Gastrointestinal and digestive disorders affect the structure, function, and tolerance of the digestive system and can significantly impair nutritional status, comfort, and quality of life. These conditions may be functional, inflammatory, autoimmune, or structural in nature, often requiring long-term dietary modification alongside medical and surgical care. Nutrition therapy plays a central role in symptom control, prevention of complications, and restoration of digestive balance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits. Nutritional management focuses on identifying dietary triggers, optimizing meal timing, improving gut tolerance, and supporting regular bowel function while ensuring nutritional adequacy.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and acid reflux or heartburn occur when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, leading to irritation and discomfort. Nutrition care emphasizes reflux-preventive dietary patterns, portion control, avoidance of late meals, and posture-related strategies to reduce symptom frequency and esophageal irritation.

Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease involve inflammation or injury to the stomach lining, often resulting in upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, and indigestion. Nutrition strategies aim to minimize gastric irritation, support mucosal recovery, and maintain balanced nutrition during periods of digestive sensitivity.

Bloating and abdominal gas are common symptoms associated with altered gut motility, food intolerance, gut microbiome imbalance, and eating behaviors such as rapid eating. Nutrition care focuses on identifying fermentable triggers, improving digestion efficiency, and modifying eating habits to reduce gas production and abdominal discomfort.

Constipation and diarrhea may occur independently or as part of underlying digestive disorders. Nutritional management involves optimizing fiber intake, fluid balance, meal regularity, and food selection to normalize bowel patterns without worsening symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, requires specialized nutrition care due to chronic inflammation, increased nutritional requirements, and risk of deficiencies. Nutrition therapy supports symptom control, nutritional adequacy during flares, and recovery during remission phases.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance lead to impaired nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutrition care focuses on complete dietary gluten exclusion, prevention of deficiencies, intestinal healing, and long-term dietary adherence.

Lactose intolerance and food sensitivities are managed through individualized dietary modification to maintain symptom control while ensuring adequate intake of calcium, protein, and essential nutrients.

Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to metabolic and digestive health. Nutrition strategies focus on weight optimization, reduction of liver fat accumulation, and long-term dietary behavior change to prevent disease progression.

Post-gastrointestinal surgery nutrition support is essential to promote healing, maintain nutritional status, and adapt dietary intake following anatomical or functional changes to the digestive tract.

Overall, digestive nutrition care emphasizes symptom relief, gut health optimization, nutritional adequacy, and long-term improvement in digestive function and quality of life.