Health Topics /

Digestive

IBD diet: What foods to eat, what to avoid, and more

Health Topics

Jul 16, 2021

When having a meal or even a snack leads to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal upset, how can you figure out what to eat or when? That is the dilemma people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face every day.IBD—an umbrella term...

Pancreatitis: How drinking too much may affect your health

Health Topics

Jul 11, 2021

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Your pancreas is a fleshy organ located in the center of your gut. The pancreas’s job is to make digestive chemicals to turn whatever you eat into something that can be absorbed. Your pancreas...

Could your frequent heartburn be GERD? How to tell and what to do about it

Health Topics

Jul 8, 2021

GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common disease that affects 10-20% of the population. GERD is a frequent cause for doctors’ visits and prescription medications, but often can go undiagnosed if you doesn’t seek adequate care. The...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: How to know if it’s time for surgery

Health Topics

Jun 9, 2021

For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there are days it can be hard to live a normal life. IBD symptoms can interfere with the ability to work, go to school or just enjoy sports or other recreational activities....

Gut check: How to eat your way to a healthier, happier gut

Health Topics

May 25, 2021

You may have heard the saying that “your gut is your second brain,” and there’s good reason behind that. The bacteria in your gut are key for lifelong health, which is why you want to promote healthy bacteria through diet...

Is fiber the secret to a healthier gut?

Health Topics

Mar 25, 2019

Thanks to the keto diet, Whole 30 and other “fad diets,” the majority of our nutrition-related conversations tend to revolve around macronutrients — carbohydrates, fats and proteins — as well as added sugar and highly-processed foods. (All good things to...

Are hemorrhoids wreaking havoc on your rear?

Health Topics

Mar 1, 2019

They may be embarrassing to talk about, but about 5 percent of American adults overall, and as many as half of those over the age of 50, will suffer from the irritating symptoms related to hemorrhoids at some point in...

stress-can-wreck-havoc.jpg

The science behind why stress can wreak havoc on your stomach

Health Topics

Jul 18, 2018

We all go through periods of stress or moments of heightened anxiety. Although stress often feels like it’s all in your head, what you might not realize is that stress can have a very tangible — and sometimes long-term —...

Colon talk: How a screening can save your life

Health Topics

Mar 23, 2018

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States (excluding skin cancer). Each year, there are 140,000 new cases of colon cancer and over 50,000 deaths...

Millennials, we need to talk about our colons

Health Topics

Jun 29, 2017

Born in 1981, I consider myself part of both Generation X as well as the millennial demographic. As one of the youngest Gen X-ers and oldest millennials, I try and keep a pulse on the labels and trends associated with...

Achalasia: Rare swallowing disorder treated with new minimally invasive procedure

Health Topics

Apr 20, 2017

After losing an alarming 17 pounds in a month, Wayne Weaver, 80, learned he had a rare and potentially life-threatening swallowing condition called achalasia.Treatment for achalasia includes cutting the muscles in the lower esophagus, and the treatment of choice at most hospitals...

Your sensitive stomach might be caused by Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Health Topics

Apr 4, 2017

On the surface, our bodies may seem fine. Inside the gut however, there is a continuous war between invaders and our immune system’s defenses. Attackers (bacteria, viruses and toxins) keep arriving in our food and drink. White blood cells in the...

Popular heartburn medications associated with stroke: Should you be concerned?

Health Topics

Feb 2, 2017

Heartburn can be a pain, especially following the holiday season. To find relief, millions of Americans have relied on a class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)—medications that bind to stomach cells to reduce acid, often associated with conditions...

A game-changing treatment for acid reflux and GERD

Health Topics

Dec 13, 2016

Belching and heartburn was a daily part of Madalyn Miller’s life.“Prior to living in Dallas, I lived in San Diego and saw various doctors for an issue with belching,” the 29-year-old financial consultant said. “My belching and acid reflux had...

Are probiotics good for you?

Health Topics

May 25, 2016

Probiotics are living bacteria or other microorganisms that have beneficial health effects in people when they’re ingested. Probiotics have become very popular and many of my patients are taking probiotics to gain some health advantage, but enthusiasm for a concept...

Could viruses contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases?

Health Topics

Mar 31, 2015

Viruses may play a role in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, according to a new study.Earlier research linked the diseases to bacteria in the gut.Researchers found that patients with inflammatory bowel diseases had a greater...