You may think that a gastrointestinal doctor is the kind of doctor you only need to go once you’ve reached a certain age, or to deal with pains and concerns that come with growing older (and to get screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy once you turn 45).

While that’s true, there are a number of reasons why someone younger – in their early 20s and 30s – can absolutely benefit from seeing a GI doctor.

Here are some reasons why a younger person in their 20s or 30s might see a GI doctor. While there are other conditions and concerns, we welcome patients of all ages – because we CAN help you find relief.

A “nervous” stomach

You may discover that your stomach “acts” up at times…and you may have been told you have a “nervous” stomach. Or perhaps your doctor treated the specific symptoms you had at the moment you went in, but the issues continued and the source of the problem wasn’t discovered.

When you are properly diagnosed by a gastrointestinal specialist, you’ll be able to receive the proper treatment – whether that involves lifestyle changes, dietary changes, medications, or procedures – that can change your life.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we have various methods of getting to the root cause of your concerns – including different types of internal scopes, so we can actually see what’s going on and causing you discomfort.

Food sensitivities

When you grow up with things always being a certain way when it comes to your digestive system, you tend to think it’s normal. You become accustomed to your stomach feeling rough a lot of the time, and the aftermath of eating is something you just accept.

But what if it’s because you have sensitivities, and the food you are eating is causing specific adverse reactions throughout your GI tract?

Celiac disease means your body can’t tolerate gluten – and eating it can cause a host of issues, including depression, malnutrition, fatigue, digestive issues, and more.

Lactose intolerance is when your body can’t process lactose, an ingredient in many common dairy products. That intolerance may lead to gas, bloating, and more GI tract disruptions.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we can test for and diagnose Celiac disease and lactose intolerance – and other food-related issues that may be upsetting your digestive tract – so we can pinpoint the problem and determine the best treatment so you can start feeling better.

Heartburn and acid reflux

People of all ages commonly deal with heartburn and acid reflux – and the long-term effects of “just dealing with it” until it passes can wreak havoc with your stomach and esophagus.

You may think you’re OK because the over-the-counter medications make you feel better…for the moment. However, these medicines only mask the problem and allay the symptom – instead of treating the issue.

When your heartburn is repeatedly occurring – and therefore chronic – it is diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). We can perform procedures to properly diagnose the condition so you can learn how to treat it and find relief.

Gas, constipation, bloating

You’re always running to the bathroom after you eat. Or getting horizontal on the couch to give your stomach time to “settle” after a meal. It’s just how your body works, right? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Although it may seem like that’s just you, and that taking time for things to pass is a normal part of life, you may have more serious issues that can cause long-term complications.

Things like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease can all disrupt your digestive tract – but there are ways to treat them so you don’t have to live in discomfort anymore.

Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., has a team of knowledgeable doctors to help you work to eliminate gas, constipation, bloating and other stomach concerns to keep your GI tract running smoothly.

See a gastrointestinal doctor today!

Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your pain or discomfort – then we can help you treat it so you feel better and work at preventing any long-term complications. Schedule your appointment today!

Suncoast Endoscopy Center celebrated three employees who reached their 20 year milestone – Wendy Dawson, David Key and Lori Sloane. We are grateful to have them as part of our family and congratulate them on such a wonderful milestone. Our physicians and staff honored these three with a wonderful luncheon, and Dr. Anil Ram presented them with plaques commemorating their years of service. Below are photos of the festivities:

 

 

 

 

From Left to Right: Wendy Dawson, David Key and Lori Sloane

From Left to Right:  Dr. Anil Ram, Wendy Dawson, David Key, Dr. Trupti Shinde, Center Leader Terry Titus, Dr. Varun Patel and Lori Sloane.

From Left to Right: Dr. Trupti Shinde, Wendy Dawson, David Key and Dr. Anil Ram.

If you’re looking forward to a cornucopia of foods this holiday season, but not the aftermath of what overindulging means for your stomach, read on for 5 simple tips to enjoy your holiday dinner without stomach issues.

1. Smaller portions

If you feel a burning sensation in your chest area after you eat, you’re not alone. Heartburn and acid reflux happen when your stomach fills up and the acid goes up into your esophagus.

Eating smaller portions helps reduce those potential acid reflux triggers, since your stomach isn’t filled to the brim for so long, that way you’re not uncomfortable after your meal.

At a holiday meal, it’s not always easy to limit portions. But, you can build yourself a second plate and set it aside — or simply go back for round two (or three) later, once the food in your stomach has had a chance to digest.

Chronic heartburn, or GERD, can lead to potential serious long-term health concerns if not treated — so be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

2. Drink water with your meal

Acidic and carbonated beverages (and alcohol) can trigger heartburn and acid reflux — so save the non-water beverages for before and after you eat, if at all.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day since water keeps things flowing more smoothly throughout your gastrointestinal tract — and helps prevent waste from getting “stuck” and causing discomfort as it makes their way out.

3. Limit processed foods

Generally, families come together during the holidays and bring their dedicated homemade dishes to share. But there are often some processed foods mixed in with the buffet…which you’ll want to skip if there are tastier options.

Foods that don’t come in a box or package (read: fresh foods) are easier for your stomach to digest and will cause fewer issues going through your GI tract. It’s just one of the ways your diet can help colon issues.

4. Fiber

If you can incorporate food with fiber during your feast, it can help reduce constipation issues afterward. Soluble and insoluble fiber work to make waste softer and easier to pass through your intestinal system.

But this doesn’t mean you need to eat bran and prunes at a holiday dinner: Instead, think whole grains over white flour breads, and vegetables and nuts when you can.

Load up on sweet potatoes and broccoli. Toss almonds in salad; add crushed pecans to potato casserole; incorporate salads or dessert with fruit — like a fruit tart or fruit pies instead of cream pies; and swap hummus or guacamole for dairy-based dips.

5. Limit gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and rye, and for some people it can cause stomach issues — or other symptoms like fatigue, depression, seizures, infertility and more.

If you have or think you may have a gluten sensitivity, stay away from foods that likely contain gluten, such as:

• Green bean casserole
• Pie crusts
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Vegetable dips
• Most pre-made salad dressings

Instead, stick to these foods, which are usually gluten-free:

• Turkey
• Sweet potatoes
• White potatoes
• Vegetables without sauce
• Rice (without sauce or wheat-based seasoning)
• Cranberries and cranberry sauce

Talk about your GI concerns

If you’re having stomach issues after eating, talk to a gastrointestinal specialist about how to make things better. We’re here for you at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich. Contact us to request an appointment today!

Do you have stomach discomfort or pain more than you’d like? (Here’s a tip: It shouldn’t be hurting at all!) If you’re having some issues with your digestive system, know that you don’t have to suffer.

Our doctors can help you diagnose and treat any issues, and help you keep your GI tract running smoothly. Here are some of our top tips that will help lead you on the path to feeling better.

1. Get a colonoscopy by age 45

A colonoscopy is the trifecta of gastrointestinal tract examination tools. Your doctor can: See what’s going on in your intestines; remove certain polyps during the procedure; and diagnose issues in your GI tract (including colon cancer).

Every single person should have a colonoscopy by age 45 (or sooner, if you have other risk factors), for many reasons. If you experience digestive pain, a colonoscopy can evaluate possible GI causes that can be contributing to discomfort – including polyps, colon cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and more.

And knowing the cause is half the battle – because then it can be treated.

2. Add more fiber in your diet

As we get older, our bodies often need to work harder for things that never used to seem as difficult. One of the ways it becomes obvious is in our digestive tract. What goes in must come out, but you may notice that process can become more challenging – often because of a lack of fiber.

This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a diet of boring bran flakes and prunes to keep things running smoothly. Simple changes to your diet can help, including by incorporating more fiber in the food choices you make.

Most Americans don’t regularly eat a lot of fiber, so you’ll want to gradually increase your fiber intake if that’s the case. Otherwise, you may end up with more gas and bloating than you’re used to and decide to stop the fiber altogether (which you shouldn’t!).

Some simple ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet include:

• Swapping refined grains for whole grains when possible (in breads, cereals, popcorn, etc.)
• Adding in fruits and vegetables – like apples, broccoli, berries, avocados – before meals
• Read labels: When using processed foods, look for ones with higher fiber content

3. Drink More Water

So much of our health depends on our hydration, and that’s especially true when it comes to our digestive system. Water is vital to your GI tract because it breaks food down so that your body can absorb the nutrients better. But in addition, water helps you to be more comfortable because it helps digest fiber.

Think of the food going through your intestinal tract as a fallen branch going down a river. If the water levels are high, there are no problems and things can flow easily. But if the water levels are low, that stick going down the river is going to gather mud, get bigger and maybe get stuck.

Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses of water – plain or with fruit, but not carbonated – a day. A glass in the morning and following each meal gives you four glasses, so you’ll only need another 32 oz. of water throughout the day.

4. Talk to your doctor – even about the little things.

If you’ve always been told you have a “nervous stomach” or know that certain foods make your stomach not feel the greatest, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Things don’t “just happen.” There’s a reason – and we can help you pinpoint the reason and treat it, so you can start feeling better! Questioning it? Check out these 5 Reasons You Need to See a GI Doctor.

There could be a growth or irritation in your gastrointestinal tract that, if diagnosed, can be taken care of so the issue isn’t something you have to “just deal with” anymore. Or, there could be a larger concern at hand that, once you know what it is, doctors can determine the best way to fix it – whether through medication, surgery, or another option.

Talk to your doctor. That’s what we’re here for!

Ask Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C., in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. And we’re committed to making your experience at our facility as comfortable and convenient as possible.