What Are Digestive Disorders

What Are Digestive Disorders—and Why Should Latinxs Pay Attention?

Digestive disorders are conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes everything from your esophagus to your intestines. The most common include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Lactose intolerance
  

Latinx adults in the U.S. are more likely to experience lactose intolerance, GERD, and certain types of GI cancers, due in part to genetics, diet, and lower access to early diagnosis and care. For example, studies show that up to 70% of Latinx people may be lactose intolerant, especially those with Indigenous ancestry. 

And because digestive discomfort is often normalized—“It’s just the cheese,” or “That’s what happens after spicy food”—, many of us don’t seek care until symptoms are severe.