Gut Disorder Specialist
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Soul Strength Medicine
Leslie Brocchini, MD
Board Certified in Integrative Medicine & Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Sonora, CA
Gastrointestinal problems, also called gut disorders, are common and can lead to painful and disruptive symptoms. At Soul Strength Medicine in Sonora, California, Leslie Brocchini, MD, offers outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for gut disorders. Don’t live with gut discomfort and inconvenience when there are safe and effective treatments available. Call the office today to set up a visit or spend a few moments on the online booking page to make an appointment.
Gut Disorder Q & A
What are gut disorders?
Gut disorders include a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions affecting your small and large intestines. They’re often divided into two distinct categories.
Structural disorders
These are conditions in which your bowel has a structural problem and is not functioning properly as a result. Some examples include:
- Hemorrhoids
- Colon polyps
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Functional disorders
With these conditions, your gastrointestinal tract is structurally normal, but there are problems with normal function. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an example of a functional gut disorder.
The first step with any gut disorder is a full assessment of your symptoms to determine the proper diagnostic and treatment approaches.
What are some symptoms of gut disorders?
Everyone experiences an occasional upset stomach or other type of digestive distress. When symptoms persist over time, there may be cause for concern. Some symptoms related to gut disorders include:
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive gas
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Changes in bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody stool
- Unexplained weight loss
If you notice these changes, book an appointment with Dr. Brocchini for a full workup.
What is leaky gut syndrome?
Leaky gut syndrome is a digestive issue marked by gaps in the lining of your intestines. Those spaces allow bacteria and food particles present in your digestive tract to leak into your bloodstream, where they can cause widespread inflammation and other problems.
Researchers believe leaky gut syndrome could contribute to many other health issues, including
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Crohns’ disease
- Food allergies
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Lifestyle improvements like incorporating probiotics (beneficial bacteria) into your diet, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and avoiding excess sugar can help treat leaky gut syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is another common condition that affects your large intestine. A chronic condition, IBS, can bring significant abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and stress management can lead to significant improvement in the symptoms of IBS. In some cases, counseling is also effective.
If you’re concerned about changes in your digestive health and are ready to find answers, come in for a consultation. Online scheduling is available, or you’re always welcome to call or stop by the office to set up your visit.
