Would you believe that more than 34 million Americans are afflicted with diseases of the digestive system? It’s estimated that 8 percent of the U.S. population have chronic digestive diseases. The good news, though, is that doctors know a lot about these conditions and can help you find a solution if you are suffering from digestion problems.
What are a few beneficial probiotics which can help to support a healthy environment for the colon? Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria and Saccharomyces. Probiotic supplements can be an important resource for beneficial gut bacteria – especially after illness or antibiotic regimens.
One easy way to keep your digestive system healthy is to eat small, frequent meals. In fact, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends eating four to fibe small meals per day to achieve optimal digestion.
Colitis is an inflammation of the bowels and can be triggered by a variety of conditions, such as infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. In general, colitis impacts bowel movements and is often diagnosed with the help of a colonoscopy.
Many people take aspirin regularly for chronic pain. It’s important to remember though, if you do this, you increase your risk of getting a gastric ulcer. It may also increase the risk of bleeding from an ulcer.
There is much that scientists do not known about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For example, the condition is not a disease and the stomach pain and difficulty with bowel movements can often by treated by changing the way you eat and what you eat.
While no one enjoys an endoscopy, the general reaction from a majority of patients is that the procedure is painless. Learning you have no issues is a relief, and finding any problems as soon as possible usually means a better outcome.
A severe gastrointestinal condition that happens in the upper gastrointestinal tract is called gastroparesis. The stomach stops working at full capacity, and only part of the food is passed through the system, causing severe vomiting.
An upper GI endoscopy is a medical procedure that gastroenterologists use to examine many of the upper parts of the digestive system, including the stomach, the upper parts of the small intestine, and the esophagus. Gastroenterologists use upper GI endoscopies to diagnose such conditions as acid reflux, anemia, and internal bleeding.
There are many symptoms that indicate it’s time to see a gastroenterologist. These include persistent nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Did you know that, when diagnosed early, 90 percent of colorectal cancers are entirely curable? A colonoscopy is recommended for everyone age 50 and older, as this is the best way to detect cancer in its earliest stages.
Why do beans cause flatulence in some people and not others? Beans are high in a kind of sugar that requires a particular type of enzyme to digest. Some people have more or less of this enzyme.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the digestive system. To become a gastroenterologist, we have to undergo not only medical training but specific training pertaining to problems in the digestive system.
If you have been experiencing digestive issues, one of the first things you need to do is to reduce your intake of fried, fatty foods. These greasy foods are not only high in fat, but they are also hard to digest, making your stomach work much harder.
Almost all forms of colorectal cancer begin as polyps, or small growths, in the colon, so having a colonoscopy regularly can help you catch the disease early. Everyone should have yearly colonoscopies at age 50 to check for it.
What is one of the best things you can do for digestive health? Eat a high-fiber diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. High fiber diets can also help to treat or reduce symptoms for conditions include hemorrhoids, diverticulosis and IBS.
Diarrhea can give you a bad case of dehydration, so you want to stay hydrated. Drink fluids with plenty of electrolytes in them. Sports drink or children’s fluid replacement drinks are good to drink while you’re sick.
How do I know if I have pancreatitis? You will likely feel a very sudden and significant pain in the upper abdomen continuing into the back. Fever is common, as is weight loss and nausea. The pain may come and go, often returning whenever you eat, but usually the discomfort will become persistent and more intense over time.
Who is more likely to get peptic ulcers? People who smoke or use tobacco, have a family history of ulcers, drink alcohol to excess and are 50 years or older are all at higher risk for peptic ulcer disease, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.
Advanced endoscopes incorporate significantly improved lighting that generates more lumens. So what? The enhanced lighting makes subtle details more visible, and it helps the camera capture and reproduce imagery with accurate colors which helps contribute to an accurate diagnosis.
While the exact causes of most types of cancers aren’t fully understood, there are risk factors that can make a person more prone to develop them. We can help you understand how to minimize your odds of digestive disorders and cancers.
Did you know that more than 3 million people in the United States have Hepatitis C? This condition involves swelling or inflammation of the liver. If that inflammation is serious and remains over time, it can lead to cirrhosis. That condition often progresses to liver failure or cancer of the liver.
Have you started to notice blood in your stool on a regular basis? While occasional blood in the stool may be no cause for concern, it can be more concerning when it’s a regular occurrence.
Do you eat fish? Some experts say that consuming fish three to five times per week could actually improve your digestive health. The reason for this is that fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which stabilize cell walls, reducing inflammation and restoring balance.
Are you concerned that we’ll find a digestive disorder or issue that will require you to take even more pills than you already take? Remember, we may be able to help you accomplish the results you need simply through dietary changes.
For digestive health, it’s recommended that you incorporate fermented dairy products into your diet. The probiotics (good bacteria) found in dairy products like yogurt and cottage cheese can improve intestinal function.
Did you know the gastro-intestinal system (also known as the GI tract) is 30 feet long? As a measure of comparison, that surface area would be about as large as the outer lines of a tennis court. The GI tract plays a significant role in many areas of your body.
If you chronically experience abdominal bloating and discomfort, there are several types of food you should avoid. These include broccoli, baked beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, cauliflower, chewing gum, and hard candy.
According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, about two-thirds of people with Crohn's disease will require surgery at some point in their lives. Crohn disease patients often need more than one operation due to return symptoms.
Although the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, scientists have found that some preexisting conditions increase the likelihood of contracting the disease. These include being over the age of 50, eating a high-fat diet, family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Did you know that celiac disease can lead to other disorders, including neurological disorders, some cancers, infertility, reduced bone density, and other autoimmune diseases? Celiac disease can affect men and women across all ages and races.
While doctors do not know what causes Crohn's disease, it commonly can be seen in families, and often is first noticed between the ages of 13 and 30. The key to living well with Crohn's disease is a diagnosis and personal treatment plan.
Am I risking peptic ulcers if I use aspirin or ibuprofen? Check with your gastroenterologist, but in general, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have no negative effect on many people. If you are 60 or older, have been taking NSAIDs for a long period of time or take blood thinners, you have a greater chance of developing peptic ulcers.
Digestive and intestinal disorders can not only cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms, but they can also affect how well the body is able to absorb nutrients from food. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
In addition to increasing health risks for a number of conditions, smoking also affects the digestive system. Smoking increases risks for conditions including stomach ulcers, heartburn and colorectal cancers. Fortunately, these risks begin to decrease as soon as a smoker quits.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions cause inflammation in parts of the intestines, which then become swollen and painful, and can lead to sores or ulcers on the walls of the intestines.
While bloody stool can happen to anyone occasionally, large amount of blood can be cause for concern. This can be a symptom of colon cancer and severe hemorrhoids, among other conditions.
Ulcerative colitis involves chronic inflammation of the large intestine, or colon, and is closely related to Crohn’s disease. Treatment of ulcerative colitis can involve simple medication, but also may require surgery.
Consuming an adequate amount of fiber is important for the health of your digestive system. Fiber can be found naturally in fruits, raw vegetable, whole grains and cereals, nuts, and beans.
Did you know that the human digestive system is really a tube that would measure 25 feet long if stretched out and measured? For most people, the digestive system takes nutrients from the food we eat and transports it to cells throughout the body.
Celiac disease is a serious condition that affects thousands of Americans and is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In fact, it is estimated that 83 percent of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed as having other conditions.
For pretty much any health goal you have in mind, staying hydrated is key. This is even true for your digestive health. Having plenty of water in your digestive systems helps dissolve fats and soluble fiber, allowing these substances to pass through more easily.
Have you been avoiding scheduling an appointment because you’re concerned you’ll need surgery? Remember, medications and more holistic approaches are often appropriate for digestive issues.
Do you eat on a schedule? Many experts say that, by consuming your meals and snacks on a regular schedule, you can actually help keep your digestive system in good shape. You should aim to sit down for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks around the same time each day.
I have had episodes of severe stomach pain and am visiting my gastroenterologist soon. What should I expect? Tests that could be conducted include a CT scan and a special test with dye which makes bile ducts more visible. An MRI or other scans could also be ordered.
Soluble fibers are an important part of any diet, as they increase the growth of colon bacteria. Foods that are high in soluble fiber include oats in any form, beans, beets, carrots, sesame seeds, apples, oranges, peaches, prunes, pears, and cranberries.
You may have heard that, to improve your digestive health, you should include fiber in your diet. However, were you aware that you should also make sure you are getting both insoluble and soluble fiber? Each of these helps your digestive system in a different way.