Ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, is a painful medical condition which affects your colon. It’s caused by abnormal functioning of your immune system. Ulcerative colitis can cause pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms which can impact your life. When you have ulcerative colitis, your immune system attacks the bacteria, foods, and other substances in your colon as if they were foreign materials harmful to your body. White blood cells are sent to your colon, causing inflammation, ulcerations, and severe pain. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of ulcerative ..read more

You need to eat nutritious foods to stay healthy. Nutrients, vitamins, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates fuel your body, providing you with the energy you need to live. If you’ve ever experienced loss of appetite, you already know how it can affect your body. Some of the signs and symptoms of appetite loss include: Losing interest in foods Not enjoying your favorite foods Frequently skipping meals Weight fluctuations and weight loss When you lose your appetite, you may also experience: Fatigue Low energy levels Nausea and vomiting Stomach pains Diarrhea or constipation Changes to your hair ..read more

Do you suffer from chronic stomach or abdominal pain? If so, you could have a treatable condition known as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Your gastroenterologist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of IBS and can help you feel better. Irritable bowel syndrome causes problems in your large intestine. IBS is believed to be caused when the nervous system of your GI tract doesn’t function properly. The small muscles in the lining of your intestinal tract don’t move properly, so food doesn’t work its way through to your stomach easily. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause unpleasant, painful sy ..read more

Crohn’s disease can dramatically impact your life. When you are in fear of eating the wrong foods or having a painful attack, it can make you want to stay home and avoid enjoying your life. Crohn’s disease can make you feel powerless, depressed, and isolated. Your gastroenterologist can help you manage Crohn’s disease, so you can live a full, enjoyable life again. There are several factors that can contribute to developing Crohn’s disease, although the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. An overactive immune system is believed to be a major factor. Your immune system attacks normal ce ..read more

Is it time for me to schedule a colonoscopy? According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. While we have seen a drop in colorectal cancer cases since the 1980s, lifestyle and regular colonoscopy screenings may contribute. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic and preventive tool that examines the inside of the rectum and colon. It’s a beneficial tool everyone should undergo at some point during their lifetime. Here’s when a colonoscopy may be recommended, You Turned 50 Was this year the big five-o? If so, you may have been told by your general d ..read more

Your digestive system is important. It handles the food you eat, breaking down the food into energy for your body to use. Your digestive system also gets rid of the byproducts your body doesn’t use, keeping your body running cleanly and efficiently. Did you know that a gastroenterologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases in your digestive system? A gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat everything from acid reflux to cancer in your digestive system. A major benefit of having a gastroenterologist as part of your healthcare team is the vast amount of sp ..read more

Heartburn is a common problem, especially if you love spicy or acidic foods. It is estimated over 60 million people in this country suffer from heartburn at least once a month, and 15 million Americans feel heartburn daily, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Heartburn feels like a burning pain in your throat and chest, but it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn is caused by excess stomach acid, produced when you eat spicy or acid foods. Occasional heartburn can be relieved with over-the-counter antacids. In addition to taking antacids, there are a few tips you can ..read more

Find out what you can do to treat your hemorrhoids. Seeing bright red blood when you wipe may have you panicking. However, before you rush to the hospital, you should know that chances are good that these little drops of blood are simply coming from hemorrhoids. While not dangerous, it’s important to spot the signs of hemorrhoids and know when to turn to a gastroenterologist for treatment. Signs of Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are swollen or bulging veins of the anus. Symptoms of hemorrhoids are limited to the anal region and can result in pain, swelling, bleeding or itching. It’s also the common c ..read more

Should you schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist? A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions and disorders that impact the gastrointestinal tract including the liver, gallbladder and intestines. If you are dealing with digestive problems, a GI doctor is probably going to be the best doctor to turn to. Here’s when you could benefit from seeing a gastroenterologist, You’re Experiencing Persistent Heartburn Dealing with heartburn two or more times a week? If so, your heartburn could actually be a sign of something more serious known as gastroesoph ..read more

Whether you have a family history of gallstones or you’ve had them in the past and would like to avoid them in the future, did you know that there are actually some tips for reducing your risk for gallstones? While they aren’t foolproof, they can go a long way to keeping your gallbladder healthy. Here’s are some helpful tips to follow. Be Smart About How You Lose Weight Being obese is also a risk factor for gallstones. So, if you are overweight or obese you must eat a healthy diet and incorporate exercise into your routine to help shed weight safely but effectively. We understand that it isn ..read more