A colonoscopy is an important yet often overlooked test that can help discover a number of gastrointestinal issues. While the preparation for it may be uncomfortable, a colonoscopy has the potential to save your life. It can catch colorectal cancer and other problems that are much easier to treat when they are detected early. Below, Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates has taken a deep dive into when to schedule your first colonoscopy and what you can expect from the procedure.  What Happens Before a Colonoscopy? Once you schedule an appointment for the procedure, your care team will a ..read more

According to the National Cancer Institute, 153,020 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. Since many cases of colon cancer can be prevented, it’s important to bring awareness to it. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Birmingham Gastroenterology has compiled this informative list of frequently asked questions.  What is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer or colon cancer begins in the colon or rectum. It occurs when normal cells that line the colon grow out of control. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that colon cancer is the fourth ..read more

In recent years, the importance of gut health has been widely discussed. While one may think that the term gut is just another word for the stomach, in reality, gut refers to your entire gastrointestinal system. Because of the numerous organs that make up the gastrointestinal system, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist when faced with any issues.  Reasons To See A Gastroenterologist Did you know that your gut is also the home of your immune system and contains over 100 trillion microorganisms, making it a leading indicator of your overall health? Needless to say, because there are ..read more

Navigating the aisles of a grocery store can be a daunting task, especially when faced with numerous products with confusing nutrition labels. Understanding how to read and interpret these labels is essential for making informed choices about the food we consume. At Birmingham Gastroenterology, we want you to make educated choices when decoding nutrition labels. Serving Size And Servings Per Container It’s quite easy to sit down with your favorite snack and eat the whole thing. However, those serving sizes on packaged foods are like a reality check nudging us toward moderation. The serving si ..read more

Many of us will experience some digestive discomfort in our lifetime. A common complaint people have is heartburn or acid reflux. People use these terms almost interchangeably. You may also hear cases of acid reflux referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Acid Reflux, Heartburn, And GERD So, if you’re dealing with any of these issues, you might want to know the difference between acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD. All three are closely related, but they differ in important ways. In the most basic terms, heartburn is a symptom, acid reflux is a process, and GERD is a chroni ..read more

The human digestive system holds significant importance in various bodily functions. It serves as the pathway for food and water to enter, providing the energy needed for growth and cell repair. Essentially, the digestive system plays a crucial role in sustaining life and promoting overall well-being. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, which plays a significant role in the digestion process. While it might seem like a straightforward structure, the esophagus can be susceptible to various conditions impacting its function.  Esophageal Diseases And Di ..read more

To put it plainly, water is essential for life, and for a good reason. It’s a necessary component of our bodies, comprising about 50-60% of an adult’s body weight. Water plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination. Hydration and digestion also go hand in hand. Water Consumption And Gut Health Many people know how important water is but may look past its importance in certain functions of the body, like hydration and digestion. Here at Birmingham Gastroenterology, we understand that water is key to healthy diges ..read more

Eating is, without a doubt, one of the pleasures of life. Not to mention that food contains nutrients that are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the body. However, for some individuals, consuming certain foods can be a source of discomfort or even danger due to food intolerances and allergies. In fact, food allergies are estimated to affect 4% – 6% of children and 4% of adults Food Intolerances Vs. Food Allergies While allergies and intolerances are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences when it comes to reactions in the body. Understanding the differenc ..read more

A bowel obstruction, also known as intestinal obstruction, occurs when there is a blockage that prevents the normal flow of digested food and liquids through the intestines. A bowel obstruction is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and treatment.  Bowel Obstruction: Causes And Treatments Here at Birmingham Gastroenterology, we are going to explore the causes of bowel obstructions and the various treatment approaches used to address this potentially life-threatening condition. Causes of Bowel Obstructions Mechanical Obstruction The most common cause of bowel obst ..read more

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, delicious feasts. However, for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues, navigating the holiday can be a challenging task. Rich and heavy foods can trigger discomfort and digestive distress.  Surviving Thanksgiving With A Sensitive Stomach Fear not— with some careful planning and mindful choices, you can enjoy Thanksgiving without sacrificing your well-being. Birmingham Gastroenterology has 10 tips to help you survive Thanksgiving with a sensitive stomach:  Plan Ahead Before the big day arrives ..read more