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.

What you eat can help with colon issues – and going gluten-free can benefit your entire self in a variety of ways.

What is a Gluten-Free Diet?

A gluten-free diet is one that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives, so in order to follow a gluten-free diet you must avoid foods and products that contain these grains.

Here’s what you can and cannot consume on a gluten-free diet:

Foods to Enjoy:

1. Naturally gluten-free grains: Rice, corn, quinoa, and oats (ensure they are certified gluten-free)
2. Fruits and vegetables
3. Lean proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, and legumes
4. Dairy products (unless they have added thickeners with gluten).

Foods to Avoid:

1. Wheat-based products: Bread, pasta, and most cereals
2. Barley and rye: Beer, malt, and certain types of cereal
3. Processed foods (Many contain hidden sources of gluten, so reading labels is essential.)

The 3 Most Important Things to Know about Going Gluten-Free

Knowing these key aspects will help you successfully navigate a gluten-free lifestyle while maintaining your health and well-being:

1. Understanding What Contains Gluten

It’s crucial to learn which foods and products contain gluten. This includes not only obvious sources like wheat, barley, and rye but also hidden sources in processed foods, sauces, and condiments (because ultra-processed foods can affect your gut health). Reading ingredient labels is essential to avoid accidental gluten consumption.

2. Cross-Contamination Awareness

Cross-contamination can occur when gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing items, such as shared kitchen utensils or cooking surfaces. It’s essential to take precautions to prevent cross-contamination, especially if you have Celiac disease.

3. Balanced Nutrition

Going gluten-free should not mean sacrificing essential nutrients. Make sure to maintain a balanced diet by incorporating gluten-free grains, such as rice and quinoa, and by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Consult with your doctor before you make any dietary changes, and ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients on a gluten-free diet.

Why Go Gluten-Free?

A gluten-free diet is crucial for individuals diagnosed with Celiac disease.

• Reducing Symptoms. Some individuals experience symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and digestive discomfort when consuming gluten, which highlights the importance of a gluten-free diet to alleviate these symptoms.
• Improved Digestive Health: A gluten-free diet can lead to improved digestive health by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier gut. This can benefit those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal conditions.
• Reduced Risk of Autoimmune Diseases: Emerging research suggests that gluten may play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Going gluten-free may help reduce the risk of such conditions or even manage existing autoimmune diseases.
• Weight Management: Many individuals find that a gluten-free diet aids in weight management and may even help with weight loss, as it encourages the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, which are often leaner and healthier.
• Enhanced Mental Clarity: Some people report improved mental clarity and reduced brain fog on a gluten-free diet. This could be linked to the reduced inflammation and better absorption of nutrients.
• Skin Health: Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, may improve when gluten is eliminated from the diet.

Find out if a gluten-free diet is right for you

If you suspect you may have Celiac disease or have concerns about your digestive health, schedule a visit with our experienced gastrointestinal doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich. Our team can provide guidance and support in making dietary choices that are best for your health, and diagnose and treat any digestive conditions you may be dealing with.

And 7 Practical Tips to Incorporate More Fiber in Your Daily Meals

You’ve seen commercials, and you’ve heard for years about the importance of fiber, but do you truly understand why it’s CRUCIAL for your gut health – and how to get more of it into your daily meals?

What Is Fiber, Anyway?

To make sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet, you need to really understand what IS fiber.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods – like roughage – that the body can’t digest. Instead of being broken down and absorbed like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, it passes through your digestive system largely intact, providing a range of health benefits along the way.

The two kinds of fiber – soluble and insoluble – provide different benefits.

Soluble Fiber: Dissolves in water, and helps to lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. (Think oats, peas, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and barley)

Insoluble Fiber: Promotes the movement of everything through your digestive system, and helps with constipation and irregular stools by bulking up waste. (Think whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes)

Why Does Fiber Matter?

As fiber foods pass through your digestive system, they clean up along the way and make your gut stronger and healthier in a variety of ways, such as:

• Improved Bowel Regularity: Since fiber passes through your system mostly intact, it promotes regular bowel movements by increasing bulk of stool – stimulating colon muscles as it passes through, making it stronger and promoting regular bowel movements.
• Prevents Constipation: Fiber adds bulk to your stool, preventing it from becoming too hard and dry – which makes it easier to pass and can help prevent constipation.
• Lowered Risk of Colon Cancer. The more regularly you incorporate fiber in your diet, the more potential to reduce your risk of colon cancer, by keeping your colon clear…and making it easier to spot polyps during a colonoscopy or other exams.
• Weight Management: Fiber-rich foods tend to be more filling, which can help control your appetite and prevent overeating, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
• Stable Blood Sugar Levels: Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats and beans, can slow the absorption of sugar, helping to maintain more stable blood sugar levels – which is essential for individuals with diabetes.
• Heart Health: A high-fiber diet has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by helping to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.

How to Incorporate More Fiber into Your Diet: 7 Practical Tips

So, how do you get more fiber in your diet – in tasty ways – besides bran muffins? We have some ideas for you!

(Always talk to your doctor before making dietary changes – and make sure to increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water to prevent discomfort or bloating.)

1. Start Your Day with Fiber:Choose whole-grain cereals or oatmeal for breakfast. Top it off with fresh berries or sliced bananas for an extra fiber boost.
2. Embrace Whole Grains:Opt for whole-grain bread, pasta, and rice instead of their white-flour refined counterparts. Look for labels that say “whole” as the first ingredient.
3. Snack Smart:Swap out sugary or salty snacks with fiber-rich options like raw vegetables, whole fruits, or nuts. Hummus or peanut butter can add flavor and extra nutrients.
4. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables:Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal. Fresh, frozen, or canned (without added sugar or salt) all count.
5. Beans and Legumes:Incorporate beans, lentils, and chickpeas into your meals – on salads, in soups, with pastas, and in tacos.  They’re not only rich in fiber but also a great source of protein.
6. Don’t Peel Everything:Many fruits and vegetables have edible skins that are rich in fiber, like apples and cucumbers. So, leave the peeler in the drawer!
7. Hydrate with Fiber:Opt for high-fiber beverages like herbal teas or water infused with slices of citrus or cucumber. (And water is your best choice for optimal digestive health!)

Maintain Your Gastrointestinal Health

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we’re here to help you reach and maintain your optimal gut health. Whether it’s diagnosing and treating conditions that bring you abdominal discomfort, or preventing colon cancer with a colonoscopy, our knowledgeable doctors in Troy, Mich. have years of experience to keep your digestive health in tip-top shape. Contact us today for an appointment!

When you come to see us at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we want to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and get all the answers you need. Don’t forget to ask all these questions to make sure you have a firm understanding of how to best take charge of your gastrointestinal health!

1.What tests do I need?

To properly diagnose your symptoms and get you on the path to feeling better, we’ll probably need to run tests. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and concerns, we’ll discuss which tests are appropriate. From endoscopies to imaging, we’ll tailor the approach to your unique situation.

2.What lifestyle changes should I make?

Your gut health is intricately tied to your lifestyle (and things like ultra-processed foods affect your gut). We’ll talk about dietary tweaks, exercise routines, stress management, and even sleep patterns that can have a positive impact on your gastrointestinal well-being.

3.What do my symptoms mean?

That gurgling, bloating, or discomfort you’ve been feeling isn’t fun, and means that something is making your gut unhappy. We will figure it out together, and then we can explain what those symptoms could signify and how we can address them head-on.

4.What is my exact diagnosis?

Clear communication is key, so we will break down your diagnosis in simple terms so have a thorough knowledge of what your exact condition means and completely understand what’s going on – like the difference between IBS and colon cancer.

5.What is the cause of my diagnosis?

Understanding the “why” is just as crucial as knowing the “what.” We’ll delve into the underlying causes of your diagnosis, whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or something else, so that you know how to best alleviate the cause if possible – and how to prevent it from happening again if it’s acute.

6.What other symptoms should I look out for?

Sometimes you’ll have additional symptoms, and you’ll need to be aware of anything new going on that may mean you have something else going on, or potentially if things are progressing.

7.What should I expect with my diagnosis?

It’s important to know what’s ahead, so you can know how to take care of yourself property – and when to come back in for further testing or treatments. Knowledge is power, so make sure you know what’s ahead.

8.What are my best treatment options?

Depending on your diagnosis, there may be varying treatment options we can come up with to make you feel better and have your digestive tract running more smoothly. Know all your options.

9.What are the risks, benefits, and side effects associated with each treatment option?

Because you may have several options for treatment for your gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks to each of them, that way you can work with us to make the best decision for you and your health.

10.When should I schedule my colonoscopy?

If you’re in the gastrointestinal office and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet, your answer may be now. Even if you’re younger than 45, it may be time to get a scope in your gastrointestinal tract to fully see what’s going on, and do our best to prevent colon cancer.

Schedule your appointment now

If your abdomen is in any sort of distress, schedule your office visit now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., so we can take care of things before they potentially get worse.

Imagine your gut as the gas tank that fuels your body, and your colon plays a crucial role in making sure everything runs smoothly – keeping those fuel lines clean. How do you know when it’s healthy, or when you may need a tune-up?

Visiting your gastrointestinal doctor regularly and going in anytime you have changes in your digestive system (because you have a gastrointestinal doctor on your list, right?) helps keep an eye on things, but here are some tips to help in the meantime:

1. Regularity is Key

Just like a well-oiled engine, a healthy colon keeps things moving regularly. If you’re experiencing normal bowel movements at least once a day (though some people might be fine with slightly less), chances are your colon is happy. On the flip side, irregular bowel habits, constipation, or diarrhea might be signs of an unhappy colon that needs a tune-up.

You diet can help your gut feel (and move) better – and adding fiber is a surefire way to get things more regular. You could take fiber supplements, but a tastier option is to incorporate whole grains whenever you can for white flour (in breads, pastas, oats, and rice) or add nuts, apples and strawberries into your snacks or meals.

And it only takes some simple changes to your diet to help keep it cleaner. With these 5 Easy Ways to Swap Out Processed Foods for a Healthier Gut, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel and how your body is running on the fuel it’s being given.

And the biggest aid? Water. Add fruit to it, or drink it by itself to cleanse your digestive tract.

2. No More Bloat

A bloated belly is like running on low-quality fuel: It slows you down and feels awful. You know that feeling you get when you eat certain foods (like ultra-processed foods, which are bad for your gut and can potentially increase your risk of colon cancer).

A healthy colon keeps gas and bloating in check, so if you’re not feeling like a human balloon after meals, your colon is probably doing its job. If, however, you have bloat after eating often, it’s probably time for a tune-up.

3. The Cleaner, the Better

A colonoscopy is vital to maintaining your colon health.

Once you have hit a certain mileage (45 years old) – or if you have risk factors or family history of colon cancer – it’s time for a scheduled cleaning: A colonoscopy. Not only will it clean things out, but it can detect and remove any suspicious growths or polyps before they turn into something more serious.

A colonoscopy prevents colon cancer. And even if you may not want to think about it, you should know these colon cancer facts to save your life.

4. Listen to Your Gut (and Your Body)

When your car starts making a funny noise, you notice and start paying attention, taking it in if it persists. The same goes for your gut. If you’re experiencing unexplained changes in your bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss, your gut might be sending distress signals. Don’t ignore these warning signs – think of it as your “check engine” light coming on.

Visit your gastrointestinal doctor so we can take a look and diagnose the issue (and fix it so your body is running more efficiently).

5. A Balanced Diet is Fuel Efficiency

To keep your gas tank happy, you need good quality fuel. The same applies to your colon: A balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, veggies, and whole grains can do wonders for your gut health. Fiber acts like a gentle scrubber, cleaning out your colon and preventing constipation.

Get a Gut Tune-Up

Contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich. for all your gut needs: From diagnosing pain in your abdomen, bowel irregularities and an uncomfortable stomach, to treating conditions like GERD, IBD, Celiac Disease and more, our knowledgeable and caring doctors can get your body running (and feeling) better. And when it’s time for a colonoscopy, you can have it done here in our surgical center instead of a hospital (saving you time, energy, and money).

Whether it’s a fleeting discomfort or persistent agony in your abdomen, understanding when to consult a doctor can be crucial in identifying and managing underlying conditions, such as colon cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, pain, and bloody stools are your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

Timely intervention not only ensures early detection of potentially serious conditions such as colon cancer but also enables appropriate management and treatment. It allows for the implementation of strategies to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications associated with chronic gastrointestinal conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease and others.

Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can range from mild to severe and can originate from various sources within the digestive system. While some instances of abdominal pain may resolve on their own, others may signal a more serious underlying condition. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize when it’s time to consult a doctor.

1. Severe or persistent pain: If your abdominal pain is intense and continues for an extended period, it’s essential to seek medical attention. This level of pain may be indicative of a severe condition that requires immediate evaluation, and the sooner we can identify what’s going on, the better our ability to treat it effectively.
2. New-onset pain: If you experience abdominal pain that is different from your usual discomfort — if it arises suddenly — it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Things don’t happen for no reason, and this change could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires further investigation.
3. Associated symptoms: Pay close attention to additional symptoms that accompany your abdominal pain, because your gut sends signals to the rest of your body when something is amiss. These symptoms may include fever, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), blood in your stool, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Having a full picture of what’s going on can help your gastrointestinal doctor diagnose your pain fully.

Why It’s Important to See a Doctor for Abdominal Pain

Celiac Disease: Get Diagnosed and Alleviate Other Symptoms

Conditions like Celiac Disease can present in a multitude of symptoms — many of which don’t pertain to your digestive system, but all start there. The damage that Celiac Disease can do is more than just upsetting your stomach when you eat gluten: Celiac Disease essentially attacks your immune system and can potentially cause long-term harm throughout your body.

Colon Cancer: Early Detection for a Better Outcome

As the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, colon cancer is a significant concern when it comes to abdominal pain — but it is the only one that is PREVENTABLE. That’s why it’s vital to get a colonoscopy by age 45 (or sooner if you have risk factors or family history): Colon cancer rarely has symptoms in its earliest stages. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment, and even catch precancerous polyps before they grow into cancer. While not all abdominal pain is directly linked to colon cancer, being proactive about screening can save lives.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Treat Recurring Abdominal Pain

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract and includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which can cause abdominal pain. If you are experiencing recurrent or persistent abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or weight loss, it is crucial to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper evaluation. We can diagnose and treat IBD and get you on the path to feeling better.

Treating Other Abdominal Conditions

Abdominal pain is not normal and can stem from various causes, ranging from benign to potentially life-threatening conditions. It could mean diverticulitis, ulcers, appendicitis, or more. There’s no need to ignore or underestimate persistent or severe abdominal pain when consulting your gastrointestinal doctor can bring relief from symptoms and keep you healthy.

Contact a Gastrointestinal Doctor for Abdominal Pain

Consulting a gastroenterologist when you experience abdominal pain allows for a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.  in Troy, Mich. possess the knowledge and expertise to conduct a thorough examination, perform necessary tests, and provide an accurate diagnosis to help you stay healthy and feel better.

Men often prioritize various aspects of their lives like career, family, and hobbies, but tend to overlook a crucial component: Their health (particularly when it comes to colon health). While conversations about colon health may seem uncomfortable or taboo, it is essential for men to be aware of the importance of regular colon health screenings – especially having a colonoscopy by age 45 or sooner if they have risk factors.

Understanding Colon Health

The colon (also referred to as the large intestine) plays a significant role in the digestive process by absorbing water and nutrients, while also eliminating waste products from the body. It regulates everything going through your body, sending signals everywhere based on how the gut itself is feeling and what nutrients it’s taking in and filtering.

That’s why it’s vital to take care of your gut – and a colonoscopy is the best way to see what’s really going on in your gut…and prevent colon cancer.

Why Men Need a Colonoscopy

• Early Detection – and PREVENTION – of Colon Cancer
  • Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men, and a colonoscopy allows your gastrointestinal doctor to examine the colon lining, identify precancerous growths (polyps), and remove them before they become cancerous. Regular screenings significantly reduce the risk of developing advanced-stage colon (or colorectal) cancer, increasing the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes.
• Detection of Other Colon Conditions
  • Colonoscopies enable the diagnosis of other colon-related conditions, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Early diagnosis enables timely intervention and management of these conditions, improving the quality of life for men and minimizing potential complications.
• Personalized Screening Recommendations
  • Your first colonoscopy sets the stage for taking care of your gut health for years to come. Based on the findings of an initial colonoscopy, your team of doctors will determine the appropriate screening intervals for subsequent examinations by factoring in your family history, personal health history, and the presence of any abnormalities. Regular colonoscopies help create a tailored screening plan, ensuring you receive appropriate follow-up care specific to your individual needs.
• Reduction of Colon Cancer-related Deaths
  • Colon cancer is PREVENTABLE! However, many men (and women) put off their routine colonoscopies and then precancerous polyps can’t be located and removed at their earliest stages, before they grow into cancerous polyps.

Schedule your Colonoscopy Today!

Break the stigma surrounding colon health: Encourage men everywhere to prioritize colonoscopies and get a colonoscopy by age 45 (or sooner, with risk factors). Contact Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan today to schedule your appointment.

You may have heard about Celiac Disease or know someone who has it – but you could also be suffering in silence. The more you learn about Celiac Disease, the more you can talk to your doctor about getting tested for Celiac Disease, and you can feel better and stave off additional health problems.

Read the truths behind these 5 Myths About Celiac Disease Everyone Needs to Know:

MYTH #1: It’s no big deal; I can handle an upset stomach if I keep eating gluten.

TRUTH: If you have only a gluten sensitivity, you may only deal with stomach discomfort. However, Celiac Disease involves more than some fleeting abdominal pain: It can also cause long-term harm because the body essentially attacks itself with an immune system response when it has to fight off gluten. That’s why it’s imperative to take care of your gut health.

MYTH #2: It’s just a stomach issue.

TRUTH: Celiac Disease has symptoms throughout the rest of your body, which is why sometimes people go awhile before it’s diagnosed. Think about it: What you consume fuels your body –  so if it doesn’t have the right fuel, you can experience misfires throughout your entire system. When you have Celiac Disease, it affects much more than just your digestive system and can affect your neurological system, and contribute to headaches, iron-deficiency anemia, brain fog, menstrual and fertility issues, depression, and more.

MYTH #3: Avoiding gluten is impossible.

TRUTH: While you’ll have to avoid most traditional pastas, rice, cereals, and many processed foods, we’ve come a long way and many grocers, restaurants, pizzerias, and more offer gluten-free alternatives. Choose oats as an alternative (after clearing there’s no cross-contamination). Substitute potato, rice, soy, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, or bean flour for wheat flour when cooking. You probably have a few staples and meals in your regular rotation…simply taking some time to find replacements for them will make it easier to adjust your eating habits.

MYTH #4: It’s “trendy” — chances are I don’t have Celiac Disease.

TRUTH: It’s estimated that 1 in 100 people have Celiac Disease – but hardly everyone gets tested for it, so we don’t really know how common it is. However, those estimates put it at being more common than having a peanut allergy. And the instances of Celiac Disease are rising, as more people become informed and get tested.

MYTH #5: I don’t have the same symptoms as my parent (or child) does, so it’s not Celiac Disease.

TRUTH: Celiac Disease presents itself with a range of different symptoms in each person — and close blood relatives have a higher instance of being diagnosed with Celiac Disease — so it could be likely that you also have Celiac Disease. And since Celiac Disease can develop at any age, even if you’ve been tested a decade ago it could now have high enough levels to be detected.

Get Tested

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., we can test you to determine if you have Celiac Disease (which could be contributing to a host of other ailments you’re dealing with as well). Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take care of your gut health!

Colorectal cancer (also more commonly referred to as colon cancer) is the fourth-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cancer killer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What are the chances I will get colon cancer?

Colon cancer affects men and women equally, and your risk increases as you get older.

However, COLON CANCER IS PREVENTABLE. Regular screenings for colon cancer – in the form of a colonoscopy – can detect and remove potential pre-cancerous polyps before colon cancer starts, and detect colon cancer in its earliest stages to treat it with better results.

The 5-year relative survival rate for early-stage colon cancer (stage I and II) is 90 percent. Colon cancer screenings save lives.

What causes colon cancer?

There isn’t a consensus on exactly what causes most colon cancers. According to the Mayo Clinic, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA, then continue to divide and can accumulate into forming a tumor.

What are the risk factors of colon cancer?

Stay informed about your risks to monitor your possibilities to develop colon cancer:

• Age. Although cases are becoming more prevalent in younger ages, everyone should be screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy by age 45.
• African American race. In general, African Americans have increased prevalence of colon cancer compared to other races…but this may be due to lack of early screenings.
• Personal history. If you’ve already had colon polyps, you remain at increased risk to develop polyps again that could potentially turn into colon cancer.
• Family history. If a close blood relative has or had colon cancer, you may be at increased risk to develop colon cancer yourself.
• Intestinal conditions. Any inflammation in your bowels (like Inflammatory Bowel Disease) should be monitored for colon cancer risk.
• Lack of movement. Regular physical activity helps maintain health in general.
• Low-fiber diet. Fiber helps keep things moving in your intestines and plays a big part in keeping your colon healthy.

What are symptoms of colon cancer?

Most times, colon cancer has no symptoms. Most people don’t feel any polyps in the colon when they develop. However, be mindful of any symptoms and always talk to your doctor if you have:

• Change in bowel habits
• Bloody stools
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• The feeling your bladder doesn’t empty
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Unexplained weight loss

Get screened for colon cancer

A colonoscopy is a quick, relatively painless procedure that can PREVENT COLON CANCER. Schedule yours today if you’re 45 (even if you have no symptoms) or have increased risk factors. Our team at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, is knowledgeable and provides high-quality colonoscopies as our specialty.

You go to your primary doctor for your annual tests, so why do you need a gastrointestinal doctor? Many reasons!

A gastrointestinal doctor has a specialty: Your digestive system. And your digestive system includes your esophagus all the way where your food travels through everything in your digestive tract…to its exit.

That means a gastroenterologist is more well-versed in every tiny nuance of your gastrointestinal system and is up-to-speed on every in-the-minute cause and treatment option. Your gastrointestinal doctor can often diagnose and treat those issues more efficiently than your primary doctor, because your gastrointestinal doctor has all the tools at their disposal.

Plus it always helps to know where to go when you have stomach pain, instead of waiting for it to get better (which can make things worse).

When you’d see a gastrointestinal doctor

• Whenever you have pain in your throat, like difficulty swallowing or a burning down your throat, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• Anytime your stomach hurts after eating – whether from ulcers,  indigestion or from something like Celiac Disease or lactose intolerance – a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• If you get frequent heartburn, acid reflux or GERD, a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• Sudden weight loss (when you aren’t actively dieting or exercising frequently) means something is amiss, and a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• Bowel movement concerns – including diarrhea and constipation – that occur persistently can indicate an issue that a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• Any bleeding from the rectum isn’t normal and should be investigated…so a gastrointestinal doctor can help.
• Plus when you turn 45 (or have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer), you’ll need a colonoscopy from a gastrointestinal doctor.

A gastrointestinal doctor can work with you to keep your colon healthy (and you can use these 6 Tips for a Healthy Colon to get started) and reduce your pain and discomfort.

Metro Detroit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. can help!

Schedule your appointment today with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., and let us talk with you about your gastrointestinal concerns. We can figure out what’s causing you pain and get you on the path to feeling better!