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Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal Issues services offered in Santa Monica, CA

Gastrointestinal Issues

A healthy digestive system is essential for overall wellness. When gastrointestinal (GI) issues arise, they can cause discomfort, disrupt daily life, and impact nutrient absorption. At Dr. Mahboubeh: Body Aligned™, licensed naturopathic doctor Mahboubeh Hashemi, ND, focuses on identifying the root causes of digestive concerns and creating personalized, natural treatment plans to restore balance and improve your gut health. To learn more, call the Santa Monica, California, office or request a consultation online.

What are common gastrointestinal issues?

Gastrointestinal issues affect the digestive tract and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to chronic distress. Some of the most common conditions include:

Bloating

Bloating is one of the most common digestive concerns, causing abdominal discomfort, distention, and a feeling of fullness. It can be triggered by:

  • Food intolerances (such as gluten, dairy, or high-FODMAP foods)
  • Imbalanced gut bacteria (SIBO, dysbiosis, or overgrowth of harmful microbes)
  • Poor digestion or enzyme deficiencies
  • Excess gas production from fermentation of undigested foods
  • Stress and nervous system dysregulation affecting gut motility

Dr. Mahboubeh helps patients pinpoint the underlying causes of bloating and develop personalized treatment plans to relieve discomfort and improve digestion.

Acid reflux and heartburn

These occur when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing burning sensations and irritation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional disorder that leads to bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, often triggered by diet, stress, or gut imbalances.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO happens when excess bacteria grow in the small intestine, leading to bloating, cramping, and nutrient malabsorption.

Food sensitivities and intolerances

Certain foods, such as dairy or gluten, can trigger digestive distress, inflammation, brain fog, and immune responses.

Leaky gut syndrome

This condition involves increased intestinal permeability, which may contribute to inflammation and systemic health concerns.

Ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease

These are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract:

  • Ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation and ulcers in the colon, causing diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
  • Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to severe cramping, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Dr. Mahboubeh takes a functional medicine approach to managing IBD, focusing on gut healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring microbiome balance to help patients improve symptoms and achieve long-term remission.

How are gastrointestinal issues diagnosed?

Dr. Mahboubeh takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosing digestive concerns by evaluating symptoms, lifestyle factors, and potential triggers.

She begins with a detailed consultation to assess dietary habits, stress levels, and past medical conditions that may contribute to digestive discomfort. Depending on your symptoms, she may recommend:

  • Stool analysis to evaluate gut bacteria, inflammation, and enzyme function
  • Breath tests for SIBO to check for bacterial overgrowth
  • Food sensitivity panels to identify potential triggers
  • Elimination diets to pinpoint food intolerances

Dr. Mahboubeh helps patients understand the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and provides personalized strategies to restore optimal digestive health.

How are gastrointestinal issues treated?

Dr. Mahboubeh focuses on natural, root-cause solutions to address digestive distress, including:

Personalized nutrition plans

Diet plays a crucial role in digestive health. Dr. Mahboubeh creates customized nutrition plans that include gut-friendly foods while eliminating potential irritants.

Herbal and Natural Supplements

Targeted herbs, probiotics, and digestive enzymes help restore gut balance, reduce inflammation, and support proper digestion.

Stress management techniques

Stress can directly affect gut function. Dr. Mahboubeh incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques to improve digestion and overall well-being.

Lifestyle modifications

Improving sleep, hydration, and physical activity supports digestion and promotes long-term gut health.

Detoxification and gut repair

For individuals with leaky gut, SIBO, or inflammatory conditions, Dr. Mahboubeh offers natural gut-healing protocols to restore microbiome balance and optimize nutrient absorption.

If you’re struggling with bloating, IBS, IBD, or persistent digestive issues, Dr. Mahboubeh is here to help. Through a holistic, personalized approach, she aims to restore balance, ease discomfort, and enhance overall health.

Schedule a consultation by phone or online today to start your journey toward optimal gut health.