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Nutritional Condition

Struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or digestive issues? Nutritional imbalances can disrupt health. Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to restore nutrient balance, boost wellness, and tackle common anemia, obesity, chronic malabsorption.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

What Is a Nutritional Condition?

A nutritional condition refers to any health issue caused by an imbalance in nutrient intake�either too much or too little. Common examples include undernutrition (such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies), overnutrition (like obesity), and eating disorders. These conditions can affect growth, immune function, energy levels, and organ health. Symptoms vary widely and may include fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or digestive issues. Diagnosis often involves a detailed dietary review, blood tests, and sometimes body composition analysis. Treatment includes personalized nutrition plans, lifestyle changes, supplementation, and ongoing monitoring to restore balance and support long-term well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Inadequate or unbalanced diet
  • Very restricted eating patterns
  • Digestive disorders (Crohn's disease, celiac disease)
  • Medications that impair nutrient absorption
  • Periods of rapid growth or aging
  • Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes)
  • Limited access to or affordability of healthy food

Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent fatigue or weakness
  • Sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Hair thinning or loss, dry skin, brittle nails
  • Bloating, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal issues
  • Frequent infections or slow wound healing
  • Difficulty concentrating or mood changes

How Dr. Scott Finds the Cause

Dr. Scott begins with a detailed health and diet history and diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause:

Blood Tests

These tests check for missing or excess nutrients that could be affecting your health.

Stool or Breath Tests

These are used to evaluate how well your digestion is functioning and to detect any abnormalities.

Endoscopy

This procedure helps Dr. Scott see how well your body absorbs vitamins and identify any issues inside your digestive tract.

Comprehensive Evaluation

All these tests together help find the cause of your symptoms so you receive the right care.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for nutritional conditions.

1. Food and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Personalized meal plans featuring a variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
  • Guidance on portion sizes, meal timing, and balanced eating
  • Referrals to registered dietitians for tailored support
  • Practical tips on reading food labels and smart cooking techniques

2. Medications

  • Prescription-strength vitamins or minerals to correct deficiencies
  • Enzyme supplements to improve digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Targeted therapies for underlying digestive conditions (e.g., Crohn's, celiac disease)

3. Special Procedures

  • Feeding tube placement for severe malnutrition or impaired oral intake
  • Video capsule endoscopy to evaluate small-bowel absorption issues
  • Gastric balloon support for weight management in select cases
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nutritional deficiency?

It means your body isn't getting enough of certain vitamins, minerals, or nutrients�often due to poor diet, digestive issues, or underlying conditions.

What are common signs of poor nutrition?

Fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, frequent infections, pale skin, and brain fog can all point to underlying nutritional issues.

Can digestive problems cause nutritional conditions?

Yes. Conditions like celiac disease, IBD, and chronic diarrhea can reduce your ability to absorb nutrients properly.

How are nutritional conditions diagnosed?

Dr. Scott may order blood tests, assess dietary intake, review symptoms, and sometimes use stool or breath tests depending on your condition.

Which vitamin deficiencies are most common?

Vitamin D, B12, iron, and folate deficiencies are frequently diagnosed and can affect energy, mood, and immune function.

Can nutritional deficiencies affect weight?

Yes. Both unintentional weight loss and weight gain may result from or contribute to poor nutritional status.

Do I need supplements or just diet changes?

It depends on your lab results and symptoms. Some patients improve with food adjustments; others may need short-term or long-term supplementation.

Can stress cause nutritional problems?

Chronic stress can disrupt digestion, decrease appetite, and lead to poor food choices�contributing to nutritional imbalances.

How does Dr. Scott treat nutritional conditions?

He creates a personalized plan that may include diet changes, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up lab monitoring.

Is this covered by insurance?

Most diagnostic lab tests and visits for nutritional concerns are covered. Our staff will help verify your benefits before your appointment.

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