Processed foods were created to help us out in our busy lives – because when it’s already processed, it’s generally quicker to prepare and has a longer shelf life (so we don’t have to go grocery shopping as often, in theory).

But anything that’s boxed and processed isn’t usually the healthiest choice for your gut. When foods are processed, they often take away nutrients and add excess salt and sugar and other preservatives.

Many of us have become accustomed to having processed foods as staples in our diets – but there are a few easy swaps you can start making now to adjust to a cleaner, healthier diet! (Even when you’re eating out!)

5 Easy Ways to Swap Out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut

1.Trade white rice for brown rice

White rice is processed, therefore many of the nutrients are stripped during that process. Brown rice has more fiber (which we know is great for making you feel full and keeping your colon healthy!).

White rice also has more sugar in it – whereas brown rice contains nutrients like magnesium, niacin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B1.

The nutrients kept in brown rice make it an energizing, healthy carb. Many diets that promote “no carbs” consider that most of the carbs many people eat are processed…but brown rice can be a great staple in your diet to fuel your body, clean your gut, and help you feel full with less food.

Plus, whole grains can help lower your colon cancer risk!

(And if you’re up for it, try trading your brown rice for even healthier options like quinoa or barley!)

2.Replace soda with carbonated water and fresh fruit (or just water!)

Nixing soda can be a hard habit to break – but if you make up your mind to do it, you can!

You still want the fizzy drink? Use carbonated soda water (without all the chemicals, sugar, and caffeine) and throw in fresh fruit. Cut up limes or lemons and have them on hand to squeeze and toss in there. Or maybe mix it up with some watermelon and cucumber for a refreshing twist!

Even replacing one can of soda with a glass of water can help start the trend. Water makes you feel full and replenishes lost fluids from your body to keep you from getting dehydrated.

Plus it doesn’t have all the sugars that your gut has to process.

3.Use real potatoes instead of instant flakes

When you’re coming home from work, it can save you a lot of time to make instant potatoes instead of cooking fresh ones. But, the real potatoes are worth it: They pack more nutrients, and can reduce inflammation in your colon.

Plus, the potatoes from the ground can help you feel more full! White potatoes are a resistant starch, full of probiotics that benefit gut health. Plus they’re high in potassium and low in sodium.

And if you’re thinking you want to stay away from carbs, fresh potatoes that are prepared in a healthy way are fresh and not processed, so they’re not as bad as you may think.

4.Instead of chips or cheesy crackers: Cheese and whole-grain crackers

Cheese has a way of filling you up and giving you nutrients to give you energy and stay full longer! When you are on the road and need a snack, it’s easy to pick up a bag of something…but fresh cheese and whole-grain crackers will work better!

Animal products like cheese contain protein and Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and calcium – all essential to a healthy diet. And having enough calcium in your diet can help to prevent colorectal cancer. 

And the whole-grain crackers, although processed, are a better choice than chips for what you’re looking for in a snack. Whole grain, or multi-grain crackers, have fiber in them to keep you feeling full longer, and to help clean out your gut.

5. Switch from boxed cereal to oatmeal

You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but you’re rushed in the morning so you just grab a quick bowl of cereal (or breakfast bar) to make sure you get something to start your day. Why not try some oatmeal? Not the packaged kind, but the rolled oats kind, and add your own toppings!

When you’re choosing your oatmeal, steel-cut oats are the least processed type, full of the most original nutrients. But rolled oats (or old-fashioned oats) and quick oats are still good for your gut!

Quick oats are the most processed of the types of oats, because they go through a partial-cooking process to make them a couple minutes quicker to cook than rolled oats. Make sure if you have Celiac Disease that you talk to your doctor first.

Oats – and oatmeal – are fantastic grains packed with fiber to help you feel full longer, give you energy, and keep your gut healthy (with everything flowing smoothly).

Toss some cinnamon on your oatmeal, or some cut up strawberries and blueberries. Or maybe some peaches, or bananas and walnuts. The healthy, flavorful choices are plentiful to make your breakfast something you (and your gut) look forward to!

Get your gut checked today!

When you use these 5 Easy Ways to Swap Out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut,

make sure to talk to your GI doctor about any changes in your diet, so you can take into consideration things like gluten and lactose that may affect your gut health.

Give Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. a call today and we can do a couple quick tests to help you determine what’s going on in your gut, have a healthier gut, and help you with any gut discomfort you may have.

 

Summertime is moving our way, which means fun in the sun and much-needed relaxation time. Before hitting the beach or hopping on a plane to embark upon your much anticipated great adventure, don’t lose sight of how important it is to keep helpful habits that rarely fail to amplify your gut health. With temperatures rising and exhaustion on the incline, your gut health is likely to get burned out during the summer. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our gastrointestinal physicians have set our goal to bring you the treatment and knowledge you need and deserve in order to benefit from a healthy digestive system. Flip the proverbial page as our New Orleans, LA team explains the best practices to maximize your gut health all summer long.

What is it about summer that is hard on gut health?

The summer months are known to be brutal on your gut wellness, making a healthy gut have trouble and any pre-existing GI problems worse. A few of the primary factors that can open the door to poor gut health and problematic GI symptoms, like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, are:

• Dehydration: High temps mean your body consumes fluids to stay cool at a higher rate, and you might not be maintaining pace in replenishing lost fluids.
• Lack of consistent eating habits: If you’re traveling or treating yourself to summer indulgences, it can prove difficult to think ahead to plans for a healthy meal.
• Fatigue: Summer past-times might leave you with a shortage of energy, which in turn, impacts your digestive health.

If you suffer from a pre-existing GI problem, monitoring your summertime carefully can mean the difference between summer months of healthy relaxation and a vacation spent in abject misery. To learn more about ways to manage your individual GI issues, get in touch with any one of our skilled GI specialists in New Orleans, LA.

How do I sustain good digestive health over the summertime?

With some thoughtful planning, a person can ensure a healthy digestive system throughout the summer. Revel in your vacations or relaxing pool days comfortable in the fact that you are taking measures to make certain your gut also has a fabulous time. A partial list of the simplest ways you can keep up your summer health are:

• Drink plenty of water: Remain hydrated, specifically in the event that you are spending time in the sun and sweating a lot. Dehydration may cause constipation, among additional bothersome digestive woes.
• Eat foods rich in fiber: Eat some dark green vegetables and add some scrumptious summer fruits in your diet to supplement your fiber consumption, which assists digestion.
• Try probiotics: Your gut houses a precise level of good bacteria. One way you can power charge your digestive health is by lending support to those helpful bacteria with probiotic foods and supplements.
• Plan healthy meals: All of those summer indulgences like barbeque, soda, and ice cream may be enjoyable in moderation, but remember to arrange ahead of time for nutritious dinners to avoid forcing your gut into overdrive.
• Get a good amount of exercise: Watch out for extreme heat or humidity warnings, but a leisurely jog in your neighborhood during sunset is a great way to ensure your gut stays active.

When should you consult with a specialist regarding digestive health?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below persistently during your summertime celebrations, it is time to seek a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates physician to assist you in identifying the root at your earliest opportunity:

• Pain in your abdomen
• Chronic diarrhea
• Difficulty passing stool
• Chronic heartburn

If you suffer from blood in your stool, you should seek a gastroenterology specialist in New Orleans, LA immediately.

Maintain a healthy summer digestive system

The summer months can push your digestive system to labor harder to keep your body healthy and functioning properly. Give your gut the gift of good health during the summertime, and make sure to practice healthy habits that will make sure you don’t have to waste a second of your summer feeling under the weather. Should you need help or support managing a GI problem over the summer, don’t delay in reaching out to our practice to identify a GI specialist in New Orleans, LA. Our physician-led network of gastroenterologists is devoted to providing patient-centric treatment to people exactly like you. Reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates at your earliest convenience to hear more.

Troublesome symptoms, such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, or unintentional weight loss, can be more than a mere annoyance. If you have persistent indications of poor digestive health, you could be affected by a serious gastrointestinal condition. It’s important to never neglect the signs of poor GI health. Should you have symptoms that are unusual, such as a fluctuation in bowel movements or cravings for certain foods, discuss it with an experienced gastroenterology specialist in New Orleans, LA. By talking with a doctor at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, you can learn about conditions involving your gastrointestinal tract and learn how to enhance your overall well-being.

What are common symptoms of an unhealthy gut?

It’s not uncommon to have an occasional stomach ache or experience heartburn from time to time. Persistent trouble with gastrointestinal system issues may indicate that something is impacting your digestive health. Should you notice any of these symptoms persistently, it may be a sign of an unhealthy gut:

• Skin allergies/irritations: Inflammatory skin concerns, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis, have been connected to GI health.
• Mood fluctuations: Depression and anxiety may be a result of an unhealthy gut.
• Migraines: Severe headaches might indicate that a problem is occurring in the gastrointestinal system, especially if nausea and vomiting also occur.
• Autoimmune conditions: An imbalance in digestive bacteria can initiate issues with autoimmune diseases.
• Fatigue: Experiencing exhaustion all the time can be related to trouble with nutritional absorption in the gut.
• Changes in stool: If you have noticed a change in the color or consistency of your stool, like if you experience loose or light-colored stools, then it might be time to investigate with a medical provider.
• Food cravings: Yearnings for certain foods, such as sugar, can be a sign of an imbalance in gut bacteria or nutritional deficiency.
• Stomach discomfort: Ongoing bloating, gas, or constipation could be a sign that your gastrointestinal tract is having trouble digesting food and getting rid of waste products.
• Unexplained weight changes: An unexplained, abrupt gain or loss in weight could mean your body is struggling to store fat, absorb nutrients, or eliminate waste.

In the event you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, or other concerning symptoms, such as repetitive acid reflux or blood in your stool, please get in touch with one of our GI specialists in New Orleans, LA to have your gastrointestinal health assessed.

What diseases or conditions might lead to poor gastrointestinal health?

The issues or symptoms you experience could be a sign of a serious GI health disease or condition. Some of the diseases that can result in the signs and symptoms featured above include:

• Celiac disease: The way in which the body’s immune system responds to gluten results in damage to the small intestine.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease result in inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Cancer: GI cancers, such as colon or rectal cancer and stomach cancer, can lead to severe issues in the digestive system.

How can I improve my gut health?

Though it is essential to practice healthy habits, it is recommended that you talk with a physician if you are experiencing issues linked to an unhealthy gut. A Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates doctor can identify whether a more serious issue needs to be assessed or if lifestyle changes can help you elevate your gut health. Any of the following factors might be suggested by your doctor:

• Get regular exercise
• Identify food intolerances
• Increase the fiber in your diet
• Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night
• Include probiotics in your diet
• Consume plenty of water
• Quit smoking

Get help for poor GI health in New Orleans, LA

If you notice signs or symptoms of poor gastrointestinal health, it can indicate a concerning condition. We urge you to not disregard the signs your body is sending you through an upset stomach, food cravings, and unintentional weight changes. To best understand and detect any digestive disorders, you can connect with a digestive health specialist in New Orleans, LA. To locate an experienced gastroenterologist near you, reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. When you partner with our team, you can receive patient-focused services to help you improve and manage your digestive wellness which, in turn, could help you enjoy a better quality of living.

You’ve likely noticed day-to-day changes in bowel habits depending upon the kinds of foods you ingest and the daily medications taken. However, a persistent change in bowel movements could signal a more serious medical condition. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among the U.S. population, according to the American Cancer Society. Moreover, the lifetime chance of having colon and rectal cancer among males is about 1 in 23.

June is designated as Men’s Health Month. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our team is dedicated to helping people learn the indications of colon and rectal cancer, know the facts surrounding colorectal cancer, and understand the statistics so they’re empowered to take control of their health. Continue reading to learn additional information about colon and rectal cancer from our New Orleans, LA gastroenterology experts.

What is colon cancer?

Colon and rectal cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the colon (large intestine) when the cells in this part of the digestive tract begin to proliferate out of control. It impacts the gastrointestinal tract and the normal function of the colon and the rectum. Most of the time, this malignancy begins as a growth called a polyp that develops on the inner lining of the large intestine or rectum.

When armed with the right information and details, you can help the people you care for live healthier and happier by sharing with them the facts about colon cancer in men. Seeking a consultation with the GI physicians at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is an excellent way to make certain you or your loved one obtains the ideal care and information required for colon health.

The statistics and facts about colon cancer in men

As reported by the American Cancer Society, it is forecasted that there will be 106,180 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2022. Given the increase in healthcare and colon exams, however, the number of incidences has receded since the mid-80s. When cancer of the colon is diagnosed early, the disease can often be resolved. When rectal cancer is found at a localized stage, the rate of survival is very favorable. Other things to acknowledge when discussing colon and rectal cancer include:

• The chance of experiencing cancer becomes higher as you age
• Incidence rates are 30% higher in males than in females
• The median age for a cancer diagnosis is 66 years among men
• Physical activity is strongly associated with a lower chance of colon cancer (not rectal cancer)
• Diets with higher amounts of fiber, whole grains, dairy, and calcium can lower the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer

To discover further information surrounding colorectal cancer or to hear more about the risk factors for colon cancer in men, please set up a consultation with one of our GI doctors in New Orleans, LA. Their advanced expertise and training surrounding the disease will help you along in your journey to health and wellness.

Understanding the common colon cancer symptoms in men

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in men can aid you in making healthy changes for yourself or a family member. Some of the prevalent colon cancer symptoms involve the following:

• A persistent fluctuation in your bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea, or the consistency of stools)
• Anal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Ongoing abdominal discomforts, such as gas, pain, or cramps
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

In the event you or a family member have any of the colorectal cancer symptoms listed above, meeting with a colonoscopy specialist in New Orleans, LA may be an appropriate action to take. Taking control of your health and becoming familiar with the symptoms of colon cancer in men can save a life. To hear additional details about what can be done to take preventive steps, or to appropriately treat the disease, connect with a gastrointestinal physician at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

Get screened for colorectal cancer in New Orleans, LA

Cancer of the colon or rectum can impact everyone, but understanding the elevated risks that men have is a great start toward preserving colon health in honor of Men’s Health Month this June. If you are of age or at increased risk, meeting with a GI physician at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help ensure your health is preserved. For additional details about colon cancer or other digestive health conditions, please get in touch with our practice today.

Even if your symptoms are depression, anxiety, migraines, infertility or other non-stomach issues

It may seem like a “trendy” thing to be gluten-free, but the truth is, nearly 1 in 100 people have Celiac Disease which gluten triggers, bringing on pain and discomfort – and many don’t even know that’s the cause.

Those of us who have Celiac Disease can benefit greatly from reducing or eliminating gluten from our diets – but diagnosing and treating Celiac Disease is important not only because of treating the discomfort, but Celiac Disease can also increase your risk of coronary artery disease and small bowel cancers, along with increasing your chance to have other autoimmune diseases.

That’s why it’s vital to listen to your gut (literally) and get tested if you have symptoms.

What IS Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, where your body basically attacks the small intestine when it discovers a harmful intruder: Gluten.

Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, and barley – so it’s in a lot of foods and beverages we consume. And even small amounts of gluten can trigger the response in your intestine.

It’s a bit of a family disease, too:  1 in 10 people with it have related family members who also have Celiac Disease.

In addition, Celiac Disease can develop at any age, once you’ve consumed gluten. And it make take a while for you to notice that the symptoms may be those of Celiac Disease. If left untreated, Celiac Disease can lead to a myriad of additional health problems – ones you may not think it could be a trigger of.

A strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment for Celiac Disease, and it’s life-long.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

The symptoms of Celiac Disease vary greatly, and as a result can be difficult to diagnose purely by symptoms – which is why a blood test is the best way to determine if your issues can be cause by Celiac Disease.

Some common symptoms include:

• • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Infertility
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Itchy, blistery skin rash
  • Joint pain
  • Missed periods
  • Mouth ulcers and canker sores
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Weight loss

 In kids, common symptoms can include:

• • Abdominal pain, bloating, and gas
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Damage to tooth enamel
  • Delayed puberty
  • Failure to thrive
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Irritability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pale, foul-smelling stools
  • Seizures and lack of muscle coordination
  • Short stature
  • Weight loss

Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Since there are many other symptoms of Celiac Disease that you may be seemingly unrelated – such as Vitamin deficiencies, migraines, difficulty losing weight, and others – it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to be tested for Celiac Disease when discussing your ailments…especially if you have a family member that has Celiac Disease.

Get tested now for Celiac Disease

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, we can test you in our offices for Celiac Disease. Contact us today or schedule your appointment online.

 

Clinical trials in gastroenterology allow gastrointestinal (GI) physicians to evaluate the efficacy of modern and modified treatment approaches, making sure they are safe and effective for individuals of all backgrounds. Volunteering for gastroenterology research trials may provide positive outcomes to people who have not experienced favorable results with available treatment options or patients who would like to help further grow the field of gastroenterology research. Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates is delighted to serve as a premier authority for cutting-edge research into GI conditions and diseases. Such clinical research can help those impacted by GI concerns lead an improved quality of life now and over time.

These significant trials are vital to learning how to effectively address a number of distressing GI diseases, cancers, and conditions. If you wish to participate in exploring treatment options for yourself and other patients facing GI concerns, then you might be a candidate for clinical trials. For help with finding a gastroenterology clinical trial in New Orleans, LA, reach out to our team today.

What are GI clinical research trials?

Once an experimental medical device, drug, or treatment has been put through testing in a lab and evaluated in animals to understand how safe and successful it could possibly be in human beings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may permit clinical research on human participants. Such clinical research is carried out on a broad range of patients in an effort to ascertain whether the new treatment can be allowed for use by the general public. The gastroenterology clinical studies supported by Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates could possibly be analyzing the outcomes of new, experimental medical devices, medications, behavioral interventions, or diets. Clinical studies enable health professionals to discern a treatment’s ideal dosage, possible side effects, and whether or not the treatment is more effective than treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and on the general market.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for a clinical research study?

Ideal candidates for GI clinical trials may have been diagnosed with a therapy-resistant digestive disorder or disease. Taking part in a gastroenterology clinical research study allows these patients to access treatment approaches that are not yet offered for public use. At certain times, gastroenterology studies might need to include healthy patients as subjects. Healthy individuals may elect to be included in research studies in an effort to help determine ways to treat or prevent a disease that might run in their family. It is important that clinical studies consist of individuals of all ethnicities, age groups, and genders so that the data collected is applicable to a wide range of individuals.

How are gastroenterology clinical trials conducted?

If you are interested in partaking in gastroenterology clinical trials in New Orleans, LA, you should first connect with a GI physician near you. Our team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can help you arrange an appointment with one of our GI specialists. If a clinical trial is being performed, our team will provide detailed information about the study and what the researchers are looking for in their subjects. To determine whether you qualify for the clinical study, the investigative professionals will thoroughly screen you. If accepted, you will most likely be required to fill out a form providing your informed consent and be assessed at an introductory “baseline” consultation. Throughout the scope of the trial, you would return to the study facility as recommended to undergo assessments or evaluations depending on what data the trial is analyzing. You are advised to always present any issues or concerns to the clinical trial staff.

Want to learn more about GI clinical trials in New Orleans, LA?

As an experienced, skilled team of digestive health physicians, Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates strives to offer individuals the most up-to-date information in innovative GI research. Individuals who have not seen success with established treatments, or for whom no current treatment options are in effect, might be good candidates for a clinical trial. If you or a family member has a digestive condition and would like to discover more about undergoing new and emerging treatment methods, reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to learn about gastroenterology clinical trials in New Orleans, LA.

We’ve all had an upset stomach or bowel issues at some point in life. This may occur after consuming a meal, or it might take place as we’re going throughout our day. Nonetheless, frequent abdominal distress or urgent bowel needs could indicate that meeting with a New Orleans, LA gastroenterologist is something to seriously consider. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our experienced team of experts is ready to help you get relief from stomach problems.

Are a lot of people impacted by stomach problems?

Approximately 10 – 15% of adults in the United States are affected by abdominal pain, per the American College of Gastroenterology. Although you might believe a minor belly ache or grumbling is not of concern, it’s advantageous to become familiar with the different kinds of stomach diseases and disorders, and their associated symptoms, so that you know what to look out for. Our GI experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates offer specialized treatment options to help relieve discomfort from stomach conditions.

What are common stomach diseases to be aware of?

Several gastrointestinal diseases can exhibit similar symptoms. Seeing a GI doctor is a crucial step that could keep your GI system healthy, happy, and well-maintained throughout your lifetime. Some stomach issues commonly experienced have very similar symptoms, including diarrhea, burning or aching pain in the stomach area, heartburn, queasiness, vomiting, feeling full after eating a small amount, and bloating. If you’ve experienced ongoing pain, stomach concerns that you’re unable to alleviate, or a burning or aching sensation, it’s vital to seek treatment for stomach issues in New Orleans, LA to maintain your health and wellness. Some common stomach diseases are:

• Gastroparesis
• Gastric (stomach) cancer
• Non-ulcer dyspepsia
• Peptic ulcers
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastritis

A consultation with the team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can offer the care you need for stomach problems and help you get back to enjoying life in comfort.

When is treatment necessary for stomach problems?

If non-prescription medications are no longer easing your symptoms, and you’ve had ongoing discomfort or constant bowel habits that are unusual, we urge you to visit a gastroenterologist. These practitioners are skilled at helping patients improve the gastrointestinal functionality of everything from the esophagus to the stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. Their extensive experience allows them to care for a wide range of stomach diseases, ranging from peptic ulcers to gastroenteritis.

Although the treatments for stomach issues and diseases may differ, they generally initiate with an overhaul of your symptoms and go from there based on your unique needs. Meeting with our experienced physicians is the initial step in experiencing relief from stomach concerns.

Find care for stomach issues in New Orleans, LA

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our team of GI doctors is committed to offering treatment that can improve the quality of your life. If you’re dealing with chronic stomach discomfort, frequent bathroom visits, or require complex treatment for stomach cancer, our gastrointestinal specialists in New Orleans, LA have the skills and training to help you along your journey. We don’t want you to have to deal with stomach pain or problems on a daily basis. Please don’t delay. Schedule a visit at our practice today to get the care you need to function normally and in greater comfort.