Do You Have These Gut Symptoms?
The gut is resilient and typically recovers well from outside stressors. However, certain persistent warning lights can indicate the system is struggling and needs naturopathic attention. Most patients seek care when they experience recurring digestive distress that interferes with their daily quality of life or they have tried everything with no appreciable difference in their symptoms.
Keep reading to determine if you have any of these symptoms/concerns and if so, what steps to take next.
Have you experienced any of these symptoms?
Gas and flatulence: are far more than minor inconveniences; for many, they rank as the top two most frequent and severe indicators of a digestive system in distress. At a biological level, these symptoms typically signal that food is not being broken down efficiently, leading to either malabsorption or bacterial fermentation. When undigested carbohydrates reach the colon, opportunistic bacteria consume them as fuel, producing gases that create intense internal pressure and social discomfort.
The side effects of chronic gas extend well beyond the physical, significantly dictating the geography of your daily life. It often determines where you eat, what time you eat, and—perhaps most restrictively—who you eat around, as the unpredictability of these symptoms can be deeply embarrassing in public or professional settings.
Many people instinctively reach for temporary fixes like bismuth subsalicylate also known as Pepto-Bismol or deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL for short to ease the immediate pressure. However, because these remedies do not address the underlying leaky junctions or microbial imbalances, the symptoms almost inevitably return once the temporary soothing effect wears off.
As a practitioner who views health through a scientific and mathematical lens, I see these recurring symptoms as data points that suggest your master regulator, the gut, needs a more analytical approach.
Rather than cycling through temporary over-the-counter fixes, I can use comprehensive tools like the GI-MAP to quantify exactly which bacterial strains are driving this fermentation. By mapping out your specific microbial signature, I can move beyond guesswork and create a treatment plan that nourishes the gut lining and restores your confidence in social settings. Stay tuned for more information on the GI Map!
Bloating: A feeling of intense abdominal pressure, frequently worse after meals. However, another experience many of my patients report is having a flat stomach when they wake up and being very uncomforatably bloated by dinner. Some patients try to document and watch every item they eat which can be exhausting. The FODMAP is another type of eating many may try. Although often successful, long-term use of FODMAP due to its restrictions can not be maintained.
Weight Gain: Bloating so severe it feels like you are gaining weight. Honestly, these two symptoms (bloating and weight gain) can overlap. I see patients who become frustrated with how few food choices they have, they often opt to consuming processed foods. Ironically, these non-nutritional foods may be the only thing you can eat! It’s understandable why you would reach for them, but it’s not optimal overall for your health.
Indigestion: General discomfort that may signal issues with stomach acid or the lining of the GI tract. Indigestion can mimic larger, often scarier diagnosis such as a heart attack. The acid that splashes up into the throat from the stomach is considered one of the strongest on the planet: hydrochloric acid. It can be painful, appear out of nowhere, and may not correlate to any food item. This can lead to further frustration and more supplements.
Abdominal Pain: General discomfort that can appear anywhere. You may have abdominal pain that doesn’t fit a pattern. It may shift from one side to another. For woman, the pain may worsened prior to your menstrual cycle making it harder to distinguish your diet from your hormones. In addition to pain, there may be accompanying sounds that are loud and embarrassing. How do they always know when it’s completely silent before gurggling, roaring, or just being loud?
Irregular Bowel Movements: Changes in frequency or consistency that suggest the gut's transit time is off-balance. I place irregular bowel movements as a solid #3 reason for patients seeking my help as a naturopathic physician. Let’s face it - bowel movements that are not consistent can affect your schedule (can’t leave your home if you’re constipated). You may not feel comfortable using public restrooms due to their irratic nature. I’ve had patients in the past who could not go on long RV or car rides due to the reliance on a bathroom and volatile pooping schedule. These are solid, sound, and legitatmite concerns for having your gut evaluted and a care plan provided to you that gives you your life back!
Abdominal Sounds: Loud, whale-like calls. Technically, these sounds are referred to medically as borborygmus. I thought this word was made-up in school but it is actually the word doctors use! These sounds often occur at the most inopportune times and cause embarrassment. We might tense up or bear down in order to stop the noise.
Hemorrhoids: One word: OUCH! Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. They are a common consequence of chronic digestive strain and increased abdominal pressure. While they are often a taboo and labeled a social no-no subject, they are a significant clinical indicator of how well your digestive system and transit time are functioning. I have many patients who see me for hemorrhoids because they are tired of the pain, the bleeding, and would like to avoid surgery. Does this apply to you?
Let’s dive deeper into hemorrhoids since it applies to so many patients seeking care for their gut:
What are the types of hemorrhoids?
Internal Hemorrhoids: These are located deep inside the rectum and are typically not visible or felt during a normal day. They are generally painless because there are few pain-sensing nerves in that area, but they are often the primary cause of painless bleeding during bowel movements. It’s important to note that the blood should be bright red! If it appears dark red or you’re not sure, then it’s best to see a GI Specialist.
External Hemorrhoids: These develop under the skin around the anus. Because this area is rich in pain fibers, external hemorrhoids are more likely to cause a lot of discomfort, itching, or swelling. In some cases, blood can pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot that maylead to a thrombosed hemorrhoid that is firm and painful.
Common Symptoms to Monitor for hemorrhoids
Patients dealing with hemorrhoids most frequently report these symptoms. If you have any of these then make an Initial Intake appointment to be evaluated.
Bright red blood on the toilet tissue or in the bowl after a bowel movement.
Itching or irritation in the anal region. Itching may persist even after showering, a sitz bath, or cleaning/wiping the area thoroughly.
Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting for extended periods. They can be painful while having a bowel movement, too.
Swelling or a sensitive lump near the anus. The lumps often feel like small ballons or smooth rounded mounds.
Treatment and Management Strategies for Managing Hemorrhoids
For many, the first line of defense involves reducing local inflammation and easing the strain on the tissues. Common treatments include:
Topical Relief: Over-the-counter or compounded creams and ointments containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone can provide temporary symptomatic relief. However, without addressing the root cause the symptoms may persist.
Sitz Baths: Soaking the affected area in warm water for 10–15 minutes several times a day can significantly reduce swelling. A naturopathic care plan can direct to which herbals or alleviating products to put in your water.
Stool Softeners: These can be used temporarily to ensure that movements are easier to pass while the tissues heal.
Prevention: Building a Resilient System
The most effective way to manage hemorrhoids is to prevent them from forming by optimizing your digestive mechanics.
Prioritize Fiber and Hydration: Consuming adequate soluble and insoluble fiber along with good hydration keeps the stool soft and bulky. This approach is the best way to prevent the straining that causes veins to swell.
Avoid the putting off going to the bathroom: Going to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge prevents stool from becoming hard and dry in the colon.
Physical Positioning: Consider using a toilet stool to elevate the knees. This simple adjustment in squatting straightens the rectum and allows for a much easier exit with minimal pressure. Toilets are built to housing code/city requirements and not for how the human body was designed.
Movement: Regular physical activity helps keep the bowels moving and reduces the pressure on veins that occurs with long periods of standing or sitting.
There are naturopathic treatments for hemorrhoids. Ozone suppositories offer a painless, convenient way to heal them. Schedule an appointment to determine the frequency that is best for you.
**This section on hemorrhoids was included in gut health due to the large number of people who experience this painful condition. Hemorrhoids are often related to diet (gut) and exercise.
I’ve covered a wide range of symptoms that patients with poor gut health often have. Let’s look at the anatomy and structure of the gut.
The Barrier: Understanding Your Stomach & Lining
The gastrointestinal tract is lined with a single layer of specialized epithelial cells that serve a dual purpose: they must absorb vital nutrients while also acting as a barrier against harmful pathogens and undigested food particles. This sounds like two conflicting roles!
These cells are held together by complex protein structures known as tight junctions. In a healthy gut, these junctions act like selective gatekeepers. They allow only fully digested nutrients to pass into the bloodstream. However, when these proteins are compromised—a condition often referred to as leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability—these junctions loosen. This allows large, undigested molecules and toxins to leak into systemic circulation, which can trigger an immune response and widespread inflammation.
Leaky gut is the #1 reason patients seek naturopathic care. Unfortunately allopathic medicine does not offer a root cause approach. Scheduling an new patient intake if you have any of these symptoms can set you up to feeling better.
Let’s keep learning about the gut now that we know what the symptoms are for poor gut health.
How Does A Damaged Gut Lining Cause Bloating?
Your digestion actually starts in the mouth!
Effective digestion is a highly coordinated mechanical and chemical process that begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and small intestine. The stomach utilizes hydrochloric acid or HCL and enzymes to break down proteins. The small intestine relies on bile and pancreatic enzymes to further grind up carbohydrates and fats. Problems appear when there is a deficiency in these digestive secretions or when the microbial balance of the gut is disrupted. If food is not properly broken down, it then becomes a fuel source for opportunistic bacteria, leading to fermentation in the GI tract. This process is what generates the uncomfortable pressure and gas that many patients experience.
Does any of this sound familiar? How about these symptoms?
The Systemic Impact: Beyond the Digestive Tract
Poor gut health is rarely confined to the stomach alone because of its influence in almost every other part of the body. Because the gut houses a significant portion of the immune system, its influence is systemic. When the gut barrier is compromised or the microbiome is out of balance, it can affect various extra-intestinal areas of the body. This can manifest as:
Skin Irritation: Inflammatory markers from the gut can contribute to conditions like acne or eczema. Addressing the gut can be a major improvement for skin health. This symptom alone is enough to schedule your new patient intake with Dr. Cordova.
Neurological Concerns: Often referred to as the gut-brain axis, imbalances in the microbiome are frequently linked to brain fog, fatigue, and mood fluctuations. If you have read my blog on thyroid, you noticed that brain fog was mentioned there as well. This symptom is another good reason to schedule your intake so that the root cause can be addressed.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Even if you are eating a healthy diet, a damaged lining prevents the efficient absorption of the vitamins and minerals needed for cellular repair and energy. I order vitamin D, B12, and folate to ensure you have the nutrients needed for stress and digestion support.
Taking the Next Step with Data
Identifying the root cause of these symptoms requires moving beyond surface-level observations and into objective data. Utilizing advanced tools like the GI-MAP allows us to quantify exactly which organisms are present and measure markers of inflammation and intestinal permeability, such as zonulin. By mapping out your unique microbial signature, we can stop treating individual symptoms and begin a targeted protocol to nourish the lining of your gut and restore your systemic health. Come back for another blog detailing the GI Map.
Dr. Evelyn Cordova, NMD. I provide data-driven, root cause naturopathic care to patients in Sedona and throughout Arizona via convenient Telemedicine.
Dr. Evelyn Cordova | Telemedicine Naturopath