Functional bowel disease – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, August 07, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

A functional bowel disease occurs when the digestive system is not working properly, but there are no structural causes. These disorders are problems associated with the interaction between the gut and the brain. In the U.S., about 25 percent of Americans have a functional bowel disease. There are two common types of functional bowel diseases: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD).

Known side effects of functional bowel disease

In general, the side effects of functional bowel disorders include pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation. The side effects of a functional bowel disease vary depending on its type. The side effects of IBS include pain in the lower stomach pain, which may go away after having a bowel movement. It can also cause other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. On the other hand, FD can cause pain above the belly button, bloating, and nausea (often without vomiting). It may also cause a feeling of fullness in the stomach that prevents patients from eating a normal meal. It may also cause pain and/or bloating for many hours after eating. In contrast to IBS, the pain it causes does not go away after having a bowel movement. These side effects last for at least six months and are present at least three days per month for the last three months.

Although functional bowel disorders are not life-threatening, do not damage the intestine, and do not lead to cancer, they can certainly affect the quality of life of a person. Patients with functional bowel diseases report that they have to limit their usual activities, such as missing work, because of their condition. It also brings frustrations, discomfort, and inconvenience.

Body systems harmed by functional bowel disease

The body systems mainly harmed by functional bowel disease are the digestive and excretory systems.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent functional bowel disease

There is no information on what food items or nutrients can exactly prevent functional bowel disease.

Treatments, management plans for functional bowel disease

There is no cure for IBS and FD. However, there are treatment options available to relieve them. For IBS, natural treatment options may include adding fiber to the diet, reducing stress and anxiety, drinking plenty of water, avoiding soda, and eating smaller meals. For FD management, avoiding large portions at mealtime and eating smaller, more frequent meals is important to normalize upper gut motility. It may also help to avoid lying down for at least two hours after meals.