The path food takes in the body, in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, starts with the mouth and ends with the anus (rectum). The GI tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract. The upper GI tract is generally considered to be the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and finally the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lower GI tract runs from the small intestine to the large intestine (colon) to the anus. Let’s take a look at these sections of the ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
A Day in the Life of a GI Doctor
We’ve all suffered from an unsettled stomach at some point in our lives. But for some people, digestive issues aren’t just a fluke; they stem from a much larger issue. Whether you “power through” despite persistent heartburn – or are in a state of perpetual constipation, you may have made a visit to a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor. Requiring a unique blend of cognitive and manual skills, physicians in the field of gastroenterology diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care for a wide ... [Read More]
Simple Methods for Improving Your Digestion
Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, and acid reflux (heartburn) are very common, yet usually treatable and preventable with basic care. Most digestive problems are related to our lifestyle, the foods we eat and life stresses. Make the right choices and it will help your body will stay on track. Here are some simple methods you can use to improve your digestion. Eat Fruits and veggies A variety of fruits and vegetables provide your body with ... [Read More]
What are the Different Kinds of Functional GI Disorders
There are many different types of gastrointestinal disorders but functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are unique. In FGIDs, your gastrointestinal tract malfunctions. FGIDs do not have “outside” causes, such as tumors or chemical imbalances. What may frustrate some patients is that although FGIDs cause very real, and sometimes very painful symptoms, traditional tests and imaging scans cannot diagnose FGIDs. What are some traditional diagnostic tools that don’t work for FGIDs? Many ... [Read More]
Hep C: Speaking Out About “The Silent Killer”
According to HepCHope.com, a staggering 1 in 30 Baby Boomers has Hepatitis C. That’s 3.2 million people. These numbers are just an estimate, as many affected people are unaware due to the disease’s dormant symptoms; most don’t become perceptible until many years after being infected. The most chronic blood-borne infection in the United States, Hep C can lead to severe liver damage, cancer – and even death if left untreated. As a precaution, the Centers for Disease Control is advising all ... [Read More]
