GI Disorders

Treatments for Lactose Intolerance

Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. In order for the intestines and the body to absorb it properly, your small intestine produces lactase – which is an enzyme responsible for breaking down the sugar. If the small intestine is unable to produce lactase, the lactose is left undigested as it transfers to

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Causes of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) that causes episodic symptoms. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever are just a few of the most common symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease. Patients diagnosed with this condition can have varying degrees of symptoms. No two individuals will have the same symptoms during a Crohn’s

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Common Upper GI Disorders

If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or difficulty swallowing, this can indicate an upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract disorder. If you frequently suffer from these symptoms, it may be time to seek the expertise of a gastroenterologist for further investigation in order to treat the underlying condition effectively. The upper

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How Is Pancreatitis Treated?

Behind the stomach and next to the small intestine is where the pancreas is located. It delivers insulin and glucagon, which like insulin assists the body in controlling how it processes food and energy. The pancreas also aids digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed (“-itis” =

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Facts About Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is projected to cost the lives of over 50,000 Americans in 2019. It is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths when the statistics for men and women are combined. Recent decades have seen a decline in the number of deaths from colon cancer due

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Crohn’s and Colitis: Is There New Hope?

By Dr. Harry J. Thomas “Suffering in silence” is commonly shared by those afflicted with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Sufferers opt not to mention their physical pain to friends, family, or coworkers, much less seek expert medical attention before something like an ER visit or hospitalization occurs. They bend to social stigma against acknowledging

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Do At-Home Genetic Tests Offer Reliable Disease Screening?

Genetic testing is no longer a rarity. Once only ordered by doctors, genetic tests are now more accessible and affordable than ever before. It’s not uncommon to know someone who has recently given – or received – a DNA testing kit as gift. And it’s no wonder. The sheer number of testing kits available directly

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Have You Heard About Austin’s First Spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cures Event?

Austin is teaming up with Spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cures to hold its first-ever cycling event! Come join us for this exciting day of fun, athletics, and giving back. An estimated 3 million Americans live with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are chronic and debilitating digestive diseases that affect the health and quality of

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Is Bloating a Cause for Concern?

We’ve all had that bloated, uncomfortable “full belly” feeling at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem.  Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, it’s probably nothing

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Do Processed Foods Cause Gastrointestinal Disorders?

It may surprise no one that the foods we eat (and don’t eat) affect the way our digestive system functions. For example, too much bread and not enough fiber can lead to constipation rather quickly. If your diet has consistently been undersupplied of certain proteins, minerals, or other needed nutrients, it can create disorder in

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