The symptoms of most digestive disorders are unfortunately all too familiar for most of us: heartburn, painful stomach cramps, gas, bloated stomach, constipation, and diarrhea. However, a wide variety of causes –often hidden – may be responsible for these digestive problems.
Dr. Lalezar states, “Many of my patients suffered from digestive disorders for years without knowing why or doing anything about it. It’s as if they just expected to always have an upset stomach and were resigned to their fate. They finally came to see me because they couldn’t take it anymore.”
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in treating any digestive problem
Dr. Lalezar will conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your particular digestive problem. These tests may include:
- Food and Environmental Allergy Testing
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology (CDSA or GI Effect by Genova)
- Tests for H.pylori (the cause of ulcers and certain stomach cancers)
- Urine Toxicology Screen
- SIBO Breath Test to rule out Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Once your condition is determined, Dr. Lalezar will design and develop an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan to restore gut health and help you get back to feeling like yourself again –or better!
Types of Digestive Disorder We Can Treat
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Caused by muscle spasms in the colon.
- Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a form of IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), and may result from an abnormal immune response to gut bacteria. Toxins produced by these bacteria can leak through the gut into the bloodstream, resulting in inflammation.
- Celiac Disease
Also, a type of IBD, celiac disease, is associated with an allergy to wheat gluten. - Heartburn/Gastric Reflux (GERD)
This is more than just an occasional annoyance that happens when you eat an everything-on-it pizza or a spicy Indian curry; instead, it is a chronic condition that causes unpleasant symptoms on a daily or near-daily basis. - Bacterial Infections
Dysbiosis or imbalance in gut flora can occur after recurrent uses of antibiotics and not taking the proper probiotic to replace the friendly bacteria that was eradicated along with bad bacteria.
- Intestinal Parasites
- Fungal/Yeast Infections (Candida)
Candida usually overgrows when there is a high intake of carbohydrates or sugar in the diet. It could also occur as a result of recurrent antibiotic use. - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
What Types of Treatment Retore Gut health?
Dr. Lalezar combines conventional methods with complementary or alternative therapies. This integrative approach results in a lasting and effective treatment to relieve your symptoms and resolve the underlying conditions that caused those symptoms, thereby improving your overall health and well-being.
From choosing the best probiotic for IBS or natural remedies for GERD, the treatments can include:
- Customized diet plans/Allergy Elimination Diet
- Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes Supplements
- Nutritional Supplements (Glutamine, Zinc, and Aloe Vera)
- Fish oil
- Chelation Therapy
- Medical foods
Learn more about Digestive Problems & Disorders Treatments:
Dr. Shiva Lalezar will treat the underlying causes of your digestive problems. She employs an integrative approach, combining the best conventional therapies with the latest techniques and treatments in Functional Medicine for optimal results.
Call the Health & Vitality Center at 310-477-1166 or click here to schedule an appointment. We are one of the leading Functional Medicine centers in Los Angeles.