Austin Gastro's Blog

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What Kind of Doctor Is Best for a Colonoscopy?

The colon, which is the large intestine, is a key part of the digestive system. Its function is to remove water, salt, and nutrients from partially digested food, and to prepare waste for elimination. Your risk of developing colon issues increases with age, and it is now recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at

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Is My Heartburn Severe Enough to Require Treatment?

Heartburn literally feels like burning in your chest. The burning is a result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should seal itself to prevent this from happening, but for those who suffer from heartburn, it relaxes and allows acid reflux to develop. Almost every person at one point

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What Is a Gastroenterologist And What Do They Treat?

If your primary care physician refers you to a gastroenterologist, you may wonder what this medical specialist does. At Austin Gastroenterology, our board-certified physicians deliver comprehensive GI care, and they want their patients fully informed on tests, medications, and overall digestive health. Let’s look more closely at what a gastroenterologist can do for you. What

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5 Common Sources of Protein That Aid Digestive Health

Animal protein provides essential amino acids. While protein can be sourced from plant-based foods, plants lack one amino acid, which the body needs. Moreover, the digestive system has an easier time breaking down animal proteins. It is also a fact that the highest quality protein is sourced from animal products. If you have switched to

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Digestive Supplements for a Healthy Gut

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70 million Americans suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions. Whether you’re a statistic or not, it pays to learn about how to best protect and improve your gut health. Besides making adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, boosting your intake of essential vitamins through dietary

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What Are the Consequences of Poor Digestive Health?

Did you know that your digestive system is the gateway to your overall health? In fact, 70 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, which needs regular, healthy food intake to support your overall health. Spanning all the way from the mouth to the rectum, the digestive system is a highly complex

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Natural Treatment Remedies to Relieve Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition that is characterized by irritation or inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is located behind your stomach in the upper abdomen. Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain that spreads to the back, and pain that occurs after eating a meal. Pain becomes constant once the problem passes into

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How Probiotics Promote Digestive Health

You may have heard of the term “probiotics” but are unsure of what it is and how it can benefit you. If you have digestive issues, probiotics can promote better digestive health and possibly improve your symptoms. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are naturally found in the body, on the skin, and in

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Coping Strategies for Esophagitis

Are you experiencing pain or difficulty swallowing along with heartburn, chest pains, and acid reflux? If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, even after taking antacids, you may have esophagitis. Esophagitis happens when your esophagus is inflamed. You need to control esophagitis early on to prevent it from developing into more severe

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Consequences of Chronic Constipation

If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, frequent difficulty starting a bowel movement, or pain while passing stool, you may be suffering from chronic constipation. The good news is that constipation itself is rarely associated with a serious medical condition. However, if left untreated, chronic constipation can lead to more serious medical

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