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Digestive

Time for a colonoscopy? Here’s what to expect (and why it’s not that bad)

Colonoscopies sometimes have an undeserved reputation, especially among those who haven’t had one before. I hear my patients say they’ve heard something bad from their neighbor, their family or an online search. But often, these negative misconceptions go away once they have their first screening. As a physician, I believe in the scientific data behind …

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Upset stomach? How to identify your food intolerances

Bloating, excessive gas, abdominal discomfort and even diarrhea. These are all frequent symptoms that often lead people to seek a physician’s help, unsure of what is going on to trigger their discomfort after eating. Most often, the culprit is this—a food intolerance. You are likely eating a food that you’re actually intolerant to. In fact, …

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

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 for two conditions called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—is a condition in which environmental …

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

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 good news is this—simple changes to diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in …

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

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. Many people give up and just stay at home because they have to be close …

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

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 and lifestyle. Your gut bacteria support weight and metabolism, promote optimal brain functioning, create vitamins …

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Is fiber the secret to a healthier gut?

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 pay attention to.) But what about dietary fiber? I’d venture to guess that you don’t …

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Are hemorrhoids wreaking havoc on your rear?

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 their lifetime. Deciphering your symptoms and choosing the right treatment options are key to getting …

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The science behind why stress can wreak havoc on your stomach

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 — effect on your body. Stress impacts all parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system, …

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Colon talk: How a screening can save your life

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 from colon cancer in the U.S. Your lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is between …

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