microflora, a “leaky gut syndrome” can occur, due to a thinning and weakened state of the lining leading to food allergies or sensitivities, eczema, and inflammation. Decreased absorption of vitamins A, D, B6, as well as, minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium, iron and iodine also occur.
Holtorf Medical Group physicians are trained to recognize digestive problems and implement effective treatments, which may include dietary changes, supplements or other digestive aids. If you believe you have a digestive problem, call 877-508-1177 to speak with a team member today.
Candida
Candida albicans is a single-celled yeast found naturally in the body’s digestive tract. When maintained at the appropriate value, candida supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. However, bacterial imbalances and intestinal malfunction may result in an excess of candida. Such a situation allows for over colonization which is known as candida overgrowth. As candida becomes more prevalent and established it can inhibit immunity, increase endotoxin production, and in severe cases even cause blood poisoning. Sadly, many people are not familiar with candida overgrowth and even fewer recognize its symptoms. Identifying candida overgrowth can be challenging because many of the symptoms associated with it are vague or shared with other conditions. Furthermore, candida may spread to and impact virtually any part of the body via the bloodstream meaning that symptoms of candida manifest in many different ways. At Holtorf Medical Group, our physicians are trained to utilize cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments to uncover and address Candida or yeast overgrowth.
Candida albicans is a single-celled yeast found naturally in the body’s digestive tract. When maintained at the appropriate value, candida supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. However, bacterial imbalances and intestinal malfunction may result in an excess of candida. Such a situation allows for over colonization which is known as candida overgrowth. As candida becomes more prevalent and established it can inhibit immunity, increase endotoxin production, and in severe cases even cause blood poisoning. Sadly, many people are not familiar with candida overgrowth and even fewer recognize its symptoms.
Identifying candida overgrowth can be challenging because many of the symptoms associated with it are vague or shared with other conditions. Furthermore, candida may spread to and impact virtually any part of the body via the bloodstream meaning that symptoms of candida manifest in many different ways. At Holtorf Medical Group, our physicians are trained to utilize cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments to uncover and address Candida or yeast overgrowth.
Parasitic Infections
Parasitologist Dr. Omar Amin estimates that up to one-third of the population is infected with some type of parasite. This estimate is higher than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers, which Dr. Amin says is due to the use of less sensitive testing. His own improved detection techniques revealed that parasites are more common than we think. In addition, he has found that several types of parasites previously thought to be non-pathogenic can indeed cause symptoms in some patients. Parasites can also be transmitted through exposure to contaminated water, juice, food, pets, and soil. A common misconception surrounding parasites is that they cause digestive issues only, but they are also capable of causing systemic illness and symptoms as well. Enteropathogens (gut infections) are another area of interest in autoimmune disease and other chronic digestive disorders. Interestingly, the parasite Giardia lamblia has been shown to be related to the development of celiac disease (autoimmune response to the ingestion of the dietary proteins, gluten, and gliadin) since as early as the 1940s. And yet curiously, this rarely gets attention in the media or amongst gastroenterologists who are treating celiac patients. A private medical practice in Los Angeles, California conducted a study between the years 2000 and 2013 to investigate this link further. The researchers took stool and saliva samples from 1,336 patients complaining of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and tested them for various types of gut pathogens as well as blood markers for celiac disease. Almost half of the subjects tested positive for at least one infection, while 13% tested positive for four or more! The most common infections were T. gondii and E. histolytica/dispar (parasites) and also H. pylori (gram-negative bacteria). A high percentage of subjects who tested positive to gliadin (one of the diagnostic markers for celiac disease) also tested positive for enteropathogens.
Parasitologist Dr. Omar Amin estimates that up to one-third of the population is infected with some type of parasite. This estimate is higher than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers, which Dr. Amin says is due to the use of less sensitive testing. His own improved detection techniques revealed that parasites are more common than we think. In addition, he has found that several types of parasites previously thought to be non-pathogenic can indeed cause symptoms in some patients. Parasites can also be transmitted through exposure to contaminated water, juice, food, pets, and soil. A common misconception surrounding parasites is that they cause digestive issues only, but they are also capable of causing systemic illness and symptoms as well.
Enteropathogens (gut infections) are another area of interest in autoimmune disease and other chronic digestive disorders. Interestingly, the parasite Giardia lamblia has been shown to be related to the development of celiac disease (autoimmune response to the ingestion of the dietary proteins, gluten, and gliadin) since as early as the 1940s. And yet curiously, this rarely gets attention in the media or amongst gastroenterologists who are treating celiac patients. A private medical practice in Los Angeles, California conducted a study between the years 2000 and 2013 to investigate this link further. The researchers took stool and saliva samples from 1,336 patients complaining of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and tested them for various types of gut pathogens as well as blood markers for celiac disease. Almost half of the subjects tested positive for at least one infection, while 13% tested positive for four or more! The most common infections were T. gondii and E. histolytica/dispar (parasites) and also H. pylori (gram-negative bacteria). A high percentage of subjects who tested positive to gliadin (one of the diagnostic markers for celiac disease) also tested positive for enteropathogens.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Do you feel bloated after eating a meal? Suffer from bouts of diarrhea or constipation? Experience severe heartburn after eating certain types of food? These are symptoms which could indicate a problem within your digestive tract, one of the largest organs in the body. The digestive system is responsible for the absorption of food nutrients and vitamins which our body requires to maintain optimal health. Scientific evidence also indicates that our digestive system has a role in balancing our moods, the ability to handle stress, obesity, cholesterol levels and heart dysfunction. If left untreated, serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, Celiac disease, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, may occur. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases that are also considered autoimmune conditions. Depending on which IBD a patient is diagnosed with, various parts of the digestive tract can be affected and symptoms vary. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), anemia, and weight loss. Our diet plays a very important role in creating a digestion problem. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a PH change within the intestine, decreasing the production of the microflora our bodies need to ward off disease. A decrease in production of microflora, a “leaky gut syndrome” can occur, due to a thinning and weakened state of the lining leading to food allergies or sensitivities, eczema, and inflammation. Decreased absorption of vitamins A, D, B6, as well as, minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium, iron and iodine also occur. Often times a digestive problem is not detected until disease is diagnosed or the onset of severe symptoms appear. Our digestive tract plays a very important role within our immune system necessary in warding off harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Our digestive health constitutes 75% of our immune system for fighting off disease. Poor digestive health not only diminishes the ability to fight disease, it can also affect the function of your metabolism, needed in maintaining a healthy weight. These conditions are associated with multiple nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption. They are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and infectious contributors. In fact, newly published research has linked Crohn’s disease with a particular fungal infection for the first time. Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplements such as probiotics, and medication. Holtorf Medical Group physicians are trained to recognize digestive problems and implement effective treatments, which may include dietary changes, supplements or other digestive aids. If you believe you have a digestive problem, call to speak with a Holtorf Medical Group team member at 877-508-1177.
Do you feel bloated after eating a meal? Suffer from bouts of diarrhea or constipation? Experience severe heartburn after eating certain types of food? These are symptoms which could indicate a problem within your digestive tract, one of the largest organs in the body. The digestive system is responsible for the absorption of food nutrients and vitamins which our body requires to maintain optimal health. Scientific evidence also indicates that our digestive system has a role in balancing our moods, the ability to handle stress, obesity, cholesterol levels and heart dysfunction. If left untreated, serious conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, Celiac disease, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, may occur. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases that are also considered autoimmune conditions. Depending on which IBD a patient is diagnosed with, various parts of the digestive tract can be affected and symptoms vary. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), anemia, and weight loss.
Our diet plays a very important role in creating a digestion problem. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause a PH change within the intestine, decreasing the production of the microflora our bodies need to ward off disease. A decrease in production of microflora, a “leaky gut syndrome” can occur, due to a thinning and weakened state of the lining leading to food allergies or sensitivities, eczema, and inflammation. Decreased absorption of vitamins A, D, B6, as well as, minerals such as zinc, selenium, potassium, iron and iodine also occur.
Often times a digestive problem is not detected until disease is diagnosed or the onset of severe symptoms appear. Our digestive tract plays a very important role within our immune system necessary in warding off harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Our digestive health constitutes 75% of our immune system for fighting off disease. Poor digestive health not only diminishes the ability to fight disease, it can also affect the function of your metabolism, needed in maintaining a healthy weight.
These conditions are associated with multiple nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption. They are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and infectious contributors. In fact, newly published research has linked Crohn’s disease with a particular fungal infection for the first time. Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease may include diet and lifestyle changes, supplements such as probiotics, and medication.
Holtorf Medical Group physicians are trained to recognize digestive problems and implement effective treatments, which may include dietary changes, supplements or other digestive aids. If you believe you have a digestive problem, call to speak with a Holtorf Medical Group team member at 877-508-1177.
SIBO
The gut is one of the most important systems in the body and the small intestine plays a major role in its function. The bacterial microbiome found in the gut, which includes the small intestine, contains trillions of helpful bacteria. This important ecosystem influences essential elements of health including immune function, digestion, and thyroid activity. In healthy systems, the majority of bacteria are found in the large intestine and colon while the small intestine maintains a relatively low level of bacteria. When harmful bacteria from the colon, the large intestine, or elsewhere begin to encroach or over colonize the small intestine, the delicate bacterial balance can be overwhelmed. This development can lead to severe gastrointestinal disruption in the form of SIBO, which brings with it a broad collection of symptoms. Because symptoms of SIBO are highly dependent on individual factors, some patients may experience severe gastrointestinal disruption while others report little to no symptoms. For this reason, SIBO often goes undiagnosed or is misidentified as another condition entirely. Common symptoms of SIBO can include chronic diarrhea, pain and abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, excess gas, neurological dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, and more. Getting to the root cause of [SIBO](https://holtorfmed.com/articles/gut-health/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sibo:-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment) can be difficult due to the gut’s high degree of interconnectivity, meaning there are many factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. Potential causes of SIBO include: underlying health conditions, certain forms of medication, diet, and other individual patient factors. At Holtorf Medical Group, our physicians are trained to provide cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments to find the answers our patients deserve and a personalized treatment plan. [Contact us](https://holtorfmed.com/#appointment) today to see how we can help you!
The gut is one of the most important systems in the body and the small intestine plays a major role in its function. The bacterial microbiome found in the gut, which includes the small intestine, contains trillions of helpful bacteria. This important ecosystem influences essential elements of health including immune function, digestion, and thyroid activity. In healthy systems, the majority of bacteria are found in the large intestine and colon while the small intestine maintains a relatively low level of bacteria. When harmful bacteria from the colon, the large intestine, or elsewhere begin to encroach or over colonize the small intestine, the delicate bacterial balance can be overwhelmed. This development can lead to severe gastrointestinal disruption in the form of SIBO, which brings with it a broad collection of symptoms.
Because symptoms of SIBO are highly dependent on individual factors, some patients may experience severe gastrointestinal disruption while others report little to no symptoms. For this reason, SIBO often goes undiagnosed or is misidentified as another condition entirely. Common symptoms of SIBO can include chronic diarrhea, pain and abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, excess gas, neurological dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, and more.
Getting to the root cause of SIBO can be difficult due to the gut’s high degree of interconnectivity, meaning there are many factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. Potential causes of SIBO include: underlying health conditions, certain forms of medication, diet, and other individual patient factors.
At Holtorf Medical Group, our physicians are trained to provide cutting-edge testing and innovative treatments to find the answers our patients deserve and a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
When is payment due?
Payment is expected at the time services are rendered and your office may require a $100 non-refundable deposit to schedule your first appointment. We accept most major credit cards, cash, or check. We will provide you with a complete billing statement that you may submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement to PPO insurance. We are an out of network provider.
Does Holtorf Medical Group participate in Medicare?
Our offices have opted out of the Medicare system. This means that our services cannot be filed with Medicare and therefore are not reimbursable. Patients have the option to get their labs done through their primary care physician.
