Gastrointestinal Disorders
What is Gastrointestinal Disorders?
Gastrointestinal disorders are conditions that affect your digestive system. This includes your stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs that help break down food. These disorders can make it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from what you eat.
Some common GI disorders include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. These conditions can cause inflammation, damage to the gut lining, or problems with how your digestive system works. When your gut isn't working properly, you may not absorb vitamins, minerals, and proteins your body needs.
Many GI disorders are chronic, meaning they last a long time and need ongoing care. The good news is that blood tests can help identify nutrient deficiencies caused by these conditions. Early detection allows you to address problems before they lead to serious health issues.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blood in stool
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rashes or mouth sores
- Joint pain
Some people with GI disorders have mild symptoms that come and go. Others may have no obvious digestive symptoms but develop nutrient deficiencies that show up in blood tests.
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Causes and risk factors
GI disorders have many different causes depending on the specific condition. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are autoimmune conditions where your immune system mistakenly attacks your digestive tract. Celiac disease is triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Other GI disorders may be caused by infections, food sensitivities, stress, or changes in gut bacteria.
Risk factors include family history, smoking, diet high in processed foods, chronic stress, and certain medications like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Some people are genetically more likely to develop conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices also play a significant role in gut health.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose GI disorders using a combination of your medical history, physical exam, and lab tests. Blood tests are an important first step because they can reveal nutrient deficiencies that suggest absorption problems. Low albumin levels may indicate that your body isn't absorbing protein properly. High methylmalonic acid levels suggest vitamin B12 deficiency, which is common in people with Crohn's disease or celiac disease.
Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes albumin and can add methylmalonic acid testing to check for nutrient absorption issues. Additional testing may include stool samples, imaging studies, or endoscopy to look directly at your digestive tract. Your doctor will recommend the right combination of tests based on your symptoms.
Treatment options
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods and low in processed ingredients
- Eliminate trigger foods like gluten, dairy, or foods you're sensitive to
- Take prescribed medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologics
- Use vitamin and mineral supplements to correct deficiencies, especially B12, iron, and vitamin D
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling
- Get regular exercise to support gut motility and reduce inflammation
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking
- Work with a gastroenterologist for specialized care
- Consider probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria
- Track symptoms and food intake to identify patterns
Need testing for Gastrointestinal Disorders? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The most common GI disorders include irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Each condition affects the digestive system differently. Some cause inflammation while others affect how the gut moves or absorbs nutrients.
Blood tests cannot directly diagnose most GI disorders, but they reveal important clues. Low albumin levels suggest your body isn't absorbing protein properly. High methylmalonic acid indicates vitamin B12 deficiency, which is common in conditions like Crohn's disease and celiac disease. These findings help your doctor determine if further testing is needed.
Albumin is a protein your liver makes from the protein you eat. When albumin levels are low, it often means your intestines aren't absorbing nutrients properly. This can happen with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or other conditions that damage the gut lining.
Many GI disorders damage the part of your intestine that absorbs vitamin B12. Crohn's disease often affects the ileum, where B12 is absorbed. Celiac disease damages the small intestine lining. When B12 isn't absorbed, methylmalonic acid builds up in your blood, which can be detected through testing.
Genetics play a role in many GI disorders. If a close family member has Crohn's disease or celiac disease, your risk is higher. However, genes are only part of the story. Diet, stress, infections, and environmental factors also influence whether you develop a GI disorder.
Diet is one of the most powerful tools for managing GI disorders. Removing trigger foods, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and avoiding processed ingredients can reduce symptoms. People with celiac disease must completely avoid gluten. Working with a nutritionist can help you find the right eating plan for your specific condition.
Most people with GI disorders should check their nutrient levels every 3 to 6 months. This helps catch deficiencies early before they cause serious problems. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you're starting new treatments or having active symptoms.
Yes, stress significantly affects gut health. It can trigger flare-ups in conditions like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Stress changes gut bacteria, increases inflammation, and affects how your intestines move. Managing stress through meditation, exercise, or therapy is an important part of treatment.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder. Anti-inflammatory drugs like mesalamine help control inflammation in ulcerative colitis. Immunosuppressants and biologic medications are used for Crohn's disease. Some people need antibiotics if bacterial overgrowth is present. Always work with your doctor to find the right medication for your condition.
Most GI disorders are chronic and cannot be completely cured. However, many people achieve remission where they have few or no symptoms. With the right combination of diet, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can manage your condition effectively. Regular monitoring through blood tests helps ensure your treatment plan is working.