Digestive Issues

What Are Digestive Issues?

Digestive issues refer to ongoing discomfort, irregularity, or difficulty digesting and processing food. These concerns may show up as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, cramping, reflux, nausea, or changes in appetite. While occasional digestive discomfort is common, persistent digestive issues are a sign that the gut needs support and rebalancing.

 

The digestive system influences far more than just digestion — it impacts immune health, hormone balance, metabolism, mood regulation, sleep, and inflammation levels. When the gut is not functioning optimally, the effects can ripple throughout the entire body.

 

At First Call DPC, we recognize that digestive symptoms are communication signals, not random events. Your gut is asking for attention — and with the right clinical guidance, it can heal.

What Causes Digestive Issues?

Digestive issues often arise from multiple contributing factors, including:

Diet & Nutrition

Highly processed foods

Low fiber intake

Excess sugar or alcohol

Food sensitivities or intolerances

Stress & Nervous System Dysregulation

Chronic stress shifts the nervous system into “fight-or-flight”

When stressed, the body down-regulates digestion

Gut Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis)

Overgrowth of certain bacteria or yeast

Reduced beneficial gut bacteria

History of frequent antibiotics

Inflammation & Immune Activation

Autoimmune conditions like celiac or inflammatory bowel disease

Skin flare-ups or joint pain linked to gut inflammation

Hormonal Changes

Thyroid imbalance can slow gut motility

Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations affect digestion

Cortisol (stress hormone) impacts gut permeability and inflammation

Other Contributors

Sedentary lifestyle

Dehydration

Poor sleep patterns

Medication side effects

Digestive issues rarely have just one cause — they are usually a sign of gut imbalance and system stress.

What Symptoms Will I Experience With Digestive Issues?

Symptoms vary depending on the individual, but commonly include:

Bloating (especially after meals)

Gas or abdominal discomfort

Constipation or diarrhea (or alternating between the two)

Indigestion or acid reflux

Cramping or heaviness after eating

Nausea or low appetite

Fatigue or brain fog (gut inflammation affects the nervous system)

Skin changes such as eczema or acne flare-ups

Food sensitivities that seem to increase over time

Feeling “puffy,” inflamed, or weighed down

Many patients say:

  • “I feel full all the time.”
  • “Foods that used to be fine now cause bloating.”
  • “My gut feels unpredictable and uncomfortable.”

Your gut is your body’s communication center — and when it is out of balance, you feel it.

What Should I Try at Home Before Seeing a Provider for Digestive Issues?

Some supportive steps to begin at home include:

Slow Down While Eating

Digestion begins in the nervous system. Eating quickly reduces digestive enzyme release.

Increase Hydration

Water helps support motility and reduce constipation.

Add Whole-Food Fiber

Vegetables, berries, chia seeds, and oats support gut health.

Reduce Alcohol, Sugar, and Fried Foods

These can irritate the gut lining and worsen inflammation.

Gentle Daily Movement

Walking after meals supports digestion and reduces bloating.

Track Trigger Foods

Notice patterns — but avoid restrictive dieting unless medically guided.

If symptoms persist despite supportive changes, testing and personalized treatment are essential — because guessing often leads to frustration rather than relief.

Best Treatment Options for Digestive Issues

At First Call DPC, we do not simply suppress symptoms. We uncover why they started and guide your gut back into balance.

Your treatment may include:

Comprehensive Gut & Inflammation Testing

This may include stool analysis, food sensitivity panels, microbiome testing, and inflammatory markers to identify what is happening at the root level.

Nutritional and Dietary Repair Strategy

We help you learn which foods soothe your gut — and which ones inflame it.

Hormone & Thyroid Optimization (When Needed)

Restoring hormone balance improves gut motility, digestive enzyme release, and inflammation control.

Microbiome Rebalancing

This may include probiotics, prebiotics, herbal antimicrobials, or digestive enzymes based on testing.

Stress Response Support

The gut cannot heal when the body is in a chronic stress state. Nervous system and sleep support improve gut-lining repair.

Targeted Supplement Support

This may include glutamine, magnesium, omega-3s, zinc, electrolytes, or other nutrients essential to gut barrier healing.

Our goal is not to restrict, eliminate, or overwhelm you with rules.
Our goal is to restore digestive ease — so your gut works the way it should.

Our Process for Treating Digestive Issues

Comprehensive Consultation & Symptom Assessment

We listen to your experience — your triggers, routines, and health history.

Advanced Gut Testing

We identify imbalances such as bacterial overgrowth, enzyme insufficiency, inflammation, or food-based triggers.

Clear Interpretation of Results

We explain why your symptoms are happening — in simple, understandable terms.

Personalized Gut Recovery Plan

Your treatment is customized — not generic or one-size-fits-all.

Direct Access & Ongoing Adjustment

You stay connected to your provider as your gut heals and regulation returns.

This is not quick-fix digestion. This is foundational gut wellness that lasts. When you’re ready to feel lighter, clearer, more comfortable, and more at home in your body — we’re your first call.