Gastrointestinal Issues
Our gastrointestinal specialists are here for you. Our team of internists near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your metabolic health and overall wellness.
What Are Gastrointestinal Issues?
Gastrointestinal issues include conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), peptic ulcer disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation), rectal bleeding, or jaundice.
What Are the Causes of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Gastrointestinal issues are caused by a combination of risk factors, including:
Diet: Eating a low-fiber diet, eating large amounts of dairy, or food sensitivities can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Medications: Taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants, iron pills, or strong pain medication, can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Lifestyle: Not getting enough exercise, traveling, or changes in routine can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Stress: Stress can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Infections: Stomach infections or infections with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Inflammation: GI tract inflammation can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Thyroid hormones: An overactive thyroid can cause the digestive system to speed up, resulting in diarrhea.
Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause acid reflux, which can irritate the esophagus and throat, and cause chest pain.
Bowel obstruction: A hernia, adhesions, volvulus, or intussusception can cause a bowel obstruction.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Gastrointestinal Issues?
Treatment plans involve dietary changes (e.g., low FODMAP for IBS), stress management, medications (proton pump inhibitors, antispasmodics, fiber supplements), and weight management strategies for NAFLD. Chronic conditions like IBD may require immunomodulators or biologics in collaboration with a gastroenterologist.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Gastrointestinal Issues?
Well by Messer can order stool tests for occult blood, infection, or inflammation (calprotectin), send you for abdominal ultrasounds for liver or gallbladder issues and check the following labs: liver function tests (LFTs), H. pylori serology or stool antigen, and celiac serology. As indicated, Well by Messer can refer you for endoscopy, colonoscopy, or specialized imaging.
At Well by Messer, our physicians, dietitians and personal training partners work together to treat patients with gastrointestinal issues. Although medications can be effective, many of the symptoms can also be treated with lifestyle modification and so we encourage our patients to work closely with our dietitians and personal training partners.
Meet Your Well by Messer Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists (adult and pediatric), gynecologists, internists, dermatologists, urologists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, dietitians, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success and regaining your metabolic health at our metabolic weight loss centers in Manhattan, Greenwich, CT, and soon to be Miami, FL!
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