If you've ever dealt with indigestion or had an upset stomach — and really, who hasn't? — then you know just how uncomfortable and embarrassing digestive problems can be. The truth is, we all deal with these issues from time to time. But knowing how to handle them can be difficult, particularly if you're not sure what's wrong in the first place. This month, we're outlining some of the more common causes of gastrointestinal discomfort and what you need to know about them.

Acid Reflux
Chances are, you've heard of acid reflux. But do you know what it is? Simply put, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus. This often causes a burning sensation in the chest or the back of the throat, commonly known as heartburn. In other words, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. Simple enough. But determining the cause of acid reflux can be a little more complicated. Some people experience acid reflux after eating acidic, spicy or fatty foods. For others, it can be brought on by certain medications. And for many women, pregnancy can cause acid reflux.

So what can you do to prevent the occasional bout of acid reflux? Don't smoke, avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen, and steer clear of the aforementioned trigger foods. Ongoing heartburn that doesn't subside when you adjust your diet or other habits could be a sign of a more serious condition. If you experience severe chest pain or have heartburn that persists for an extended period, consult your doctor immediately.

GERD
Chronic acid reflux can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. While frequent, ongoing heartburn is one of the most common symptoms, some people who have GERD don't experience heartburn at all. Other symptoms may include nausea, regurgitation, a sore throat and a persistent cough. If you think you may have GERD, consult with your doctor. He or she may prescribe medication to help manage the disease. Or, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Lactose Intolerance
If you've ever felt bloated, gassy or nauseous after eating foods that contain dairy, you might be one of the 50 million Americans who suffer from lactose intolerance. Lactose is a natural sugar that's found in dairy. People who are lactose intolerant lack lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose. And while dairy foods are the most common lactose-containing foods, they're not the only ones that can trigger problems. So watch out for hidden lactose in things like baked goods, prepackaged mixes and even products that are labeled as nondairy. If you think you might be lactose intolerant, ask your doctor for a screening. While there's no real treatment, dietary adjustments may help. And that doesn't necessarily mean giving up dairy altogether. For example, hard cheeses and yogurt are easier to digest than many other dairy foods. Taking lactase enzymes can also help.

It's important to note that an added concern of lactose intolerance is getting an adequate amount of calcium in your diet. But dairy foods aren't the only foods rich in calcium. Dark, leafy greens and fish like salmon are both good sources of calcium. We also recommend supplementing with a product like Schiff® Super Calcium 1200 mg with Vitamin D. Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as nerve function and muscle function. This formula also contains Vitamin D, which regulates calcium absorption.

Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that makes it difficult to digest gluten. Gluten is a type of protein that occurs naturally in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an autoimmune reaction. This causes the body to produce antibodies that attack the villi in the small intestine. These hairlike projections absorb water and nutrients from the foods we eat. So when people with celiac disease eat gluten, it interferes with their ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. Signs of celiac disease include bloating and abdominal cramping. Since other digestive disorders have similar symptoms, a blood test can determine if celiac disease is to blame.

Because gluten occurs naturally in many baked goods, cereals and other foods, it can be difficult to figure out which foods are safe to eat. But with the growing awareness of celiac disease, we're seeing more and more gluten-free callouts on food labels, which can help take some of the guesswork out of going gluten-free.

IBS
It's estimated that about one in five Americans has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although it seems to affect women more often than men. Symptoms include bloating, gas and abdominal pain accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. Although it's not clear what causes IBS, stress and diet often play an important role. If you've been having symptoms that might be indicative of IBS, see your doctor. While there's no way to cure IBS, minimizing stress and watching what you eat may help to keep it in check.

The foods we eat sometimes bring unwanted compounds into the body. To help remove these compounds, refresh the intestinal tract and support healthy liver function, we recommend Schiff® 3-Day Cleanse. Many cleanse programs require you to take several pills daily for up to a week. But with this simple program, just two pills a day for three days is all you need.

Ulcers
An ulcer is a kind of lesion or open sore. While there are several different types, the most common kind of ulcer is a peptic ulcer. There are two kinds of peptic ulcers: gastric and duodenal. Gastric ulcers occur in the stomach, and duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. In most cases, peptic ulcers are caused by an infection from Helicobacter pylori bacteria. But studies indicate that smoking or frequently using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin can increase your risk of developing an ulcer. They also seem to be more common in people who drink heavily. And while it's a myth that stress can bring on ulcers, it may aggravate an existing ulcer.

The most common sign of an ulcer is a burning sensation in the abdomen, but other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and unexplained weight loss. If left untreated, ulcers can do serious damage to the stomach or small intestine. So if you think you might have one, it's important to get it checked out. Depending on the cause of an ulcer, treatment may include medication, lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, surgery.

Gallstones
Gallstones are little deposits of cholesterol and bile salts that can form on the gallbladder or bile ducts. While about a million Americans are diagnosed with gallstones every year, in most cases treatment is unnecessary. That's because the majority of them are harmless. In fact, many people who have them don't exhibit any symptoms. But if a gallstone gets lodged in your body, it can trigger sudden abdominal or back pain, as well as fever, nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, treatment may be necessary. This might involve taking medication to dissolve the gallstone or having the gallbladder removed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The term inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation in the intestines. The two most common types are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While we don't know exactly what causes IBD, it may result from a problem with the immune system that causes it to attack the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and anemia. However, since a number of other conditions have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis involve ulcers. In the former, they can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract; in the latter, they affect the colon and the rectum. For both conditions, medication is necessary to manage the inflammatory response. And in some cases, surgery may also help.

Diverticulitis
Diverticula are small bulges or pouches that form in the wall of the intestinal tract. They tend to be more common in older adults and often occur as a result of a diet that's lacking in fiber. In most cases they're asymptomatic and don't require treatment. But if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed, it can cause abdominal pain and fever. This condition is known as diverticulitis. Even then, taking antibiotics will usually relieve the problem. However, if a diverticulum gets torn, it can create an abscess, which may require surgery.

Gastritis
There are a number of types of gastritis, but they all involve inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. For some, they come on suddenly, but for others they may develop slowly over a period of time. Gastritis sometimes occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, but stress, excessive drinking and overuse of pain relievers may also play a role. It most cases, it's easily treated through diet and medication.

Having occasional stomach trouble is normal. But if it occurs frequently or gets progressively worse, it might be a sign of something more serious. When in doubt, your best bet is to talk to your doctor. For more information on staying healthy, keep reading at www.schiffvitamins.com.