Your body and its health require nutrients in order to remain happy and healthy. However, when you suffer from malabsorption (weak and defective digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients) your body can begin to experience painful symptoms or even serious digestive diseases. Fortunately, the The Gut Authority staff are dedicated to guiding you towards a healthier diet and bringing balance and health back to your body .
Malabsorption occurs when certain nutrients fail to be absorbed by the small intestine into the bloodstream. These nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and even water. Macronutrients include fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. Your body may have an issue absorbing one or both of these types of nutrients.
Your digestive system breaks these nutrient types down into smaller parts. Your body then absorbs and converts these nutrients into energy that is then directed towards other important jobs performed by your body, like growth and cellular repair.
Some factors that may cause malabsorption include diseases of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Additionally, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, or cystic fibrosis may be conditions that can contribute to malabsorption. One of the more uncommon disorders that can contribute to malabsorption includes Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). With SBS, your intestine is shortened which makes the absorption of nutrients more difficult.
Damage to the intestine may also cause malabsorption. Damage may be caused by infection, inflammation, injury, or even surgery. Radiation therapy, as well as certain prescription and non-prescription drugs, may also injure the lining of your intestine. Malabsorption may also be caused by digestive issues. Certain foods may not be easily digested by your stomach’s enzymes. Your body may also experience trouble mixing your stomach’s enzymes and acid with the foods you eat.
Symptoms often differ depending on the specific nutrient or nutrients that the intestine is having difficulty absorbing. If you are having trouble absorbing fats, you may experience light-colored, foul-smelling, stools that are in appearance soft and bulky. Difficulty with proteins may include hair loss, dry hair, or fluid retention. Fluid retention, also known as edema, is when parts of your body begin to swell. This usually occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs, but can occur in other areas of the body, as well.
If you are experiencing trouble with absorbing certain sugars, you may experience bloating, painful gas, and explosive diarrhea. Trouble absorbing certain vitamins may cause low blood pressure, weight loss, malnutrition, muscle wasting, or anemia. Malabsorption affects people differently so it is important to follow up with your doctor or another professional if you believe that you may be suffering from such symptoms or malabsorption.
If you are interested in a homeopathic doctor and you are in the Gulf Shores or Baldwin County AL, area, contact us today. Here at the Gut Authority, we don’t just focus on the symptoms as traditional medicine would. We look past the symptoms and dive deeper into what may be the root causes of those symptoms. As we address the cause, we help our clients begin to feel better and live healthier. Your health is not something that should ever be put on hold, so if you would like to begin getting your health back on track, contact us today. We are ready to help.