5 Common Symptoms That Indicate a Problem Everyone experiences some intestinal distress or stomach discomfort every now and again. Sometimes it is something we ate or a minor illness that will pass. However, it is important to know when you may need to seek medical attention. Conditions that go undiagnosed can become worse over time and even cause permanent damage. What symptoms should you look for that indicate you should see a gastroenterologist? A Lump in Your Throat – If you have trouble swallowing or experience pain when drinking water, you may have a GI condition. Also look for hoarsen ..read more

Gastrointestinal disorders can be very uncomfortable. Some even share similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to know what is going on without the help of a medical professional. If you experience any of the following, then you may need to visit your gastroenterologist. Burning Pain in the Chest If you notice a painful burning sensation in the middle of your chest, you could be experiencing acid reflux. The condition can happen once in a while, but if it is frequent, it could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. If you notice this problem twice a week or more, then you sh ..read more

The word gluten refers to proteins found in wheat which includes durum, wheatberries, semolina, emmer, farro, farina, spelt, and graham as well as barley, rye, and a crossbreed plant called triticale. These ingredients are used in a wide range of common foods, including: Breads Soups Pasta Cereals Beer Salad dressings Food coloring Why Is Gluten Controversial? Recent years have brought forth controversy surrounding the presence of gluten in foods. Most people have no problem eating this ingredient. However, some believe it is harmful. The truth is that each person should know his or her bod ..read more

August is gastroparesis month, and it’s a great time to learn more about this digestive condition. Many people do not realize how important our ability to break down food is until they experience problems. What do you need to know about Gastroparesis? What Is Gastroparesis? Gastroparesis is a weakness in the stomach muscles. This causes poor grinding of the food a person eats. Normally, food is ground into pieces by muscle contractions in the stomach. Ground up particles and liquid are gradually emptied into the small intestine. A metering process ensures that food is mixed with adequate dige ..read more

For the past two decades, doctors have told Americans at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) to have a colonoscopy at age 50. But recently the American Cancer Society (ACS) changed its guideline and now recommends age 45 as the starting point for routine colon cancer screening. Why this change? The American Cancer Society points to increased rates of colon cancer among patients under 50. Regardless of screening guidelines, it’s important to talk to your doctor (at any age) about your individual risk factors for colorectal cancer. In the meantime, here are some key points to kno ..read more

Functional dyspepsia effects approximately one in six Americans. This disorder causes the sensation of movement within the upper digestive tract. The esophagus, stomach, and small intestine work in a downward pumping motion that begins when swallowing. Functional dyspepsia can alter that motion and cause problems with digestion and nutrient absorption. What Causes Functional Dyspepsia? We do not know the cause of functional dyspepsia. Medical experts theorize that it could be caused by: An irritable stomach Delay when emptying stomach contents, possibly due to inadequate muscle function Poss ..read more

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that occurs in the large intestine. It can be very uncomfortable for the patient and requires ongoing management to alleviate symptoms. How do you know if you have IBS? IBS Symptoms Symptoms will vary from one patient to the next. However, some are more common than others. You may be suffering from IBS if you experience: Cramping and bloating that is relieved or alleviated after a bowel movement Constipation with lumpy or hard stool Diarrhea with loose or watery stool Alternating between constipation and diarrhea Urgent, uncontrollable bowel mo ..read more

Content provided by American Cancer Society www.cancer.org A study by an international group of researchers from organizations including the American Cancer Society finds that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood is associated with a lower risk for getting colorectal cancer. Previous studies have suggested a link but were inconclusive. The new study was published online June 14, 2018 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The researchers combined data from 17 prospective studies, which is a type of study that follows people over time to try to determine why so ..read more

According to the American Cancer Society, over 50,000 deaths will occur due to colorectal cancer in 2018. The average lifetime risk for developing this condition is about 1 in 22 for men and 1 in 24 for women. The numbers are dropping thanks to better screening and early detection, but they are still high enough to be a serious concern. Approximately 5% to 10% of Colon Cancer Cases Are Hereditary Approximately 5% to 10% of colon cancer cases are caused by genetics. That means a heritable mutation was passed on from parent to child. Genetic Testing is Available to Assess Your Hereditary Can ..read more

Article provided by NPR Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, most frequently diagnosed among adults over 65. To catch those typically slow-growing malignancies early, when they can often be cured, most doctors’ groups recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50. But the American Cancer Society this week changed its advice and is recommending that screening start five years earlier. “There is compelling evidence that the optimum age to start is now 45,” says Dr. Richard Wender, chief cancer control officer of the society, who cites a ..read more