Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, although they don’t happen to everyone, are actually more common than you might realize. In fact, more than 20 million Americans have chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and 62 million Americans are diagnosed with new GI issues each year.

Read on to learn more about GI diseases and what you can do to prevent them from our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team.

What Are GI Diseases?

GI diseases are conditions that affect the digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract. Food and drink are broken down into little pieces during digestion, which the body absorbs and uses as energy.

GI diseases range in severity from moderate to severe, with symptoms ranging from a simple upset stomach to something life-threatening, like colon cancer. The most frequent GI disease symptoms are listed below.

Common GI Disease Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, pain or cramps)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
• Fecal incontinence
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing

Do My Symptoms Indicate I Have GI Disease?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you’re probably suffering from a gastrointestinal disease.

GI diseases are highly common, but they are also very preventable, with the exception of people who have a greater chance of acquiring GI disorders due to their genetics. Below are a few effective techniques to reduce your chance of acquiring a GI problem.

Ways to Prevent GI Diseases

• Maintain a healthy diet. Add fiber, lower salt intake, drink lots of water and eat a variety of whole foods rather than processed foods.
• Stay active. Getting at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity can put you on the right path to a healthy lifestyle.
• Be wary of your medications. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause digestive problems, so talk to your doctor about possible side effects and ask for a substitute if a medicine is causing GI issues.

Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.