Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be very severe or mild depending on how much lactase, the enzyme that helps the digestion of milk and other dairy products, is produced. It can cause indigestion, loose stools or diarrhea, cramps and pain, gas, bloating, burping and throwing up.

Gluten Intolerance

These days, we hear more and more about gluten-free foods and how they help a balky digestive system. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. The most severe form is celiac disease where the small intestine is damaged by the gluten, and it can’t do its job absorbing nutrients. This can cause bloating, headaches, abdominal pain, and fatigue. It can also lead to malnutrition, chronic diarrhea and weight loss.

Experts highly recommend getting tested for celiac disease before starting a gluten-free diet. The blood test checks for antibodies created in response to gluten and if you aren’t taking in gluten, the tests may show near normal levels, which may indicate a false negative. Celiac disease is a serious illness that must be addressed because the inflammation it causes may damage your intestines.

Endometriosis

Women, you know what we’re talking about, right? If you’ve ever had menstrual cramps, you have experienced some of the symptoms of endometriosis. Except this disease can be 100 times as painful for some women during their menstrual cycle.

Cells that line the uterus move outside of the area and settle in other parts of the abdomen, typically somewhere in the pelvis. This usually involves the bowel, the tissue lining the pelvis area and the ovaries. In this disease, the endometrial tissues continue to exhibit a period where it thickens, bleeds and breaks down.

Infertility, irregular periods and pain can occur. Painful periods with lower back and abdominal pain are common as is pain during or after intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination, and fatigue. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea or bloating, especially during periods, are common.