The Most Common Digestive Problems, Their Causes, and How to Treat Them

by | Jan 4, 2021 | How To | 0 comments

 

Introduction

We all have suffered from stomach cramps or acid reflux from time to time. But is it a problem? Well, for some, it can be a life-long problem. We will discuss some common digestive diseases, why they occur, and how you can avoid them.

What Causes Digestive Problems?

The digestive system is normally a very strong and self-sustained organ system. At the same time, we see that the digestive system in humans can be sensitive to even the tiniest problems, such as overthinking. There are many factors that affect the working of our digestive tract, and we are going to list the most common aspects below.

Mental Health

There is a strong correlation between the digestive system and mental health. Researchers observe that most mental health issues coexist with a digestion problem. However, it is hard for a professional to determine if mental health is affecting the digestive system. Or the digestive problems are causing mental health issues.

Stress

Stress eats up our physical health as well as mental health. Stress can induce a number of problems in our body, including many gastro problems. When a person is stressing about something, they are usually neglecting their health and wellbeing. This creates even more problems, and the stress gets worse.

Anxiety

People who have anxiety can get panic attacks at a minuscule problem. These panic attacks come with a number of stomach problems like burping and cramps. On the contrary, if the stomach is not well, that can cause panic attacks too. This is a vicious cycle, and the only way out is by seeking professional help.

Depression

Depression is a serious clinical illness, and society should treat it like one. A major symptom of depression is the loss of appetite, which can cause many other gastric problems. These troubles may include gastric distress and cramping with pain. Furthermore, if these problems persist without treatment, then they may turn into a chronic disease like IBD or IBS.

PTSD

PTSD is short for post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental condition comes with a lot of gastrointestinal illnesses. These illnesses include four from our list; IBS, IBD, GERD, and Dyspepsia. The PTSD patients suffer a lot; they not only have to live with the trauma but also with these painful digestive problems. These problems altogether take a toll on their overall physical and mental health.

Food Intolerance

People normally mix food intolerance with food allergies. However, that is not the case; food allergies trigger an immune response that can cause skin irritation, hives, breathing difficulties, etc. Whereas, food intolerance affects the digestive tract only. Certain foods can cause bloating and Dyspepsia. People are commonly intolerant of cabbage, beans, dairy, and gluten products.

Sleeping Routine

Just like the case with mental health, sleep also has a link with gastro troubles. And similarly, sleeping issues can cause and be caused by digestive problems. Our elders were right about sleeping and waking early. Disturbance in the circadian cycle can cause a number of problems in our body, including digestive tract issues. If you have trouble falling asleep, you can try to find more info and use CBD e-liquid to relax and sleep better.

Hereditary Diseases

There are many illnesses of the digestive system that are genetic and hereditary in nature. Like many other things in your life, you can also inherit diseases from your parents. Diseases like lactose intolerance, hereditary hemochromatosis, familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, or celiac disease are some examples.

The 5 Most Common Digestive Health Problems

Many ailments affect our digestive tract. However, we are going to talk about the five most common diseases that are present in the masses all over the world.

Chronic Constipation

The intake of nutrients is very important. Similarly, the excretion of waste is as much important too. Constipation means a problem with getting rid of wastes in the form of feces. Constipation gets chronic if it lasts for weeks or more. There are two definitions of chronic constipation; some people describe the pain and strain while passing a stool as chronic constipation. In contrast, others term it as the lessened frequency of bowel movements for weeks. The stool becomes hard in this disease.

Functional Dyspepsia

Functional Dyspepsia is a collection of repeating symptoms of indigestion, such as nausea, belching, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. The symptoms overlap completely with stomach ulcers, but the interesting part is that there are no ulcers in functional Dyspepsia. This can be a long-lasting disease and is very common. However, there is no cure for functional Dyspepsia as the cause is unknown. Doctors can prescribe you drugs that can help manage the symptoms.

GERD

GERD is a contraction for gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you remember your eighth-grade science, then you may understand the disease from its name. For the ones that don’t remember, in GERD, the gastric juices (acids present in the stomach) reflux back into the esophagus (food pipe). This disease is common in people with breathing problems, such as asthma patients. People with GERD are sensitive to smoke and cold air.

IBD

IBD is short for inflammatory bowel disease. There can be two types of IBD; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation of the alimentary canal characterizes this disease. The disease can affect any part from the mouth to the anus. This is, however, true for Crohn’s disease only. This is because ulcerative colitis affects only the lower part of the alimentary canal comprising the large intestine and rectum.

People experiencing IBD have persistent diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and other deficiencies. Abdominal pain, along with rectal bleeding (blood in feces) can also occur and may cause intense pain to the patient. If you have IBD, you should check with your doctor and manage the symptoms. As prolonged inflammation can damage the digestive tract.

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common digestive system disease that plagues a large number of the population. It is a syndrome of the large intestine that stays with you for the long term. The people suffering from it have cramps in their abdomen, along with bloating and flatulence. Some people have constipation, while others have diarrhea. A few poor people have both spells of diarrhea and constipation. You can only manage the symptoms of IBS.

IBS seems to coexist with mental issues like depression and anxiety. Furthermore, stress can increase burps and stomach cramps. It might help to take the best CBD genesis vape oil to relax, so you don’t experience as many symptoms due to anxiety.

How can you treat these problems?

There are many ways to avoid gastric problems altogether.

  • The first one is obvious, start by eating healthy and green (Fiber-rich diets).
  • Regular and low-stress exercise also affects your health positively.
  • Stay away from smoking and chewing gum or tobacco
  • Avoid foods that cause flatulence
  • Also, avoid fatty foods
  • Cut back on sodas and fizzy drinks
  • Try to circumvent sugary diets

The digestive system’s health depends upon a lot of factors, and most of them are lifestyle choices. However, some are hereditary, so no matter how much healthily you live, you are still going to face some difficulties. The only thing to do is, manage the symptoms, and avoid everything your doctor stops you from religiously.

 

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle