Risks and management of two opposite GI-pathophysiological damage

Common functional gastroenterological disorders such as constipation and diarrhea are widely associated with a decrease in life quality. The purpose of this project is to provide information about the risk factors of both disorders such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, inflammatory bowel disease, post-operative bowel management, the lifestyle of food habits, diabetes, obesity, dysbiosis, brain-gut axis dysfunction, psychosocial factors, and COVID-19. More recently, COVID-19 had at least one gastrointestinal symptom. The laxative stimulants are used to promote the intestinal mucosa, improving the secretion of normal water and electrolytes which encourages peristalsis activity. But, long-term use of these agents may cause many side effects. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments have been used to manage these affections. Many natural compounds with laxative and benefit effects as well as the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been reported as novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of constipation/diarrhea, and the improvement of the gastrointestinal structure/function and composition.