Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders have grown more and more common in modern-day living, for various reasons. And while digestive disorders are experienced physically in the abdominal viscera, mainly the gut tube - stomach sac, liver, pancreas, spleen, small intestines, and colon – diseased condition of the gut can also create a lot of discomforts and impact on people’s mental health, relationships, capacity to sleep, capacity to concentrate, and overall engagement in everyday life.

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23%

Of the global population struggles with IBS

Study shows 60%

of IBS patients are more likely to be diagnosed with Migraines

Up to 94%

Have anxiety or depression

Holistic Approach to Therapy for Digestive Disorders

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Digestive disorders can have multiple symptoms and can affect different aspects of a person’s life. It is also common for people with digestive disorders to struggle with at least one other health condition.

For instance, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, up to 94% of IBS patients also struggle with the psychological conditions of anxiety and depression. Separate studies on Migraines, Fibromyalgia and TMJ (temporomandibular syndrome) also found a pattern of co-occurrences with IBS at 60%, 33%, and 16% (Iffgdalyssa, 2023).

An important part of managing IBS and other digestive disorders includes beneficial lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Lifestyle medicine such as choosing the right food and supplements to support gut health specific to each person’s sensitives and needs, and making exercise a regular part of life, will improve gut conditions.

Studies have shown that among people who report struggling with IBS, those who exercise regularly have significantly less occurrence of flare-ups than those who do not. Further, a study exploring the benefits of yoga practice found that people who practice 1-hour of yoga, 3 times a week also had significant improvement in their IBS pattern. Including lifestyle medicine as part of comprehensive healthcare is both valuable and empowering.

A pilot study finds 63% of participants have a major improvement in their IBS presentation through homeopathy treatment.

Homeopathy for Digestive Disorders

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When it comes to treating syndromes, individualized step-by-step modalities that adjust as the symptoms shift can be helpful. For instance, the struggle experienced with IBS is different from person to person. Although various pharmacological treatment options are available, alternative remedies are often sought out when patients continue to struggle with managing their IBS or when they have concerns about side effects as a result of chronic use of pharmaceutical medication. A pilot study found homeopathy treatment resulted in a major improvement in IBS symptoms for 63% of the participants. Homeopathy presents a naturalist alternative for consideration.

A review of 41 research studies shows psychotherapy decreased (IBS) symptoms immediately and maintained reduction for 12 months.

Holistic Psychotherapy & Digestive Disorders

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Many people may not realize that working with a holistic, somatic therapist to develop mindfulness skills and self-awareness in relation to body processes can increase their regulation capacity and ability to reduce stress

physiology - both of which significantly help alleviate the IBS pattern. As seen, there is a strong correlation between mental health and gut health. In fact, some of the risk factors for IBS include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a history of childhood abuse (Professional, nd-b). Addressing these factors is important.

However, even people who do not have a specific mental health diagnosis can benefit from including holistic psychotherapy in their treatment plan for digestive issues. The correlation between psychological health and digestive health is being recognized and included as an important part of treatment. A review of 41 research studies has “...shown that psychotherapeutic interventions decreased symptoms immediately after treatment...” and that the reduction in the symptoms remained 12 months post-treatment.

Preliminary studies find a significant reduction of IBS abdominal pain and constipation with manual therapy approaches (such as tissue stretching, craniosacral treatment, and visceral manipulation).

Holistic Physiotherapy & Digestive Disorders

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IBS, like many other syndromes, continues to present healthcare providers with challenges in treatment. “...to date, there is limited evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the IBS therapies...[and] patients’ responses vary from individual to individual...” (Buffone et al., 2023). Presenting alternative approaches to treat different aspects of the syndrome is worth exploring and may lead to a better outcome.

Body-based methods of treatment such as massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and so on are natural, non-invasive approaches that can be helpful in offering direct support in relieving physical pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help relieve IBS symptoms that may be exacerbated by dysfunction in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which is an important and multi-layered web of muscles that controls the functions not only of genitalia but also of the urethra and the anus, both serving important functions in eliminating toxic waste from the digestive system specifically and from the body as a whole.

In addition to addressing locations specific to the gut track, holistic physiotherapy can also bring significant relief to comorbid conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia. When the head and neck can be supported to relax, the gut relaxes too, and vice versa. Similarly, when support can be experienced in relieving chronic pains in the joints and muscles of the body, the relief can be felt by the visceral system too.

Holistic approaches to working with digestive disorders are resoundingly needed and offer far improved quality care and relief since they understand the system’s multi-layered functioning, not only as absorbing and breaking-down food and eliminating waste but also as a reference to the quality of engagement with life as a whole and the overall levels of stress and support that exist in the context through which the digestive disorders emerged. Supporting the mind and the body to have wider scopes of resilience also supports healthy digestion.

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Digestive Disorder Treatment in Dubai

Digestive disorders are rising worldwide, including in Dubai. Oftentimes, the causes or triggers for digestive disorders are multilayered. As such, we believe in a collaborative approach to treatment.

Our team of licensed clinicians and professional practitioners offers naturalistic and alternative methods for individualized treatment and care. We believe in the body’s natural ability for greater health and wellness and offer holistic treatment options to help restore balance and enhance general well-being by supporting the interaction between the body and mind. Our holistic therapies for digestive disorders treatment in Dubai provide clients with treatment options that can complement their existing healthcare plan or natural alternatives that are more suited to their healthcare choices.

Common Digestive Disorders:

Digestive disorders can profoundly impair daily living. Digestive Disorders refer to conditions that affect the digestive system, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and difficulty absorbing nutrients. Here are some common digestive disorders:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Involves both the small and large intestines, but symptoms often manifest primarily in the large intestines. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux into the esophagus causes heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO is a condition where abnormal or excessive bacteria grow in the small intestines (instead of being in the colon). Symptoms caused by SIBO include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, gas, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, and nutrient deficits.
Celiac Disease: This is an autoimmune response to gluten that damages the small intestines. Symptoms include anemia, diarrhea, bloating, tiredness, skin rash, and weight loss. Controlling this ailment requires a gluten-free diet.
Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): These are solid particles in the gallbladder. They are often asymptomatic. But at times, they can cause sharp pain, biliary colic, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders often have several symptoms and warning signs that can make daily life very difficult. It’s helpful to be able to identify symptoms and warning signs of digestive disorders. This can indicate an underlying condition that may require medical attention. Here are some signs to look out for if you think your body is having digestive problems:

Fatigue and Malaise: A general feeling of being tired and sick that lowers your quality of life.
Heartburn and Acid Reflux: This is a burning feeling in the chest and throat that is often caused by stomach acid.
Bloating and Excessive Gas: Having bloating and too much gas can be very uncomfortable and make you feel bad about yourself.
Constant Stomach Pain: This can be mild to serious and can be a sign of deeper problems.
Frequent Diarrhea or Constipation: Having diarrhea or constipation a lot, or sometimes switching between the two, which can make daily life difficult.
Unwanted Weight Loss or Gain: Weight changes that happen quickly can be a sign of stomach problems.
Feeling Sick and Throwing Up: If you feel sick and throw up often, it could mean you have a more dangerous condition.

If you usually experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to get a correct diagnosis and treatment. Finding and taking care of problems early can make your life a lot better.

Because of the Gut-Brain Axis, digestive issues can also trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As such, getting treatment for digestive disorders is important for your overall health and wellness.

When To See a Doctor for Digestive Problems?

Digestive disorders can be very disruptive to quality of life. This, in itself, is an important reason to seek help. And more than that, untreated digestive issues can escalate over time to more serious medical problems. Early diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders can help you avoid complications and improve your quality of life. Therefore, it is important not to overlook these warning symptoms. Help is available. Feel encouraged and take responsibility for your gut health by seeking medical attention if you have any symptoms that are causing you concern.

Why Take A Holistic Approach to Treating Digestive Disorders

Digestive Disorders tend to develop and be impacted by multiple factors. Consulting a gut specialist (such as a gastroenterologist) is important in order to rule out conditions that may be mimicking the problem you are having, and to make an accurate diagnosis. From there, it is important to keep in mind a comprehensive approach to your health care that addresses the different areas that may be impacted by, or may be impacting, the condition. This approach means integrating holistic healthcare options along with the treatment protocol presented by your doctor, as an alternative option when suitable for you.

For example, we know the body-mind connection, and more importantly, the Gut-Brain Axis connection. Oftentimes, with digestive issues, there can be mental health issues and vice versa. And stress is a very common trigger for both. Integrating holistic psychotherapy and somatic therapy helps in managing digestive disorders by calming the nervous system, processing stored stress, and promoting a healthy mind-body connection. Integrating other approaches such as visceral manipulation therapy (where appropriate) or homeopathy (where helpful) and lifestyle changes through somatic practice and functional medicine can contribute to improved treatment outcomes and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Why Choose BMY for Digestive Disorder Treatment in Dubai?

BMY advocates a holistic approach to healthcare that supports each person’s unique experience and healthcare journey. Our integrative methods use natural and alternative treatments to complement your existing healthcare plan, and provide you with alternative options that better suit your preferences for your healthcare journey.