Sitting Increases Risk for Joint Problems, Chronic Diseases

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Limited physical activity and looking at screens all day is not good for your health, but Americans are becoming even more sedentary by sitting during work and leisure time.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 27 percent of working Americans work at least part-time from home, but some studies show it may be closer to 50 percent. Sitting all day is causing a national health crisis, but regular movement breaks can enhance both your physical well-being and work efficiency.

Scheduled Movement Breaks Improve Health

How much walking is enough to counteract sitting for most of the day? Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center used the Columbia exercise lab to study 11 healthy middle-aged and older adults who sat in ergonomic chairs for eight hours and then went on regular walking breaks. The individuals were required to engage in a one-minute walk every 30 minutes, a one-minute walk every 60 minutes, a five-minute walk every 30 minutes, a five-minute walk every hour, or no walking at all.

The research team found five minutes of leisurely walking every half hour (as slow as 3 kilometers per hour), can help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. However, the participants said it was difficult to take such frequent breaks, and only 50 percent were able to adhere to that schedule. Taking breaks every hour to two hours seemed more realistic.

More Movement Equals Better Health

According to the study, taking regular movement and stretching breaks had benefits such as the following:

  • Improved mood
  • More positive feelings and less negative emotions
  • Enhanced energy, with 25 percent reduction in fatigue
  • Increased engagement at work
  • Better job performance in quantity and quality

“What we know now is that for optimal health, you need to move regularly at work, in addition to a daily exercise routine,” stated study lead author Keith Diaz, assistant professor of behavioral medicine, in a news release. “While that may sound impractical, our findings show that even small amounts of walking spread through the workday can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses” (Medical Xpress).

Is a Standing Desk a Better Option?

Many people have opted for a standing desk, concluding that at least they are not sitting down. In truth, standing may not be beneficial.

“I’m not sure there’s really solid scientific evidence that standing is really any better than sitting,” Professor Diaz explained in Medical Express. “I worry that people have this false sense that they are healthy because they are using this desk, and maybe they’re not actually that much better.”

Professor Diaz said the most important thing is to incorporate movement into your day.

On a rainy or snowy day when you lack the motivation to leave the sofa, you can incorporate healthy routines into your daily routine.

  1. Begin your day with stretching. Doing some simple stretches or a few minutes of yoga can keep your joints limber and lubricated.
  2. Take walking breaks for five minutes every 30 minutes.
  3. Consider sitting on an exercise ball while you are working on your laptop or watching television.
  4. If you become lethargic during the workday, drink water or walk around and stretch your legs.
  5. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid simple carbohydrates and sugars.

Talk to Your Orthopedist About Reducing Joint Pain

If we continue spending much of our time seated, the World Health Organization predicts that conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart ailments or other metabolic disorders will affect nearly 500 million individuals.

Prioritize your health by adding movement into your daily life. If you want to begin an exercise program, talk to your doctor first. Your orthopedist can help you create a diet and physical activity plan that is right for you. If you have any form of arthritis or have had total knee or total hip replacement surgery, ask your doctor to give you types of exercises that are gentle on your joints.

You don’t need to feel pain when doing your daily activities. Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provide temporary relief, it may be necessary to undergo physical therapy or a procedure to address your specific condition. Call today to make an appointment.

Discover Enhanced Comfort in Our Newly-Renovated Lobby

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Weston, FL – Weston Outpatient Surgical Center proudly unveils its latest waiting room lobby renovations, blending modern aesthetics with top-tier medical facilities. Renowned for excellence in healthcare, the center’s lobby renovations underscores our dedication to patient comfort and care.

Take the Google 360 Tour

Witness the transformation through an immersive 360 virtual tour, meticulously captured by a certified Google 360 photographer. From the welcoming reception area to the tranquil recovery spaces, every detail is designed with your well-being in mind. Feel free to take the tour back to the recovery areas and throughout the building. Transparency is one of our core values, and we want you to see the quality patients receive every day. This virtual experience exemplifies our commitment to transparency, allowing you to explore our facility’s serene environment, reducing pre-visit anxiety and fostering trust.

Why Weston Outpatient Surgical Center?

  1. Modern Facilities: Experience healthcare in a facility where advanced technology and comfort converge.
  2. Personalized Care: Our skilled professionals are dedicated to your unique health needs, ensuring a patient-centered approach.
  3. Informed Decisions: The virtual tour and detailed photography gallery offer insights into our center, promoting transparency and confidence in your healthcare choices.

At Weston Outpatient Surgical Center, we blend unparalleled medical care with an environment that prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. We invite you to discover the difference at our state-of-the-art facility.

Preserve Your Healthy Vision During Glaucoma Awareness Month

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About 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma, and about three million Americans are affected by the disease. In the United States, January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to educate ourselves about this progressive eye disease. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosing glaucoma early and preventing vision loss.

How Does Glaucoma Affect My Vision?

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases characterized by elevated levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to the brain.

Because it can develop without symptoms or pain, glaucoma is often called “the sneak thief of sight.” At first, glaucoma affects the peripheral vision, but most people do not notice the narrowing of their visual field. Unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, and there is no cure for the disease.

Glaucoma Treatments Can Prevent Further Vision Loss

Although there is no way to restore glaucoma-related vision loss, several treatments can help lower IOP to safer levels. These may include eye drops, which can decrease fluid production in the eye or increase fluid outflow. Other options include oral medication, laser therapy and surgical procedures.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people have a higher risk. You have a higher chance of developing glaucoma if you …

  • Are older than 60.
  • Have relatives with glaucoma.
  • Are of Hispanic, African or Asian descent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
  • Have high eye pressure.
  • Are very nearsighted or farsighted.
  • Have had an eye injury.
  • Have a thin cornea.
  • Take steroid medications.

Will My Ophthalmologist Test Me for Glaucoma?

Your ophthalmologist can test you for glaucoma at your next comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will dilate your eyes and perform a series of tests to evaluate you for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is painless and simple, and most exams take less than one hour.

According to the National Eye Institute, …

  • Glaucoma can happen in one eye or both eyes.
  • Some people with high eye pressure don’t get glaucoma, and there’s a type of glaucoma that happens in people with normal eye pressure.
  • Normal eye pressure varies by person, so what’s normal for one person could be high for another.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Make good vision a priority and begin your year with a comprehensive eye exam. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help preserve your vision for years to come. Celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month by calling to make an appointment. If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help you find a physician in your area.

Colonoscopy FAQs: What to Expect and Why It’s Essential

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Yes, it’s true: A colonoscopy can help PREVENT colon cancer. It’s a relatively simple procedure, with lifesaving benefits, and if you’re over 45 or have risk factors (or a family history of colon cancer), schedule your colonoscopy now to ensure your colon stays healthy.

Not sure exactly what a colonoscopy entails? Here are the details:

1. What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a 30-minute medical procedure that allows a gastroenterologist to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It involves using a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera, known as a colonoscope, to detect abnormalities, such as polyps or tumors.

2. Why is a Colonoscopy Essential?

Early detection is key in preventing colon cancer, one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer (check out Colon Cancer Facts here). A colonoscopy can identify precancerous polyps, so your gastroenterologist can remove them before they develop into cancer. The earlier precancerous polyps are detected, the greater reduction of the risk of disease progression.

3. When Should I Schedule a Colonoscopy?

The recommended age to start screening for colon cancer is 45 years old – regardless of if you have any symptoms or not. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier. Consult with your gastroenterologist to determine the most appropriate timing for your individual case.

4. How Should I Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Preparation is a crucial aspect of the procedure. Your doctor will provide specific instructions for your colonoscopy prep, which often include dietary restrictions and a bowel-cleansing regimen for several days before your colonoscopy (the “cleaner” your gut is, the smoother the process will be). Following these guidelines is essential for a successful and thorough examination so we can see any abnormalities.

5. What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

During the colonoscopy, you will be given sedation to ensure your comfort. The gastroenterologist will gently insert the colonoscope through the rectum and navigate it through the colon. The camera allows for a real-time visual inspection of the colon’s lining, so your doctor can remove any polyps and take samples of any abnormal tissue.

6. Is a Colonoscopy Painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure due to sedation, but not pain. Afterward, you might feel bloated or have mild cramping, but these effects generally subside quickly.

7. How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

Generally, you’ll be in our office for about two hours — from check-in to discharge home, including 30 minutes for the colonoscopy.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., our staff of knowledgeable and experienced doctors work to maintain your comfort and answer all your questions before, during, and after your colonoscopy. Early detection is vital in preventing colon cancer, and we’re here for you in Troy, MI, to make it simple and convenient to schedule and undergo your colonoscopy. Schedule your appointment today!

Losing Weight, Exercising May Help Lower Colon Cancer Risk

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As 2024 begins, you may make New Year’s resolutions in an effort to improve your life going forward.

Two popular resolutions — to lose weight and to exercise more — may have greater health significance than you realize.

Being overweight is linked to a higher chance of developing at least 13 types of cancer, according to a recent Clinical Practice Statement by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA).

Risk factors for colon and rectal cancer include being overweight or living with obesity, eating a high-fat diet and living a sedentary lifestyle.

Losing weight and increasing physical activity may help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC).

Obesity Is Linked to Colon Cancer

“Obesity is second only to cigarette smoking as the most common preventable cause of cancer,” the OMA reports. “For nonsmokers, obesity is considered the single most common preventable cause of cancer, especially when accompanied by unhealthful nutrition and physical inactivity.”

The OMA reports an increase in body weight may be contributing to a rise in cancer among young adults. One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. This is called early-onset or young-onset CRC.

By 2030, about 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers are expected to affect patients younger than 50.

Maintain or Achieve a Healthy Weight

Healthcare providers use Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference as screening tools to assess a person’s weight status and its potential impact on disease risk.

“Maintaining a healthy weight has a preventive role. Intentional weight loss of more than 5 percent of body weight has been associated with a lower risk for obesity-related cancers,” writes Monu Khanna, MD, in Healio.

Dr. Khanna emphasized it is important for people to know about obesity as a cancer risk factor.

“Although cancer has many risk factors, managing one’s weight effectively is an essential step in keeping that risk minimal,” Dr. Khanna wrote in Healio.

By making healthy lifestyle choices, like eating healthy foods and exercising, you can achieve a healthy weight.

“Eating a diet centered around “real foods,” including protein and lots of fiber from non-starchy vegetables, eliminating ultra processed foods, avoiding sugary drinks and managing stress and sleep, are all important,” Dr. Khanna wrote in Healio.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week to maintain your weight. To lose weight, you may need to exercise more and eat fewer calories. Consult your doctor before starting any weight loss or exercise programs. The CDC recommends the following:

Moderate exercises

  • Walking briskly (a 15-minute mile)
  • Light yard work (raking/bagging leaves or using a lawn mower)
  • Light snow shoveling
  • Actively playing with children
  • Biking at a casual pace

Vigorous exercises

  • Jogging/running
  • Swimming laps
  • Rollerblading/inline skating at a brisk pace
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Most competitive sports (football, basketball or soccer)
  • Jumping rope

“Being physically active can improve your brain health, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities,” according to the CDC.

45? Get Screened for Colon Cancer

More than any diet or exercise regimen, screening for colorectal cancer offers the best prevention against the disease. Screenings save thousands of lives every year.

For people at average risk for colon cancer, healthcare agencies recommend starting screenings at 45, even if you don’t have symptoms. If you have a family history of CRC, you may need to be screened earlier. And if you have digestive symptoms, you should see your doctor regardless of your age.

Delaying or avoiding cancer screenings may be detrimental to your health.

Colonoscopy Is a Key Preventive Measure for CRC

Colorectal cancer almost always begins with a polyp, a small cluster of cells on the lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum.

Although there are several screening options, colonoscopy is the most thorough. The procedure helps doctors see the whole colon to check for cancerous polyps or ones that could turn into cancer.

Your doctor can often remove small precancerous polyps during your colonoscopy so they will not develop into cancer.

Anyone with digestive system issues like inflammatory bowel disease should be considered for colonoscopy screening regardless of age.

Most insurance plans provide coverage for a screening colonoscopy for patients 45 and older. Call your health insurance company to confirm your coverage.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, beginning screenings at 45 may potentially prevent 60 percent of deaths caused by colon cancer.

If you are 45 or older, regardless of your weight, you should make a resolution to get healthy and discuss scheduling a colon cancer screening with your doctor.

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Joint-Friendly Exercises Safe for Your Home Gym

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Going to the gym is not the only way to stay physically fit. For many people, working out at home provides more flexibility and efficiency. It all depends on how you use your time and equipment to maximize your effort.

If you opt for a workout program endorsed by a doctor and suitable for your joints, you can achieve an effective exercise routine within the comfort of your own home. Make a resolution this year to get moving for your health.

Cardiovascular Exercise is Essential for Your Health

Approximately 35 percent of workers who have jobs that can be done remotely are opting to work from their own residences, according to Pew Research Center. While this is convenient and cost-effective for employers and workers, millions of Americans spend much of their day in a sitting position. Being sedentary can increase the risk for many chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and exacerbate joint conditions like arthritis.

As you age, you must be proactive about protecting joints, bones and muscles because they support your body and help you move.

Regular cardio exercise can benefit you in the following ways:

  • Improve your overall well-being
  • Enhance your learning, thinking and judgment skills
  • Help you manage your weight
  • Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Lower your risk for metabolic syndrome

Daily exercise can also help you maintain balance and prevent falls that lead to hip fractures, which can impact your mobility and health.

Popular Types of Home Cardio Exercise

During the winter months, it is important to get the proper amount of physical exercise, especially if you are working from home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardiovascular exercise per week, even for older people.

The stationary bike, treadmill and rowing machine are three of the most common pieces of equipment people use in their home. Before deciding about which to purchase, it is wise to talk to an orthopedist about what type of exercise equipment will be best long-term for your joint safety and your health.

Stationary bike

If you are looking for a low-impact cardio exercise that will not strain your knee joints, the stationary bike is a smart choice. Because it is not weight-bearing, it will not benefit your bones as much as walking or running. However, if you have joint pain or have had a total joint replacement, the stationary bike may be the best piece of equipment for you to use because it creates less wear and tear on knees and hips. Setting up the bike correctly is essential to prevent injury during exercise, so educate yourself on proper setup and good form when you ride.

Treadmill

Almost everyone can exercise on a treadmill, even if you have arthritis. The key is exercising safely. The treadmill is a weight-bearing exercise, which helps maintain and strengthen your bones. If you have had a knee or hip injury, running on a treadmill is not advisable. However, walking would provide significant benefits. Your orthopedist can make recommendations about appropriate speed and distance when you use the treadmill. Your goal is to improve cardiovascular fitness without stressing your joints.

Rowing machine

Rowing machines offer one of the best cardio workouts in a short amount of time because you are using every major muscle group in the upper body. The rowing machine would not be a good option for someone who has shoulder pain or has reduced range of motion in the shoulder. Instead, it would be more beneficial to use a treadmill or stationary bicycle that targets the lower extremities. The rowing machine is not weight-bearing, so it would not help prevent osteoporosis or osteopenia, but it expends more energy than the stationary bike and treadmill.

Which Exercise is Best for Your Joint Health?

There is no perfect workout that works for everyone. Along with cardio exercise, it is also important to lift weights and do muscle-strengthening activities. Muscle mass and strength reduce with age, so older adults need to balance cardio exercise with weightlifting. You can purchase free weights and add basic weightlifting routines to supplement your cardiovascular workouts. Keeping bones, joints and muscles healthy will help you continue your daily activities and maintain your independence.

Other ways to stay healthy when working from home include the following:

  • Use a standing desk.
  • Sit on an exercise ball.
  • Walk during your lunch hour.
  • Elevate your feet to reduce leg pain and swelling.
  • Take regular breaks to stretch and move.
  • Enroll in physical therapy if you experience pain.

You should always consult a physician before beginning a new exercise routine. An orthopedist can help you choose exercises that are best for your age group and fitness level, especially if you have had a knee or hip replacement.

Holiday Heartburn: 10 Tips for Preventing and Managing Acid Reflux and GERD

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Celebrating the holidays often centers around food – so what do you do if you dread attending events because you don’t want acid reflux to rear its head? Take these steps to prevent and relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD during the holidays (and beyond):

1. Mindful Eating

In the midst of holiday feasts, it can be easy to overindulge. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to prevent excess pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), reducing the likelihood of stomach contents making their way back into the esophagus and causing you pain.

2. Choose Wisely

Avoid triggers such as spicy, acidic, and fatty foods (and the ultra-processed foods that affect your gut) that can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Choose lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

3. Stay Hydrated, BUT Skip Carbonation

Water is your ally in the battle against acid reflux – but steer clear of carbonated beverages, since they can contribute to increased pressure in the stomach, potentially leading to reflux.

4. Time Your Meals

Allow ample time between your last meal and bedtime. Aim for at least two to three hours to give your stomach a chance to empty before lying down, reducing the risk of nighttime reflux.

5. Elevate Your Sleep

Adjust the angle of your sleeping surface by elevating the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow. This slight incline helps gravity keep stomach contents where they belong, easing the likelihood of reflux during the night.

6. Manage Stress

Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or a gentle stroll when holiday stress start creeping in. Stress management contributes not only to your mental well-being but also to your digestive health.

7. Watch the Waistline

Excess weight, especially around the abdominal area, can put additional pressure on the stomach and contribute to acid reflux. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to help keep your gastrointestinal tract running smoothly.

8. Chew (Sugar-Free) Gum

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Choose sugar-free gum to avoid adding unnecessary calories.

9. Limit Alcohol Intake

Excessive alcohol consumption can relax the LES, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. Moderation is key – and make sure you’re following the other steps mentioned if you’re wanting to consume alcohol.

10. Consult Your Gastroenterologist

If despite your efforts, acid reflux persists, give us a call at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, MI, to schedule an appointment with our team of knowledgeable gastrointestinal doctors. We’ll find out what’s causing your distress and tailor a treatment plan to get you on the path to feeling better.

Fruits, Vegetables Are Essential for Eye Health

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You may want to consider a fruit salad for dessert instead of pecan pie this Yuletide season. According to a recent study in Food & Function, eating grapes may improve eye health in older adults and reduce the risk of vision problems.

What Contributes to Eye Disease?

The eye is a specialized organ that is especially susceptible to damage. The retina is an environment with high levels of oxidative stress, meaning free radicals can damage proteins and DNA. Free radical damage increases as we age, which is why older age is a risk factor for most eye diseases. Another factor contributing to eye disease is elevated levels of ocular advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These substances can damage the retina and impair cell function.

Antioxidants in Grapes

Eating foods high in antioxidants can prevent AGEs from forming and decrease oxidative stress. Antioxidants remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents and protect cells from premature aging. Grapes have high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can improve macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

A new study analyzed 34 people who ate either 1.5 cups of grapes per day or a placebo for 16 weeks. The subjects who ate grapes showed higher levels of MPOD, polyphenols and plasma antioxidant capacity. Participants who did not eat grapes had higher levels of harmful AGEs.

“Our study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially impacts eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with a growing aging population,” said Jung Eun Kim, PhD. “Grapes are an easy, accessible fruit that studies have shown can have a beneficial impact in normal amounts of just 1 ½ cups per day.” (News Medical)

Kim is an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore.

Eat a Diet High in Antioxidants This Holiday Season

Antioxidants and polyphenols do not just preserve your vision. They protect the body against oxidative stress and associated health problems like cancers, heart disease and inflammation. This holiday season, be mindful of what you are putting in your body. You can prepare a savory, healthy meal and toothsome sweet treats with research and careful planning.

Enhance your traditional holiday meal’s flavor and nutritional profile by making minor substitutions. Instead of using butter, sour cream and cream cheese in your vegetable dishes, try a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and herbs. A fresh fruit salad can be just as sweet as a cake or pie without the sugar crash.

Increase Your Consumption of Eye-Healthy Nutrients

Make it a goal to eat healthy all year long. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats can help keep your vision clear and prevent eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Researchers agree getting essential vitamins and nutrients from food is best. Here are important antioxidants and vitamins, along with foods that contain high amounts (Harvard Health):

  • Lutein, zeaxanthin — Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, corn, eggs, kale, nectarines, oranges, papayas, romaine lettuce, spinach, squash
  • Omega-3 fatty acids — Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, halibut, salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts
  • Vitamin A — Apricots, cantaloupe, (raw) carrots, mangos, red peppers (raw), ricotta cheese (part-skim), spinach, sweet potatoes
  • Vitamin C — Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, red peppers (raw), strawberries
  • Vitamin E — Almonds, broccoli, peanut butter, spinach, sunflower seeds, wheat germ
  • Zinc — Chickpeas, oysters, pork chops, red meat, yogurt

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam? A complete eye exam with dilation takes only an hour but provides a year of benefits. Call today for an appointment.

Too Much Sugar May Aggravate IBD Symptoms

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Homemade pies, cakes and other sweet treats abound during the Yuletide season. For your health and waistline, you may want to consider limiting servings or even skipping dessert.

Many foods and beverages contain sweeteners, so it’s important to know about the ingredients. The USDA recommends consuming only 200 calories from added sugars (about 12 teaspoons) in a 2,000-calorie diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists added sugars as sucrose, dextrose, table sugar, syrups, honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices.

A new study by the University of Pittsburgh scientists shows eating too much sugar also may aggravate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and affect the colon.

“Too much sugar isn’t good for a variety of reasons, and our study adds to that evidence by showing how sugar may be harmful to the gut,” said senior author Timothy Hand, Ph.D., in Medical Xpress. “For patients with IBD, high-density sugar–found in things like soda and candy–might be something to stay away from.”

Hand is an associate professor of pediatrics and immunology at Pitt’s School of Medicine and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The CDC states that IBD is a term for two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions are “characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.”

Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, it is the result of a weakened immune system, according to the CDC.

Too Much Sugar Harms the Colon

Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology published the University of Pittsburgh’s 14-day study.

The research, led by Ansen Burr, Ph.D., studied the effects of sugar on inflammatory bowel disease. Burr is a student in Pitt’s Medical Scientist Training Program.

In the study, researchers fed mice either a standard or high-sugar diet. Then, they treated the mice with DSS, a chemical that damages the colon and produces IBD symptoms.

Nine days later, all the mice on the high-sugar diet died. By comparison, all the animals on the standard diet survived until the end of the experiment.

Findings showed a high-sugar diet impairs cell renewal in the colon and exacerbates gut damage in IBD.

“Our research suggests that consuming high levels of sugar could have negative outcomes for repairing the colon in patients with inflammatory bowel disease,” Hand said.

IBD and Colon Cancer Similarities

IBD and colon cancer can share similar symptoms, so it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • A change in bowel habits
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

To accurately determine your condition, a colon cancer screening may be recommended. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screenings. This screening allows a doctor to view the entire large intestine, as well as find and remove polyps that could be cancerous.

People with IBD have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than the general population, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis should schedule a colonoscopy at doctor-recommended intervals.

Get Screened at 45+

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. Everyone is at risk for this disease, regardless of age.

For people at average risk for colorectal cancer, healthcare agencies recommend starting screenings at age 45. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms.

You may need to get screened before age 45 or more frequently if you have IBD, a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (growths inside the colon and rectum) that may become cancerous.

Get a Colon Cancer Screening

Your quality of life may improve if you restrict consuming sugary foods and drinks and get screened for colorectal cancer.

The 12th annual Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is Dec. 1-7. Improving your nutrition by reducing sugar may lessen IBD symptoms and help prevent other harmful medical conditions, like obesity.

When detected early, before the disease has spread to other organs, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. In 2020, the CDC said about 68 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if everyone eligible got screened.

Coverage of colonoscopy differs with health insurance policies. In most cases, there should be no out-of-pocket costs (such as copays or deductibles) for CRC screening tests.

You should contact your health insurance provider to verify any charges and to approve a colonoscopy before age 45.

If you are 45+, don’t delay your diagnosis. Discuss with your healthcare provider about scheduling your colonoscopy.

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