Although not widely discussed in public, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are quite common in the United States. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, Arlington, Va., more than 95 million Americans experience some kind of digestive problem, such as an upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, or even an ulcer. More than 10 million people are hospitalized each year for care of GI problems, and the total health care costs exceed $40 billion annually. GI disorders range from minor ailm…