All articles tagged with #gastroenterology
A gastroenterologist shares seven daily habits to improve sleep quality and address waking up tired, including maintaining consistent sleep timings, reducing light exposure before bed, keeping the room cool, using the bed only for sleep, eating early dinners, avoiding caffeine after 3 pm, and sitting in silence before sleep.
Dr. Joseph Salhab explains that coffee stimulates bowel movements primarily due to its caffeine content, which promotes colon activity and gallbladder contraction, and the warmth of the beverage. Alternatives like green tea, cold brew, or decaffeinated coffee can reduce this effect. About 30-40% of coffee drinkers experience this urge, and the article offers tips to manage it.
Gastroenterologists suggest that the best time to poop is when you can relax and allow it to happen naturally, with many people experiencing the strongest urge in the morning due to hormonal and overnight stool accumulation. Maintaining a consistent bowel routine is beneficial for gut health, preventing issues like constipation, and aligning with your body's natural rhythms. While normal bowel habits vary, any significant or prolonged changes should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional.
Travel can disrupt bowel routines due to stress, changes in diet, hydration, and activity, often leading to constipation. To prevent or alleviate this, start with fiber or mild laxatives before traveling, stay hydrated, and maintain some regular exercise. For those on medications like Ozempic that slow gut motility, consulting a doctor for tailored treatment options is recommended. Overall, understanding individual bowel habits and communicating with healthcare providers can help manage travel-related bowel issues.
A gastroenterologist explains that certain fruits can help alleviate constipation naturally, addressing common concerns about bloating from high-fiber foods and offering alternatives to laxatives.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz shares five daily habits for healthy aging: engaging in outdoor exercise, consuming a high-fiber diet, limiting alcohol intake, reducing screen time in favor of real-world connections, and prioritizing sleep. These practices aim to enhance physical and mental well-being, counteracting the accelerated aging process identified in a recent study.
The Battle Creek Endoscopy and Surgery Center in Michigan is set to close by the end of the year due to the retirement of key physicians and an inability to fill their positions. This closure highlights a broader issue of a nationwide shortage of gastroenterologists, which is expected to worsen by 2025. The center's closure will impact local healthcare, increasing wait times for procedures like colonoscopies, as patients will need to seek services at hospitals. Both Bronson and Ascension hospitals are working to ensure a smooth transition for affected patients.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and Ask a Doctor columnist at The Washington Post, will host a live chat on Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern time to address questions on gastrointestinal issues. She will provide insights based on the latest research but cannot offer personal medical advice.
Medical professionals explain that 'ghost poops,' where no residue is left on toilet paper or in the toilet, are normal and often indicate healthy bowel movements. This phenomenon has gained attention on TikTok, with many users sharing their experiences under the hashtag #Ghostpoop. Factors like stool texture, fiber intake, and gut health contribute to this occurrence. However, frequent feelings of needing to poop without results may require medical consultation.
"Ghost poops," a term popularized on TikTok, refer to bowel movements that leave no visible trace in the toilet or on toilet paper. While not a medical term, gastroenterologists explain that these can occur due to various reasons such as gas, well-formed stool, or diet. Generally, ghost poops are not a health concern and can indicate a healthy bowel movement. However, persistent issues or the sensation of needing to poop without passing stool may warrant medical attention.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz advises gradually increasing fiber intake to avoid bloating and gas, staying hydrated to aid digestion, and consulting a doctor if chronic gut issues persist. He emphasizes starting with small amounts of fiber and slowly increasing it to allow the gut microbiome to adapt.
Narrow stools can be an unexpected sign of colorectal cancer, especially in younger individuals, whose rates of the disease have been increasing since the 1990s. While pencil-thin poop is not the most common symptom, it can be a red flag, along with other signs like unexplained weight loss and diarrhea. Any noticeable alteration in bowel habits should be flagged to a physician, and colonoscopy or other screenings are recommended, especially for those with a family history of colon cancer or certain risk factors. It's important to stay informed and seek medical advice without panicking, as early detection is key to managing and potentially curing colorectal cancer.
Narrow stools can be an unexpected sign of colorectal cancer, especially in younger individuals, as rates of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have been increasing since the 1990s. Other red flags include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. It's important to communicate any concerning symptoms to a physician and consider early screening, especially if there's a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors. While these symptoms don't necessarily indicate cancer, early detection through screening is crucial for effective management and potential cure.
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a gastroenterologist and gut health expert, shared his go-to lunch for gut health and longevity, consisting of bean chili, farro, and sourdough bread, which is high in fiber and nutrients. He emphasizes the importance of fiber for digestion and regulating blood sugar spikes. Additionally, he pairs his lunch with kombucha, a fermented tea drink, to improve gut health by feeding good bacteria and strengthening the immune system.
A viral video by Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist, has shed light on the phenomenon of needing to use the restroom while shopping, known as the "Mariko Aoki" phenomenon. While there isn't a well-established scientific explanation, it is believed to be triggered by a combination of factors such as familiar smells, the peaceful atmosphere of certain stores, or the stress and excitement of shopping. The brain and gut are connected, and a change in environment can trigger the urge. Regular bowel movements are important for overall health, and managing stress levels, maintaining a fiber-rich diet, and staying hydrated can help.