There are several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that will prompt people to make a visit to a gastroenterologist. These conditions can range from constipation or heartburn to Crohn’s or Celiac disease. At the onset of symptoms, it is important to find the cause and address it at that level rather than merely treating the symptoms. Treating the problem at its source is the best treatment strategy.
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Sometimes the problem is the patient’s own habits or behavior. One of the first surveys a doctor may perform is the patient’s diet. This tells a lot about what kind of food substances the patient has exposed his body to in what quantity. For example, people who eat an abundance of dairy products or stick with diets that have little or no fiber put their digestive tracts at risk. People who spend most of their time being sedentary also increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal challenges. Exercise is key for many other needs the body has, like circulation, but it is also a way to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. Continue reading