Racket Sports May Make Knee Arthritis Worse

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Staying active is an essential component in weight loss and overall health. Not all types of exercise are beneficial for your joints, however. According to a new study, sports like tennis and racquetball could cause knee joints to degenerate faster in overweight people with arthritis.

Racket Sports Can Worsen Arthritis

A research team assessed knee degeneration in 415 obese or overweight patients who participated in the U.S. Osteoarthritis Initiative. The patients kept records of their physical activity, which included cycling, jogging, swimming, elliptical trainer, ball sports and racket sports.

According to MRI results, the patients who preferred the elliptical trainer experienced the least knee degeneration. Patients who participated in racket sports experienced significantly more knee degeneration than patients who preferred running and jogging.

Silvia Schiro, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Parma, Italy, led the research. Schiro said racket sports cause more knee degeneration because they are fast-paced, high shear load exercises that require rapid side-to-side movement.

“A large lateral force imparted at the foot during side-to-side movements may be driving large knee adduction moments, a key feature in medial compartment disease, which imparts high compressive loads on the medial tibia and femoral condyle,” Schiro explained (Eurekalert).

Jogging, running, swimming and elliptical machines use a forward motion, which places less strain on joints. Schiro noted that not all overweight arthritic patients are at risk for further knee injury.

“It is possible that some individuals with sufficient strength and motor control may be able to safely play [racket] sports,” she said. “Our data suggests that as a group, though, overweight and obese individuals who play racket sports are at higher risk for disease progression.”

Safe Knee Exercises for Arthritis

Arthritis is a complex process, which means all patients need an individualized treatment plan. Regular exercise is important, but certain types of physical activity could damage your knees further and lead to a total joint replacement surgery known as total joint arthroplasty.

Talk with your doctor about specific knee exercises to avoid. If you enjoy racket sports, ask your doctor about possible substitutions for tennis and racquetball such as badminton or doubles tennis.

Schedule a Total Joint Arthroplasty Consultation

Knee osteoarthritis affects more than 14 million Americans. If you are experiencing chronic knee or hip pain, call your orthopedist to make an appointment. Your doctor can help you manage your pain and get back to living an active, independent lifestyle.

5 Common Gastrointestinal Myths Debunked

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You know gut health is important…but how do you know what is “normal” and what isn’t? The medical professionals at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., are busting some common myths about the ins and outs of your digestive health.

1. I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need a colonoscopy. FALSE!

All feels right in your gastrointestinal tract, so why bother getting a colonoscopy? Don’t make this mistake. If you’re 45 or older (or have risk factors), you need to get a colonoscopy.

It can take years for colon cancer to develop – and you may not have symptoms until then – but a colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps that can develop into cancer before you even feel anything is amiss.

It’s kind of like running your snowblower before the first snow of the year: It was working fine last year, so you just want to make sure it still is…before the snow hits. Having a colonoscopy means you can find those silent polyps now, while everything is feeling fine…and remove them before they develop into cancer.

2. Everyone gets heartburn; it’s no big deal. FALSE!

You may have felt the burning sensation in your chest, or you may have seen someone else cringing while they hold their hand to their own chest. “It’s just heartburn,” you tell yourself…because you’ve seen others with it and know all about the over-the-counter medications for it.

But it’s not “just” heartburn. It’s not something that “just” happens. And prolonged bouts of heartburn can cause serious damage.

Chronic heartburn can be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – more commonly known as GERD. When your stomach acids build up, they can extend into your esophagus (which connects your stomach to your mouth). This acid reflux can cause the burning sensation in what feels like your throat and chest: Heartburn.

Those stomach acids can damage your esophagus – so the heartburn you’re feeling is a sign that something isn’t right. Left untreated over time, it can cause difficulty in swallowing – and puts you at higher risk to develop Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Getting diagnosed and treated can prevent further damage.

3. I’m “regular,” so I don’t need fiber. FALSE!

Fiber helps move waste through your system more smoothly. It seems you don’t have any issues there since you’re not dealing with constipation or diarrhea, so you assume what you’re doing is working, right?

And it just may be – but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be conscious of how much fiber you’re consuming. You want to make sure you have enough fiber in your diet, for more reasons than bathroom ease.

Fiber helps to clean out your digestive system, especially your colon. It helps move waste through more quickly, so it’s not gathering in your intestines for too long.

Fiber helps strengthen your colon wall, making it better equipped to prevent and deal with health conditions like diverticulitis.

Fiber helps you feel full, so it can help keep you at a healthy weight and thus at a lower risk of disease.

Many people don’t intake as much fiber as they should: The Mayo Clinic recommends men ages 50 and older have 38 grams of fiber daily; for women ages 50 and older the recommendation is 25 grams. Just make sure to gradually increase your fiber intake to minimize potential bloating and gas.

4. Fiber tastes awful, so I can just take a supplement instead. FALSE!

After doing a little thinking, you decide maybe you can benefit from more fiber in your life. But you don’t want to resort to bran flakes for breakfast, beans for lunch, and prunes for snack…so you figure a fiber supplement will work just fine. However, including fiber foods in your diet is a better alternative – and it doesn’t mean you’ll be eating bland foods.

Fiber foods are better than supplements because you’ll also be benefitting from the other vitamins and minerals that fiber-rich foods provide (because your diet can help any colon issues you may have).

To easily add more fiber, swap out refined grains for whole grains and read labels to incorporate foods with higher fiber content. Plus, fruits and vegetables make great sources of fiber: Like apples, broccoli, avocado, and berries.

Sometimes, however, a fiber supplement may be your best option to bring more fiber into your diet. Before you add a fiber supplement, talk to your doctor.

5. Stomach upset is a normal part of life and it will pass. FALSE!

Sure, sometimes we eat foods we know we shouldn’t – or we overindulge and know the cause of our sudden bloat or uncomfortableness – but even so, we’re not supposed to feel pain when we eat.

You may tell yourself, “I know I’m not eating only fruits and vegetables all day, and if I was, then I’d feel better.” However, the digestive pain you’re feeling may not be the result of what you just ate.

For instance, diverticulitis is when parts of your colon become inflamed – and that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, fever, constipation, and diarrhea.

Anytime you have stomach pain, it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine the cause – and to treat the problem so you feel better and things don’t get worse.

Schedule an appointment with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

If you have any concerns about your gut health – or need to schedule a colonoscopy – take the time today to contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan. We can determine and treat the cause of your health issues, so you can feel better.

Optimize Your Health Before Joint Replacement Surgery

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A new study found patients who feel anxious or depressed before joint replacement surgery could experience adverse outcomes. It is important to discuss your health with your doctor before the procedure so you can have a successful recovery.

What is Total Joint Replacement?

Total joint replacement, also known as total joint arthroplasty (TJA), is a surgical procedure in which parts of a damaged joint or arthritic joint are removed and replaced with a plastic, metal or ceramic device called a prosthesis.

Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common, cost-effective and successful surgeries in medicine today. There are more than one million total joint replacement procedures performed in the United States every year, and the number is expected to increase to four million in 2030.

Depression, Anxiety and Pain Anticipation Predict Outcomes

According to an online article published in October in the Journal of Pain, even mild anxiety, depression and pain anticipation can influence whether total joint replacement patients experience pain relief after surgery.

Nils Georg Niederstrasser, Ph.D., from the University of Portsmouth, U.K., and Stephanie Cook, Ph.D., from De Montfort University in Leicester, U.K., examined 26 studies that analyzed the effect of preoperative psychological predictors on knee and hip replacements that did not require revision surgery.

Dr. Niederstrasser and Dr. Cook found evidence that depression and anxiety affected postoperative pain intensity and joint function, and that pain anticipation affected postoperative pain intensity (Medical Xpress).

Get the Best Results from Your Total Joint Replacement

Even though there are no studies to support the effects of a positive mindset on total joint replacement outcomes, there is strong evidence that negative thoughts and feelings are detrimental.

There are certain health issues that can make you more prone to complications during surgery. Your doctor and surgeon can help create a plan to reduce your modifiable risk factors, or risk factors that you can change.

Modifiable risk factors include:

  • Body weight—your doctor may recommend you lose weight if you are overweight or obese
  • Smoking—quitting smoking is important to optimize surgical results
  • Blood sugar—diabetics or pre-diabetics should get blood sugar levels under control before surgery

Some risk factors are non-modifiable, but your surgical team will address those issues in your treatment and recovery plan (American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons). Some examples are:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Arthritis
  • Lung disease

Getting Healthy Before Surgery

Taking active steps toward a healthier lifestyle can help boost your optimism about your upcoming joint replacement surgery.  Eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and getting plenty of rest are essential to mentally and physically prepare you for surgery.

It is also important to assemble a network of social support of family and friends to assist you to recover. Consider asking your loved ones to:

  • Help you create a comfortable space on the first floor of your home where you can recover
  • Drive you to and from the surgery
  • Pick up prescription medication
  • Do grocery shopping and prepare some easy meals. You may also consider preparing and freezing some meals before surgery.
  • Visit you or call you occasionally to check on you and boost your spirits

Schedule a Total Joint Arthroplasty Consultation

Even though you cannot eliminate all risk factors, you can take proactive steps toward optimum health, which will facilitate your recovery. Joint replacement can help you live a fuller and longer life. Call your orthopedic surgeon to ask if you are a candidate for total joint replacement. Some careful planning can help you stay positive and encouraged to prepare for the surgery and the recovery.

Call Your Doctor to Manage “Pandemic Stomach”

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According to an article in the New York Times, current events are turning up the heat when it comes to heartburn. More Americans are using prescription and over-the-counter heartburn medicine to manage stress and reflux, resulting in nationwide shortages of acid reducers.

Why Are More Americans Getting Heartburn?

Physicians are noting more patients complaining of heartburn and acid reflux. Quarantine and stay-at-home restrictions have caused many people to turn to comfort food like alcohol and sweets, leading to heartburn. Poor eating habits and reduced exercise has also caused Americans to gain weight, another contributor to reflux.

Depression and anxiety are also on the rise. With stress due to COVID-19, job loss, remote learning and feelings of isolation, the general uncertainty about the future has taken its toll on Americans, causing a phenomenon known as “Pandemic Stomach.”

Benefits and Side Effects of Antacids

Antacids like Tums, Alka-Seltzer and Rolaids can help manage isolated episodes of heartburn, but they cannot treat long-term acid reflux symptoms. Overuse of antacids can cause side effects such as:

  • Stomach cramps
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Metabolic changes

Further, acid-reducing drugs such as Pepcid, Zantac, and Prilosec may help manage reflux symptoms, but chronic use should only be considered under the direction of a physician, particularly a gastroenterologist.

Implement Healthy Habits to Replace Heartburn Medicine

Before reaching for an antacid or acid-reducer, try some of these natural remedies to soothe symptoms of reflux and heartburn:

  1. Watch your diet. Avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, fried or high in fat. Limit your intake of chocolate and caffeine.
  2. Eat small meals. Avoid overeating, and finish dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime to optimize digestion.
  3. Get daily exercise. Excess weight places pressure on the stomach and can cause acid reflux. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight loss or weight maintenance plan to help you feel your best.
  4. Avoid heartburn triggers. Quit smoking and limit alcohol to special occasions.
  5. Try natural remedies. Talk with your doctor about natural therapies like ginger root, aloe vera and apple cider vinegar for digestive health.

Make an Appointment with Your GI Doctor

If you experience heartburn every week, it is time to take action and call your doctor. Your GI specialist can help find the source of your heartburn and help you find permanent relief.

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Cataract Risk Lowers with Vegetarian Diet

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Eating a vegetarian diet could decrease the likelihood of cataracts, especially in overweight patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a dense, clouded area in the eye lens. In a healthy eye, the retina can easily convert light that comes through a clear lens. Over time, oxidative stress causes the protein in the lens to clump together and form a cataract. Many factors contribute to oxidative stress including UV rays, poor diet and environmental toxins.

Cataracts are a common vision concern, especially as people age. In the United States, more than 20.5 million people have a cataract.

Plant-Based Nutrition Can Fight Cataracts

A new study in Taiwan suggests a vegetarian diet could significantly reduce the risk of cataracts. Researchers examined data from the Tzu Chi Health study and found vegetarians had a 20 percent lower risk for cataracts compared to nonvegetarians.

This is not the first study concerning vegetarianism and cataracts. A 2011 study among health-conscious residents in Britain found a 20 percent, 30 percent and 40 percent reduction in cataract risk in fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans, respectively (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

Because plant-based foods contain more antioxidants than animal-based foods, eating a vegetarian diet is more successful at reducing oxidative stress that causes cataracts.

The researchers also found many similarities among the vegetarians in the Tzu Chi Health Study. More of the vegetarians tended to be:

  • Female
  • Nondrinkers
  • Nonsmokers
  • Nondiabetic
  • Nonhypertensive
  • More physically active

The vegetarians also had lower:

  • Body mass index
  • Fasting glucose levels
  • Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Eating to Reduce Cataract Risk

You do not need to become a vegetarian to have a healthier lifestyle and decrease your cataract risk. However, this study emphasizes the role diet can play in degenerative eye disease. Numerous studies show positive associations between high fruit and vegetable intake and eye health.

Here are some of the most important nutrients for eye health and some corresponding foods that contain high amounts:

  • Vitamin A — Kale, spinach and carrots contain about 30 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin A.
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin — Some of the best sources are spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, sweet corn, grapes and green peas.
  • Vitamin C — Many fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin C, including bell peppers, kale, citrus fruits, broccoli and guavas.
  • Vitamin E — Pumpkin seeds, beet greens, collard greens, spinach and red bell pepper score high in this nutrient.
  • Zinc — The best sources of zinc are meat and dairy, but you can get the proper recommendation of zinc by eating wheat germ, beans, legumes, oatmeal, tofu and spinach.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Call your eye doctor to make an appointment to evaluate your eye health. Annual comprehensive eye exams include screenings for cataracts and other common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. Make your vision a priority so you can enjoy clear eyesight for years to come.

New Study Suggests Glaucoma is Linked to Depression

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Glaucoma patients have a tenfold greater risk of developing depression than the general population, according to a recent study in Mexico.

Glaucoma, nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight,” is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss. The disease can be challenging to diagnose because it rarely causes symptoms until permanent eye damage occurs. Advanced glaucoma can be a psychological and financial burden and cause significant stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, the severity of patients’ glaucoma correlates with how depressed they feel. Glaucoma severity can also influence patient compliance with glaucoma treatment plans.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress caused by spikes in inner eye pressure. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, can develop without pain or symptoms, and it can cause irreversible vision loss or even blindness.

Depressed Glaucoma Patients Are Less Compliant

The study examined 111 patients with glaucoma, and about half of the patients were depressed. The researchers found a direct relationship between the worse eye’s glaucoma severity and the severity of depression. Patients who were depressed were 38 times more likely to not adhere to their treatment plan than patients who were not depressed.

Other risk factors for depression among the glaucoma patients studied were:

  • Age
  • Gender (females were at higher risk than males)
  • Low income
  • Living alone
  • Substance abuse

Researchers suspect patients with the most severe glaucoma may fall into a dangerous pattern. The associated depression with severe glaucoma may cause these patients to resist taking medication and attending eye doctor appointments, thereby exacerbating glaucoma and depression.

The study suggests patients with glaucoma should create a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist to produce the best outcome.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Are you familiar with the risk factors for glaucoma? You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you:

  • Are 60 or older
  • Are diabetic
  • Are severely nearsighted
  • Have a family member who has glaucoma

Take a moment to complete this Glaucoma Risk Assessment for more information on whether you are at high risk for the disease.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can perform a test to evaluate your inner eye pressure and let you know if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage is permanent, so there is no cure for glaucoma. Therefore, it is imperative to detect the disease early and begin a glaucoma treatment plan. Early detection allows for immediate intervention to stop the progression of glaucoma. There are many treatments available to manage the condition, such as:

  • Laser treatments
  • Medication
  • Traditional surgery
  • Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

Young Knee Replacement Patients More Likely to Need Revision

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Younger knee replacement patients are more likely to require revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients.

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Knee replacement surgery, or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. More patients are choosing TKA at a younger age, and one study predicts TKA surgeries will surge 183 percent by 2030.

Most younger TKA patients do very well, but this age group has a higher rate of knee replacement revision surgery during their lifetime. A group of researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care conducted a study comparing previous TKA and revision TKA surgeries in older and younger patients.

Knee Replacement Revision and Smoking

James Keeney, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, reviewed medical records of TKA patients 55 and younger and compared them to records of patients between 60 and 75. Keeney and his research team found younger patients were twice as likely to require knee replacement revision surgery within two years of their original procedure than older patients. Younger patients were also more likely to get an infection or experience mechanical complications with the new joint.

Although many factors can cause a joint to fail, Keeney says one of the most likely culprits is smoking. Past studies found tobacco use increases the risk for infection and wound complications. Keeney suggests doctors should include smoking cessation programs as part of TKA treatment plans (Medical Xpress).

Schedule a Total Knee Arthroplasty Consultation

Are you considering total knee arthroplasty? Call your orthopedist and schedule a consultation. If you are a smoker, talk with your doctor about a smoking cessation program, so you can quit smoking before your knee replacement procedure.

New Study Says Sugar Can Increase Risk for Colitis and IBD

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According to recent research, a high-sugar diet could be one of the main culprits for an increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that sugar, especially glucose contained in high fructose corn syrup, may be a key contributor to increased number of IBD cases.

Hasan Zaki, Ph.D., professor of pathology, and a group of researchers from UT Southwestern analyzed how sugar affects mice’s gastrointestinal tract. The team fed a group of mice a high-sugar diet and discovered these mice developed more intense colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel condition.

A high-sugar diet also affected the protective lining of the intestine. The research team found sugar promoted gut-damaging bacteria’s growth that caused a thinning of the protective mucosal lining of the intestine and initiated inflammation. Furthermore, sugar caused good bacteria like Lactobacillus to decrease (Medical Xpress).

What is Colitis?

Colitis is a general term for an inflamed colon. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two specific conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBD is more common in Western countries, and this may be due to poor eating habits. The Western diet contains high amounts of sugar, fat and animal protein, which can inflame the GI tract. Is there a link between the invention of high fructose corn syrup in the 1960s and the rising number of IBD cases? Dr. Zaki thinks it is a strong possibility. “Our study clearly shows that you really have to mind your food,” he said.

Dr. Zaki plans to continue his research and study how sugar may affect the development of other inflammatory conditions like obesity, fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Who is Most at Risk for IBD?

Past research shows dietary changes can profoundly affect the gut microbiome. However, some people are more at risk for IBD. Some of the risk factors for IBD include:

  • Family history of IBD
  • Lower socioeconomic status
  • Less than a high school level of education
  • Smoking (Crohn’s disease only)

Talk to your Doctor

Undiagnosed IBD can cause permanent damage to your digestive tract and increase your risk of colon cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms of IBD, call your doctor and schedule an appointment to evalute your complaints. Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist who might schedule a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist will evaluate your colon’s health during your colonoscopy and diagnose conditions like IBD, diverticulitis, or colon polyps (which can be removed and prevent the development of colon cancer). If necessary, you can begin a treatment plan right away.

Resolve to make colon health a priority in this new year. Preventing colon disease is easier and less expensive than treatment, so call today.

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More Screen Time Increases Dry Eye Incidence

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Do your eyes feel strained or irritated lately? More patients are making eye appointments during the pandemic due to increased screen time and subsequent dry eye syndrome.

Definition of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects 4.88 million Americans. It results when the tear glands do not make sufficient tears to moisten the eyes. Untreated dry eye can cause significant discomfort and vision problems, so if your eyes feel dry, visit an eye doctor as soon as possible for relief.

Dry Eye Cases Increasing in the United States

Eye doctors are citing increased numbers of patients during the pandemic. COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing measures have forced much of the American workforce and school systems to go remote, and eye health is suffering. Staring at computer and smartphone screens all day can decrease blink rate by 33 percent and cause eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eye (Medical Xpress).

It is essential to seek treatment for dry eye because it can lead to severe vision complications, including:

  1. Surface damage to the eyes. Severe dry eye can result in inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers and loss of vision.
  2. Eye infections. Natural tears protect the eyes from infection. Inadequate tear production can put the eyes at risk for invasion from germs and bacteria.
  3. Decreased quality of life. Dry eye can make it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading and driving.

Women are More Susceptible to Dry Eye than Men

Of the almost five million Americans with dry eye syndrome, three million are women. The unequal distribution of dry eye among women is due to hormonal factors like pregnancy, birth control and menopause. Because women are more prone to dry eye syndrome, it is imperative that they schedule regular eye exams.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

How do you know if you have dry eye? Typical symptoms include:

  • Red eyes
  • Stinging or burning of the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • A scratchy feeling in the eye

Natural Treatments for Dry Eye

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome symptoms, call your eye doctor to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. In the meantime, you can try some of these natural treatments:

  1. Take regular breaks from computers, tablets and phones. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and look at something at least 20 feet away to reset your eyes.
  2. Position your computer screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes as wide.
  3. Use a humidifier in your work area.
  4. Quit smoking or avoid areas where people smoke.
  5. Try over-the-counter rewetting drops.

5 Simple Tips to Enjoy Your Holiday Dinner Without Stomach Issues

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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!