Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

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Research shows that eating a high intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Diet, physical activity and weight are risk factors for the disease, so lifestyle changes can significantly decrease colon cancer risk.

Eating red meat and processed meat can be highly inflammatory and are linked to a greater risk of colon cancer. A new study by Nordic researchers published in Nutrition Reviews reinforces that a plant-based diet is more globally sustainable and can help prevent chronic disease.

“Both scientists and the public seem to have missed the yet untapped potential that grains can contribute towards a more sustainable food system and a healthier population,” said Professor Rikard Landberg from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. “Even small changes in dietary patterns could make a large difference both to environment and health and grains could represent one of these possibilities” (Medical Xpress).

What is a Whole Grain?

A 2017 study found that eating approximately 90 grams, or three servings, of whole grains per day reduces the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. But what is a whole grain?

All grains are either whole grains or refined grains. Refined grains have some or all of the bran layers removed during processing, which reduces the fiber and the micronutrients. Whole grains are made from intact seeds that include three parts:

  • Bran: the outer skin of the seed
  • Endosperm: provides nutrition to the germ
  • Germ: the embryo, which can germinate into a new plant

A high-fiber diet is essential for colon cancer prevention because fiber increases stool bulk, dilutes carcinogens in the stool and decreases the transit time of digested food in the intestines (NCBI).

How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Meals

You can make small, daily changes to your meals to add more whole grains to your diet.

Breakfast—Start your day with oatmeal, a high-fiber whole grain, and top it with almonds, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and dried fruit.

Lunch—Buy bread made with 100 percent whole wheat flour for making sandwiches.

Dinner—Choose brown rice instead of white rice, and try to eat different whole grains such as barley, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and bulger.

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

Eating more whole grains can help prevent colon cancer, but the best way to lower your risk is to get a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because your doctor can view your entire colon and remove any polyps or abnormal tissue during the exam.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. However, some individuals at high risk may need to get screened earlier. Call your gastroenterologist today and start your year off right with a preventive screening.

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Get Active, Control Blood Pressure

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Regular aerobic exercise during midlife could mitigate chronic diseases and ailments as people age, according to scientists in a new study.

Physiologists in Texas and Japan offered strong indications in this study that improvements in blood pressure control and vascular elasticity may contribute to better cerebral blood flow regulation in middle-aged people.

“Our findings have an important clinical implication,” said co-researcher Takashi Tarumi, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Tsukuba, Japan. “Regular aerobic exercise during midlife may prevent these age-related chronic diseases and extend a healthy lifespan.”

Exercise Now, Reduce Chronic Diseases Later in Life

A higher risk of stroke and dementia later in life, along with a greater risk of age-related chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, are linked to midlife arterial stiffness.

The study researched the potential health benefits of being active and improving age-related deteriorations of cerebral blood flow regulation, short-term blood pressure control and arterial elasticity (a noninvasive measure of cardiovascular risk).

The study was conducted in 20 middle-aged athletes (ages 45 to 64) with at least 10 years of aerobic training, 20 adults younger than 45 and 20 middle-aged sedentary adults.

Researchers defined regular aerobic exercise as running, cycling, swimming or multimodal training with moderate-to-vigorous intensity.

According to the study, middle-aged endurance athletes have better control of blood pressure and higher arterial elasticity than sedentary adults in the same age group. These athletes also displayed comparable levels of these factors compared to young adults, thanks to regular aerobic exercise.

Stop Joint Pain Before it Stops Your Activities

Staying active is essential for your health. If you are experiencing chronic pain, sometimes you need the help of a professional before the pain interrupts your active lifestyle.

You don’t have to live with joint pain or back pain. Our orthopedists specialize in treating chronic pain, arthritis, and many bone and joint conditions. Click here to see a list of specialists located at centers across the country.

Unexpected Benefit of Cataract Surgery: Lower Dementia Risk

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Surgeons perform 10 million cataract surgeries worldwide each year, making it one of the most common surgeries performed today. Usually, it only requires local anesthesia, and patients can resume their normal activities within days. The success rate of cataract surgery is high, and the risks are minimal. In addition, new research finds that cataract surgery could offer an unexpected benefit: a reduced risk of developing dementia.

Cataract Surgery Lowers Dementia Risk by 30 Percent

“The Adult Changes in Thought” study observed 5,000 patients over age 65. Based on data from 3,000 participants, the research team discovered that patients who had cataract surgery experienced a 30 percent lower risk of developing dementia than patients who did not have cataract surgery. Additionally, they found the reduced risk of dementia lasted at least a decade after surgery.

“This is really exciting because no other medical intervention has shown such a strong association with lessening dementia risk in older individuals,” said Cecilia S Lee, M.D., associate professor and Klorfine Family Endowed Chair in ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the lead researcher for the study.

The study did not provide specific reasons why cataract surgery would lower the risk for dementia. However, the research team surmises patients may receive “higher quality sensory input” following cataract removal, which could delay, prevent or slow the development of dementia (UW Medicine).

Other Health Benefits of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery can offer many other health benefits besides a lower risk for dementia.

  1. Higher quality of life. After cataract surgery, you can resume the activities you enjoy like reading, gardening, cooking and driving a car. One study found that cataract surgery improves the quality of life by 36 percent.
  2. Fewer injuries. Improved vision reduces the risk of falls and fractures, a significant cause of injury in older adults. Cataract surgery also improves night driving and reduces the risk of car accidents.
  3. Increased independence. Seeing clearly can allow older adults to maintain their freedom of living safely at home. You can preserve your independence when you can read medicine bottles, recipes and street signs.

Make an Appointment with Your Ophthalmologist

Cataract surgery offers so many benefits for your vision and overall health. Make clear vision a top priority this year by making an appointment with your ophthalmologist. Call today to make an appointment.

Free-Standing Surgery Center in Allentown to Perform their First Robotics Total Joint Replacement

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Outpatient Alternative Allows Patients to Heal in the Comfort of their Own Home

Allentown, PA – On December 15, 2021, Surgery Center of Allentown in Allentown, performed their first robotics total joint knee replacement surgery in their free-standing ambulatory surgery center. The outpatient environment allowed the knee replacement patient to return to their home later in the day and receive ongoing support from a dedicated team of home healthcare professionals and physical therapists.

The knee replacement procedure performed at Surgery Center of Allentown is virtually identical to those performed in a hospital. However, instead of the traditional several day hospital stay, patients recover in the comfort of their home.

“We are excited to offer our patients the chance for a ‘less disruptive’ recovery,” according to Cindy Moyer, Administrator of Surgery Center of Allentown. “Our personalized clinical pathways allow us to customize care to the unique needs of each patient. And our carefully vetted team of healthcare professionals provides the support patients need to recover comfortably in their home.”

Free-standing surgery centers provide patients the same quality care as hospitals, but offer significant cost savings. “Our charges are significantly lower than those of a hospital, which translates for most patients to a significantly lower co-payment and overall cost of care. In the era of high deductible healthcare, patients need high quality care at a more affordable price,” Moyer added.

Outpatient total joint replacements are performed regularly in many parts of the country, and data indicate that in addition to cost savings, patients also experience lower rates of infection and higher overall satisfaction.

Surgery Center of Allentown is dedicated to delivering a superior orthopedic surgery experience by providing compassionate, personalized care to each patient. Some of the most qualified and highly trained surgeons in Allentown choose to do their surgeries here.

If you’re ready to take the first step in treating your joint pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons.

Study: Diabetes Meds May Help Prevent Glaucoma

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A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology showed positive outcomes when linking a popular class of diabetes medications with glaucoma prevention.

The medications, called GLP-1R agonists (Trulicity and Rybelsus), may also protect against glaucoma in diabetic patients, according to the study.

The results were found by researchers in the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, according to a Medical XPress article. The study findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may decrease a diabetic patient’s risk of developing glaucoma by half.

Diabetes and Glaucoma

As January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, it is important to know more about this family of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, including 12 million seniors. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma.

Since there is no cure for glaucoma, scientists are researching new ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Study Focus on Diabetic Patients

In the study, researchers looked at retrospective data of 1,961 diabetic patients who were new users of this class of drugs. They then matched them to 4,371 unexposed control subjects, according to a Medical Xpress article. After 150 days on average, 10 patients in the medicated group were newly diagnosed with glaucoma (0.5 percent) compared to 58 patients (1.3 percent) in the control group.

“It was very encouraging to see that a popular diabetes medication could significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, and our study suggests that these medications warrant further study in this patient population,” said Qi N. Cui, MD, Ph.D., with Brian VanderBeek, MD, MPH, both assistant professors of Ophthalmology at Penn.

A Penn Medicine study from 2020 supports the findings, which found that GLP-1R agonists reduced neuroinflammation and prevented retinal ganglion cell death in mice.

Additionally, this class of drugs has shown similarly protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in animal models. Currently, clinical trials are underway to test the medications against neurodegenerative diseases, conditions in which cells of the human brain and spinal cord are lost.

Are You At Risk?

Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is important to know if you are at risk. In addition to diabetes, risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Age 45 or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • History of injury to the eye
  • African American
  • History of steroid use, either in the eye (drops) or systemically (orally or injected)
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Visit an Ophthalmologist

There is no cure for glaucoma. Early detection is of primary importance because there are usually no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred.

It is recommended that you schedule a comprehensive eye exam and let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma.

Low-Fat, Low Inflammation Diet May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

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When it comes to colon cancer, there are many factors that you cannot control. It’s impossible to eliminate risk factors such as age, race and ethnicity, family history, health conditions and genetic syndromes.

Other colon cancer risk factors include obesity, a low-fiber/high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. New research suggests that gender can also influence colon cancer risk. For example, a recent study on mice found that males who eat a high-fat diet can develop harmful gut inflammation, making them more susceptible to colon cancer.

Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk in Mice

A multi-institutional research team studied male and female mice to compare the levels of an inflammatory marker associated with colon cancer risk. When the mice ate a control diet, males had higher levels of this marker.

When the research team fed all mice a high-fat diet, both genders experienced increased inflammation. However, only females had reduced inflammation when the team combined exercise with a high-fat diet.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that males respond poorly to a high-fat diet, causing inflammation and increased cell proliferation, making them at greater risk for colon cancer,” the research team wrote (Medical Xpress).

How to Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet to promote Colon Health

Even though this study suggests that males are at increased risk for colon cancer, it’s important to remember that anyone can develop the disease. It’s important to take intentional steps to decrease risk factors within your control, like eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.

Begin with removing high-fat, inflammatory foods from your diet. Foods that cause inflammation include refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed foods, sweetened beverages, red meat and processed meat.

Then, replace inflammatory foods with fresh, nutritious foods that fight inflammation. Here is a list of several foods that do not cause inflammation.

  1. Cruciferous vegetables—Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and prevent cancer and heart disease.
  2. Berries—Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries have plenty of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants called anthocyanins.
  3. Avocados—A small avocado includes high amounts of fiber, potassium, magnesium and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation.
  4. Fatty fish—Salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, tuna and sardines are high in DHA and EPA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids that actively fight inflammation.
  5. Green Tea—This is one of the best beverages you can consume because green tea has a substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, an anti-inflammatory.
  6. Turmeric—Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known to reduce symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation. To maximize the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric, add black pepper to the dish you are preparing.
  7. Extra virgin olive oil—The Mediterranean diet is getting lots of attention because it contains high amounts of extra virgin olive oil, which reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic health conditions.
  8. Dark chocolate—You can still have dessert, but choose dark chocolate! The flavanols in dark chocolate keep inflammation levels low and arteries healthy.
  9. Tomatoes—High in vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes contain potent antioxidants.
  10. Mushrooms—Lion’s mane mushrooms are mighty in lowering obesity-related inflammation (Healthline).

Call Your GI Doctor to Schedule a Colonoscopy

While a low-inflammation diet can help prevent colon cancer, the best way to lower your risk is a colon cancer screening. There are many methods of screening, but the gold standard is colonoscopy. Unlike a stool test, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove any precancerous growths called polyps.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer (history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and certain genetic conditions), or if you have digestive symptoms, you should get screened earlier. Call your gastroenterologist today and make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

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Safe Exercises for Arthritis and Joint Pain

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Is arthritis keeping you from the activities you enjoy? About 25 percent of American adults have arthritis, but you can still find safe ways to exercise, remain active and maintain your independence.

According to research published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 58.6 million adults in the United States had arthritis from 2016 to 2018. Almost half suffer from arthritis-related activity limitations due to hip pain, knee pain and joint pain.

Arthritis Incidence Will Continue to Increase

Kristina A. Theis, Ph.D. of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, says arthritis incidence is increasing at a faster rate than projected. She told Healio Rheumatology that “a similar increasing trend was observed for the number of U.S. adults whose activities were limited due to arthritis.”

By 2040, the CDC projects that 26 percent, or 78 million American adults 18 years or older, will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Safe Exercises to Manage Arthritis Pain

There is no cure for arthritis, but exercise is one of the best natural remedies. Inactivity can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in the hips, knees and shoulders.  If you have arthritis, you can work with your orthopaedists to find arthritis-appropriate exercises and activities that alleviate knee pain and hip pain. Some of these activities may include:

Walking

Arthritis is painful, but inactivity can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness in the hips, knees and shoulders. Walking is gentle on your joints, and you can select the frequency, intensity and time. And the best part is, it’s free! It is ideal to walk every day, but aim for at least 30 minutes of walking three to five times per week. If you count steps, try to work up to about 6,000 steps per day. In addition, walk outside for an extra boost of Vitamin D, which reduces chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Swimming

Exercising in water decreases the effect of gravity on your body’s movements, so lap swimming and water aerobics are perfect activities if you have osteoarthritis. Research supports that water exercises promoting endurance, strength, and balance can reduce pain in older adults. Some fitness centers offer a variety of classes like hydro spinning and water flexibility.

Yoga

Yoga lengthens muscles, loosens joints and improves range of motion. There are many types of yoga but look for a beginner’s class that moves slowly and includes basic poses. The most relaxing kind of yoga is sometimes called restorative yoga. It has mostly floorwork and utilizes blankets, straps, blocks and other equipment to help reduce tension and gently increase flexibility.

Exercise cannot reverse damage due to arthritis, but it can help prevent further damage and reduce knee and joint pain. Orthopaedists can also suggest workplace accommodations and other interventions that do not include medication to help manage arthritis symptoms.

Find an Orthopaedist Near You to Manage Joint Pain

Is arthritis causing you daily pain and limiting your activities? Call your orthopaedist and make an appointment today. Your doctor can help you manage your knee, hip, shoulder or back pain by creating a customized treatment plan that may include exercises, medication or physical therapy. If it is time to consider a knee or a hip replacement, you can discuss all your options at your appointment.

5 Easy Hacks to Create Healthy Habits When Eating Out

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Dining out is such a treat: You don’t have to plan the meal, shop for it, cook it, or clean up after. But how can you make sure you stay healthy while you’re eating out — without feeling like a drag?

These 5 Easy Hacks to Create Healthy Habits When Eating Out are easy to implement without you feeling like you’re missing out:

Eat smaller portions (pack half to go!)

Food portions at restaurants are often double — if not triple — a healthy serving size. Not only does eating the entire meal mean you’re likely to get that overstuffed and full feeling by the time you realize you’ve eaten every delicious bit, but it also confuses your body about what it should do.

Your digestive system works hard to get everything you eat divvied up, and the more work it has to do, the more you’ll feel it when there’s a whole lot more food that needs to get broken down — because it also takes that much longer as your body works overtime. Smaller portions is just one way to naturally improve your digestive tract.

So, share a meal with someone — or ask for a container and immediately clear half your plate into your take-home meal for later!

Put your fork down between bites

It’s easy to quickly devour a flavorful meal in front of you (especially one you didn’t have to prepare!). But in doing so, you can easily eat more than you intended to before you even realize it.

A simple trick? Consciously put your fork down between bites.

Giving yourself a little more time to eat also gives you a chance to fully chew your food between bites, helping your digestive system out. And it also gives your brain some time to catch up with what’s going on in your stomach — so the alerts can go out when your stomach is getting full, instead of when it’s already way past stuffed. That way you can help prevent stomachaches! 

Skip the bread

You’re hungry. It’s going to be a while before your food arrives, and they placed fresh, warm bread on your table. With olive oil. Or soft butter. Or cinnamon butter. It looks so good, so you grab a piece while you wait.

Next thing you know, you’ve eaten a few pieces…and it seems like you don’t have quite the same amount of room for your main course anymore. But you finish it anyway, and then you have that overstuffed feeling.

Skip. The. Bread.

Did you go out to eat for the bread? (If so, then indulge!) But if not, keep your eye on the prize of enjoying your meal. That means skipping the bread in favor of filling up on flavorful food that fuels your body and fills you longer — because you know that once the bread gets digested when you leave you’ll have more room and be hungry again.

Drink water

While it’s tempting to order fancy drinks, milkshakes, or soft drinks while you’re out at a restaurant, drinking water with your meal is a healthier habit to keep. Drinking water aids your digestion by helping to make foods flow more smoothly through your digestive tract.

And the more immediate bonus? You’re not filling yourself up on beverages — because you went out for the food, right?

(Check out these 5 creative ways to increase water intake for good digestive health!)

Be mindful of your triggers

Let’s say you know that cheese doesn’t digest well with you, or that spaghetti sauce sets off your acid reflux…but everyone is meeting at the new pizza place and you love some good pizza.

Find yourself a healthy compromise to tell yourself beforehand. If you must indulge in a slice, limit yourself to one — and have a plan for what you can eat instead. A salad with all the toppings you normally don’t get yourself? A pasta with pesto sauce? An apple before you go to help you feel full?

When you have digestive concerns, thinking and planning ahead is part of better self care — because you’re worth it!

Keep your stomach healthy

Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., are well versed in how to help ease your stomach issues and keep you healthy — so contact us today to schedule an appointment!

 

Ring in the New Year With These Healthy Tips

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The New Year commonly ushers in the creation of New Year’s resolutions. To countless individuals across the U.S., that involves setting goals to establish healthy living. During your efforts to conduct research on tips and tricks for a healthier diet and lifestyle, don’t forget to take steps to enhance your digestive wellness. Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract provides a number of vital activities that work to help preserve your overall quality of life, so set a plan into place to take great care of your gut, and welcome in the New Year with a fresh start.

Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is proud to be your partner in protecting your health against GI concerns. People desiring additional information on how they can boost their digestive health or who are experiencing any issues related to potential GI problems can contact our facility in New Orleans, LA to meet with a seasoned and caring gastroenterologist.

What foods can help to support GI health?

Start the New Year off by planning to incorporate some healthy dietary habits. Included among the most significant things you can do to enhance your digestive health is to take in plenty of foods rich in fiber. By doing so, you can help keep your GI system working efficiently and could prevent concerns, such as constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis. Foods to incorporate into your dietary intake that contain a high amount of fiber are things like:

  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Whole grains
  • Lentils
  • Artichokes
  • Green peas
  • Apples

Aside from fiber-rich foods, you could additionally consider adding probiotics into your dietary intake. Your gastrointestinal tract relies on a healthy amount of helpful bacteria to function smoothly. By increasing the consumption of good microorganisms, you could potentially support a healthy balance in your digestive tract. Probiotics may be consumed in supplement form or integrated into your nutritional intake in the foods you eat, like yogurt.

What are some other ways to boost my gastrointestinal health?

The foods you eat are only a portion of the process. Other activities that might help fortify your GI health include an exercise regimen. Remaining physically active can help inhibit and relieve constipation, along with increasing the strength of your muscles. The second thing you could do to help enhance your gastrointestinal health is to manage stress effectively. Rampant stress and anxiety may potentially cause symptoms, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Suggestions to reduce stress include meditation, getting quality sleep, and fostering meaningful connections with friends and family. Given that tobacco use has a negative impact on every system in your body, one final way you can help your gastrointestinal health is to cease smoking and consuming tobacco.

Should I see a gastrointestinal doctor?

While sticking to some healthy dietary habits and maintaining an active way of life can significantly improve your gastrointestinal health, there could be occasions upon which you should seek a GI specialist for more distressing symptoms. Indications that you may have a GI disease or condition are:

  • Loose bowel movements
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Blood in your stool
  • Bladder or bowel incontinence
  • Recurring heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting

Should you notice one or more of the above signs or symptoms, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates promptly. You can arrange for a consultation with a seasoned GI doctor in New Orleans, LA who can identify and help manage GI problems that result in these concerning issues.

Do I need to arrange for a colonoscopy?

Supporting improved gut wellness also includes remaining up to date on your preventive care. Colorectal cancer is the third leading kind of cancer among both men and women; however, the good news is that detecting the disease early can dramatically enhance its prognosis. Medical experts recommend that patients start having periodic colonoscopies at age 45. If a colonoscopy exam is normal, then you won’t need another one for about ten years. Adults can arrange to have a colonoscopy at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

Speak with a gastrointestinal doctor in New Orleans, LA

Why wait for the New Year to start taking control of your digestive health? Move forward with the healthier, new you right away. With the caring expertise of our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, you can begin the New Year with improved digestive health. Our New Orleans, gastroenterologists are among the top professionals in the field. To schedule a visit or to learn more, please contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today.

Temporary Closure Announcement

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Beginning December 20, 2021 the surgery center is temporarily closed. We are in the process of making a number of facility improvements to ensure we continue to meet our patient needs, convenience, and comfort.

We will reopen on January 10, 2022 for previously scheduled surgeries. If you have questions, please call your surgeon at his or her office.

Thank you for your patience.