How to Prepare for A Colonoscopy at Our Office

When you get to a certain age, the topic of colonoscopy prep becomes something that people start discussing, either to warn you or commiserate with you.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but in most cases, it’s completely preventable thanks to routine colonoscopies. Americans age 45 years and older should receive routine screenings. We’re here to help answer your questions!

While it’s inconvenient to get ready for a colonoscopy, proper prep is well worth it so our trained specialists can more easily spot issues while they are treatable and before they have spread to other areas of the body.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

Emptying the colon is key for a successful procedure. If it’s done improperly, polyps and lesions may be missed, or the whole process may need to be rescheduled. Following prep protocol beforehand is crucial to a successful screening.

Outlined below, you will find some tips to consider and prepare for with our endoscopy center’s standard colonoscopy procedure.

Know before you go…Bring a friend!

You must bring a driver to take you home after the procedure, and they must remain on the premises of our center at all times. This makes them available for questions and allows our doctor to meet with them in the recovery room afterwards to explain results. All patients and their guest driver should plan to stay with us for around two hours.

One week before your procedure

Begin a low-fiber diet. Do not eat nuts, seeds, popcorn or corn. Discontinue fiber supplements including Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, etc. Additionally, stop taking iron supplements.

The day before your procedure

Only eat clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water can get boring quickly, so make sure to stock up on a variety of liquids.

“Clear liquids” acceptable for consumption include:

• Soft Drinks (orange, lemon-lime, ginger ale)
• Gatorade and Kool-Aid
• Strained fruit juices WITHOUT PULP (apple, white grape, lemonade)
• Water, tea, and coffee (Note: No milk products can be added, including non-dairy creamer)
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Hard candies
• Jell-O and Popsicles (avoid red and purple flavors)

In addition to the “clear liquid” diet, a laxative procedure must be done the day before the exam. Please review the guidelines on this page for full information, which is based on the time of day of the procedure. It will require a trip to the store to pick up items.

During the laxative portion, make sure to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing and stay near the bathroom so you are prepared when the urge to go hits.

The day of your procedure

Same as the previous day, clear liquid foods only. Do not eat or drink anything five hours before the procedure.

After your procedure

After the procedure, you may experience a dry mouth or feel drowsy from the sedatives. Additionally, you may feel gassy due to the air that is put into the digestive tract during the endoscopic procedure. We recommend heading home, having a light meal, and taking a nap.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC & Endoscopy Center in Troy, Michigan

The best decision you can make is to educate yourself and your family about the importance of a colonoscopy. It truly may save your life! Our surgery centers and physicians are ready to serve you in-person with compassionate, quality care. Call us today at (248) 273-9930 or request an appointment online for a colonoscopy.

The words “You have celiac disease,” may bring about many emotions – stress, sadness, and even grief over the loss of favorite foods.

While diving into the world of celiac disease may feel overwhelming at first, we’re here to remind you that while it is completely normal to feel a wide range of feelings, it is also important to know it is possible to have a happy and full life!

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a genetic digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine, interfering with nutrient absorption from food. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have a range of physical and digestive symptoms.

It is important to schedule a visit with us if you suspect you may have celiac disease since it can cause malnutrition and other health issues.

Once diagnosed, there is a world of language you will be introduced to. Below, we breakdown those words and facts to simplify what life is like for those with celiac disease.

ABC’s of Celiac Disease

Autoimmune disease. Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease is not an allergy, it’s actually an autoimmune disease.

Bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea can be symptoms for those who are diagnosed.

Currently the only treatment of celiac disease is a lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Development. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten.

Estimated to affect 1 in 133 Americans, celiac disease happens in approximately 1 percent of the population in the U.S.

Finding foods that work for your body is key with celiac disease.

Gastroenterologist. The type of doctor that can diagnose celiac disease.

Hereditary. Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease.

Immune response is what happens when people with celiac disease eat gluten.

Just read labels or ask questions. Products should be certified gluten-free to ensure no cross contamination occurred when making the food you plan to consume.

Knowledge is power! The more you know about what it means to have celiac, the better your quality of life will be.

Lip balm, medicine, and even envelope glue are a few examples of everyday items where gluten may pop up, though it is mainly found in food.

Malnutrition can be a symptom of celiac disease, so it is important to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Nutrient absorption is an issue for those with celiac disease and without proper care, it can cause damage to the small intestine.

Oats are a tricky food for those with celiac disease. While they do not contain gluten naturally, often times they are grown and harvested with wheat, which contains gluten.

People with celiac disease have twice the risk of developing coronary artery disease, and a 4 times greater risk of developing small bowel cancers.

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and generally well tolerated by those with gluten sensitivity. Other gluten-free grains can be found here.

Re-invent. Eating a strict gluten-free diet can feel like a challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to re-invent favorite meals to be compliant.

Symptoms can come in a variety of ailments. While some may be depressed, tired and irritable, others may experience seizures, missed periods and infertility, in addition to digestive issues.

Testing. Many people with celiac disease don’t know they have it. Two blood tests can help diagnose it as well as further investigations with an endoscopy or a capsule endoscopy.

Untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.

Villi are small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine. They work to promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged through things like ingesting gluten, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.

Wheat, rye and barley are three ingredient triggers for people with gluten sensitivity.

Xanthan gum is a gluten-free ingredient for those who enjoy baking.

Your mental health is important, too. Being newly diagnosed with celiac disease can feel scary. Please give yourself grace as you start your journey.

Zillions of websites, recipes, and stores cater to living a gluten-free lifestyle, so there’s no shortage of resources available.

Overall, nothing can prepare you to chart the waters of celiac disease like visiting a doctor. Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your stomach issues so we can help you. Request an appointment with us today.

Your stomach hurts, and you’re not sure why. Is it something you ate? Food poisoning? Cramps? If you are experiencing pain or other gastro symptoms on a regular basis – and it’s affecting your everyday life — it may be time to see a gastroenterologist.

Prior to your visit, consider writing in a wellness journal, which can be just a plain notebook. This simple tool can be a major help to the doctors diagnosing your condition. Taking some time in the weeks leading up to an appointment to track symptoms can be key for proper diagnosing. Not only will a wellness journal help you bring more awareness to things like the foods you eat and how often you move your body, but it can also help uncover patterns of when problematic symptoms occur.

For anyone looking to improve their digestive health, here are 15 things to track in a wellness journal and the questions to consider:

1. Food

What did you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What about snacks?

2. Water intake

How many ounces of water did you consume throughout the day? Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day.

3. Beverages

Besides water, what beverages are you consuming? Are they carbonated? Fruit juices with citrus? Caffeine? Take note!

4. Change to routine

Did you recently change jobs or add a child to the family? Are you waking or going to bed at a different time than usual?

5. Fasting

If you have a habit of intermittent fasting daily, note it.

6. Medications and supplements

Do you take a prescription medication or vitamins daily?

7. Mood

Do you find yourself more stressed and irritable lately? Note how that fluctuates from day-to-day.

8. Exercise

Do you take daily walks, or hit the gym on a regular basis?

9. Bloating

If you’re feeling bloat, make sure to indicate at what point in the day you feel it, and after which foods in particular.

10. Bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation

Make note of your daily bathroom habits, or lack thereof.

11. Gas

If you’re experiencing more than your daily amount of gas, take note.

12. Fatigue

Track your sleeping habits and what time you wake-up and go to bed on a daily basis.

13. Skin issues

Note any skin issues or abnormal rashes, as this can indicate a food or gluten sensitivity.

14. Weight

Make a note if you’ve recently gained or lost an excessive amount of weight.

15. Alcohol and tobacco consumption

During the day, did you drink a glass of wine or smoke a cigarette? These can trigger acid reflux/GERD.

If you do happen to have a diagnosis following your initial appointment, make sure to continue your wellness journal to look for additional patterns or foods that may trigger uncomfortable symptoms. You can also try these tips for keeping your GI tract running smoothly to see if that helps lessen symptoms you’re feeling.

Visit a gastroenterologist today

Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your stomach issues so we can help you treat it. Contact us today!

Everyone endures stomach troubles at one time or another that leave you thinking – is it just a one-off issue, heartburn, or something worthy of bringing up with a gastrointestinal specialist?

When it comes to that “burning sensation in your chest” feeling after eating, acid reflux may be the culprit. But what does that mean, and can it be treated? We’re here to help by providing the lowdown on heartburn, acid reflux and GERD.

What is acid reflux?

Simply put, acid reflux happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach, and then it closes again. Sometimes, this muscle relaxes abnormally or weakens causing stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus and producing a burning sensation in your throat.

If left untreated, acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus.

What is GERD, and is it serious?

When your heartburn is repeatedly occurring – and therefore chronic – it is diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It also means it’s time to plan a visit to a gastroenterologist to check out what’s going on before it becomes something serious.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD?

Symptoms may include:

• The taste of regurgitate food or a sour liquid in your throat
• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), which is caused by an inflamed esophagus
• Regurgitating food or a sour liquid (acid reflux)
• Chest pain or gas pains
• Difficulty swallowing (also called dysphagia)
• Dry cough
• Hoarseness or a sore throat
• Feeling of a lump in your throat

Diagnosing GERD

When symptoms persist to a point of continuous discomfort, it may be time to dig a bit deeper to see if GERD is the issue.

During a visit to diagnose GERD, a patient may receive the following tests:

• Barium esophagram. This is an x-ray of your upper digestive system, which requires drinking a chalky liquid that coats the inside lining of your digestive tract. This allows us to see the shape and condition of your esophagus, stomach and upper intestine.
• Upper endoscopy. By passing a flexible tube down your throat, this procedure allows us to examine the inside of your esophagus. The test is usually performed with sedation.
• Esophageal pH (acid) test. This test uses a device to monitor the acid in your esophagus and identify when and how long stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus.
• Esophageal motility test. This test measures the movement and pressure in your esophagus.

Know your risks

Risk factors for acid reflux and GERD include obesity, a hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, asthma, diabetes, overeating, and even connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma.

Ways to avoid acid reflux/GERD:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes that may bother the stomach
• Avoid food and drinks that trigger heartburn such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine
• Beware of portion sizes – larger and higher-fat meals tend to stay in the stomach longer
• Keep a journal of foods and symptoms to look for patterns
• Don’t lie down after eating
• Elevate your head when lying down
• Avoid smoking

Treatment

While some people experience acid reflux and GERD relief by making lifestyle changes or by taking over-the-counter medications, others may need further investigation with endoscopy.

When medications aren’t cutting it, additional treatments may include:

• Nissen fundoplication: Surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter
• Surgery to create a barrier preventing the backup of stomach acid
• Linx: Surgery to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter

Visit a gastrointestinal doctor today

Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your chest pain so we can help you treat it before long-term damage occurs. Schedule your appointment today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule an appointment with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

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

You may think that a gastrointestinal doctor is the kind of doctor you only need to go once you’ve reached a certain age, or to deal with pains and concerns that come with growing older (and to get screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy once you turn 45).

While that’s true, there are a number of reasons why someone younger – in their early 20s and 30s – can absolutely benefit from seeing a GI doctor.

Here are some reasons why a younger person in their 20s or 30s might see a GI doctor. While there are other conditions and concerns, we welcome patients of all ages – because we CAN help you find relief.

A “nervous” stomach

You may discover that your stomach “acts” up at times…and you may have been told you have a “nervous” stomach. Or perhaps your doctor treated the specific symptoms you had at the moment you went in, but the issues continued and the source of the problem wasn’t discovered.

When you are properly diagnosed by a gastrointestinal specialist, you’ll be able to receive the proper treatment – whether that involves lifestyle changes, dietary changes, medications, or procedures – that can change your life.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we have various methods of getting to the root cause of your concerns – including different types of internal scopes, so we can actually see what’s going on and causing you discomfort.

Food sensitivities

When you grow up with things always being a certain way when it comes to your digestive system, you tend to think it’s normal. You become accustomed to your stomach feeling rough a lot of the time, and the aftermath of eating is something you just accept.

But what if it’s because you have sensitivities, and the food you are eating is causing specific adverse reactions throughout your GI tract?

Celiac disease means your body can’t tolerate gluten – and eating it can cause a host of issues, including depression, malnutrition, fatigue, digestive issues, and more.

Lactose intolerance is when your body can’t process lactose, an ingredient in many common dairy products. That intolerance may lead to gas, bloating, and more GI tract disruptions.

At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we can test for and diagnose Celiac disease and lactose intolerance – and other food-related issues that may be upsetting your digestive tract – so we can pinpoint the problem and determine the best treatment so you can start feeling better.

Heartburn and acid reflux

People of all ages commonly deal with heartburn and acid reflux – and the long-term effects of “just dealing with it” until it passes can wreak havoc with your stomach and esophagus.

You may think you’re OK because the over-the-counter medications make you feel better…for the moment. However, these medicines only mask the problem and allay the symptom – instead of treating the issue.

When your heartburn is repeatedly occurring – and therefore chronic – it is diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). We can perform procedures to properly diagnose the condition so you can learn how to treat it and find relief.

Gas, constipation, bloating

You’re always running to the bathroom after you eat. Or getting horizontal on the couch to give your stomach time to “settle” after a meal. It’s just how your body works, right? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Although it may seem like that’s just you, and that taking time for things to pass is a normal part of life, you may have more serious issues that can cause long-term complications.

Things like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease can all disrupt your digestive tract – but there are ways to treat them so you don’t have to live in discomfort anymore.

Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., has a team of knowledgeable doctors to help you work to eliminate gas, constipation, bloating and other stomach concerns to keep your GI tract running smoothly.

See a gastrointestinal doctor today!

Visit Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan, to receive a true diagnosis of what’s causing your pain or discomfort – then we can help you treat it so you feel better and work at preventing any long-term complications. Schedule your appointment today!

If you’re looking forward to a cornucopia of foods this holiday season, but not the aftermath of what overindulging means for your stomach, read on for 5 simple tips to enjoy your holiday dinner without stomach issues.

1. Smaller portions

If you feel a burning sensation in your chest area after you eat, you’re not alone. Heartburn and acid reflux happen when your stomach fills up and the acid goes up into your esophagus.

Eating smaller portions helps reduce those potential acid reflux triggers, since your stomach isn’t filled to the brim for so long, that way you’re not uncomfortable after your meal.

At a holiday meal, it’s not always easy to limit portions. But, you can build yourself a second plate and set it aside — or simply go back for round two (or three) later, once the food in your stomach has had a chance to digest.

Chronic heartburn, or GERD, can lead to potential serious long-term health concerns if not treated — so be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns.

2. Drink water with your meal

Acidic and carbonated beverages (and alcohol) can trigger heartburn and acid reflux — so save the non-water beverages for before and after you eat, if at all.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day since water keeps things flowing more smoothly throughout your gastrointestinal tract — and helps prevent waste from getting “stuck” and causing discomfort as it makes their way out.

3. Limit processed foods

Generally, families come together during the holidays and bring their dedicated homemade dishes to share. But there are often some processed foods mixed in with the buffet…which you’ll want to skip if there are tastier options.

Foods that don’t come in a box or package (read: fresh foods) are easier for your stomach to digest and will cause fewer issues going through your GI tract. It’s just one of the ways your diet can help colon issues.

4. Fiber

If you can incorporate food with fiber during your feast, it can help reduce constipation issues afterward. Soluble and insoluble fiber work to make waste softer and easier to pass through your intestinal system.

But this doesn’t mean you need to eat bran and prunes at a holiday dinner: Instead, think whole grains over white flour breads, and vegetables and nuts when you can.

Load up on sweet potatoes and broccoli. Toss almonds in salad; add crushed pecans to potato casserole; incorporate salads or dessert with fruit — like a fruit tart or fruit pies instead of cream pies; and swap hummus or guacamole for dairy-based dips.

5. Limit gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat and rye, and for some people it can cause stomach issues — or other symptoms like fatigue, depression, seizures, infertility and more.

If you have or think you may have a gluten sensitivity, stay away from foods that likely contain gluten, such as:

• Green bean casserole
• Pie crusts
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Vegetable dips
• Most pre-made salad dressings

Instead, stick to these foods, which are usually gluten-free:

• Turkey
• Sweet potatoes
• White potatoes
• Vegetables without sauce
• Rice (without sauce or wheat-based seasoning)
• Cranberries and cranberry sauce

Talk about your GI concerns

If you’re having stomach issues after eating, talk to a gastrointestinal specialist about how to make things better. We’re here for you at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich. Contact us to request an appointment today!

Do you have stomach discomfort or pain more than you’d like? (Here’s a tip: It shouldn’t be hurting at all!) If you’re having some issues with your digestive system, know that you don’t have to suffer.

Our doctors can help you diagnose and treat any issues, and help you keep your GI tract running smoothly. Here are some of our top tips that will help lead you on the path to feeling better.

1. Get a colonoscopy by age 45

A colonoscopy is the trifecta of gastrointestinal tract examination tools. Your doctor can: See what’s going on in your intestines; remove certain polyps during the procedure; and diagnose issues in your GI tract (including colon cancer).

Every single person should have a colonoscopy by age 45 (or sooner, if you have other risk factors), for many reasons. If you experience digestive pain, a colonoscopy can evaluate possible GI causes that can be contributing to discomfort – including polyps, colon cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and more.

And knowing the cause is half the battle – because then it can be treated.

2. Add more fiber in your diet

As we get older, our bodies often need to work harder for things that never used to seem as difficult. One of the ways it becomes obvious is in our digestive tract. What goes in must come out, but you may notice that process can become more challenging – often because of a lack of fiber.

This doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a diet of boring bran flakes and prunes to keep things running smoothly. Simple changes to your diet can help, including by incorporating more fiber in the food choices you make.

Most Americans don’t regularly eat a lot of fiber, so you’ll want to gradually increase your fiber intake if that’s the case. Otherwise, you may end up with more gas and bloating than you’re used to and decide to stop the fiber altogether (which you shouldn’t!).

Some simple ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet include:

• Swapping refined grains for whole grains when possible (in breads, cereals, popcorn, etc.)
• Adding in fruits and vegetables – like apples, broccoli, berries, avocados – before meals
• Read labels: When using processed foods, look for ones with higher fiber content

3. Drink More Water

So much of our health depends on our hydration, and that’s especially true when it comes to our digestive system. Water is vital to your GI tract because it breaks food down so that your body can absorb the nutrients better. But in addition, water helps you to be more comfortable because it helps digest fiber.

Think of the food going through your intestinal tract as a fallen branch going down a river. If the water levels are high, there are no problems and things can flow easily. But if the water levels are low, that stick going down the river is going to gather mud, get bigger and maybe get stuck.

Aim for eight 8 oz. glasses of water – plain or with fruit, but not carbonated – a day. A glass in the morning and following each meal gives you four glasses, so you’ll only need another 32 oz. of water throughout the day.

4. Talk to your doctor – even about the little things.

If you’ve always been told you have a “nervous stomach” or know that certain foods make your stomach not feel the greatest, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Things don’t “just happen.” There’s a reason – and we can help you pinpoint the reason and treat it, so you can start feeling better! Questioning it? Check out these 5 Reasons You Need to See a GI Doctor.

There could be a growth or irritation in your gastrointestinal tract that, if diagnosed, can be taken care of so the issue isn’t something you have to “just deal with” anymore. Or, there could be a larger concern at hand that, once you know what it is, doctors can determine the best way to fix it – whether through medication, surgery, or another option.

Talk to your doctor. That’s what we’re here for!

Ask Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

Our team of doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C., in Troy, Michigan have the knowledge and experience finding and treating diseases in the gastrointestinal tract to ease your stomach issues. And we’re committed to making your experience at our facility as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States — but prevention or early detection is key to increased survival rate. You can take simple steps to prevent (and detect) colon cancer.

It could save your life.

Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

We all have aches and pains, and they’re there for a reason: Your body is giving you warning signs that something isn’t quite right. Whether it’s a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or intermittent or persistent abdominal pain/bloating, these are signs that you may need to see a gastrointestinal doctor.

Your doctor can determine the cause of the symptoms that could signify colon cancer — and work to prevent and treat it.

Get screened.

Colon cancer can be prevented with screenings like a colonoscopy. The point of these screenings is to detect polyps or growths in the colon that could potentially turn into cancer. Through the colonoscopy screening, these potentially serious growths can be removed before they have a chance to become cancerous.

The American Cancer Society recommends that EVERYONE be screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy by age 45 — or sooner, if your health care provider, risk factors or symptoms indicate a need.

Know your risk factors.

While cancer can develop without any prior indications, there are factors that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Being aware of those risk factors means you can detect colon cancer in its earliest stages, for the best survival rate — or prevent it altogether.

Know your:

• Family history. Know if your direct blood relatives (parents, siblings, children) or multiple second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins) have had colon cancer OR precancerous polyps, or other hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Personal history. If you had pre-cancerous polyps in the past, or other health conditions (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), your risk for colon cancer can also be increased.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As with many health conditions, how you take care of your body plays a large part in how your body treats you. The same can be said for colon cancer prevention. The diet we consume can help keep our GI tract healthy and the exercise we partake in works on keeping our bodies healthy and reducing our cancer risk.

Such as:

• Less red meat and processed meats
• More fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Regular physical activity (as permitted by your doctor)
• Not smoking

Prevent Colon Cancer Now

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan to prevent and detect colon cancer. Request an appointment online so our team can help you save time and money with your colonoscopy screening today.

Everyone endures some stomach pain or trouble once in a while — but how do you know if it’s something that will pass, or if you should bring your concerns to a gastrointestinal specialist? Recurring pain is a telltale sign of something amiss…and sudden pain is a warning sign, too. So, don’t ignore your body telling you when things are wrong!

See a gastrointestinal doctor if:

1. Your abdomen hurts

Whether it’s a sudden, intense pain or gradual pain, upper and lower abdominal pain can signify a myriad of ailments, so it’s best to check with your GI doctor to determine the cause before things potentially get worse. Anything from appendicitis to colon cancer to inflammatory bowel disease can all present with abdominal pain.

2. Your bowel movements change

You may think it’s because of something you ate — and you may be right. But a change in bowel movements can signify a larger problem that needs to be treated. Any signs of bloody stool, diarrhea, gas, bloat, and constipation can be symptoms of your intestinal system having problems — and we can help determine why.

3. You have a family history or risk factors for colon cancer (or are 45+)

It’s there in the back of your mind, so let’s get a jump on taking preventive measures to screen you for colon cancer: Including scheduling your colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a virtually painless 30-minute procedure to look at your colon and see any potential growth, abnormalities or concerns — including pre-cancerous polyps, which can later be removed. Colon cancer is highly preventable, and regular colonoscopies can reduce the risk.

4. You have consistent heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease)

It’s just because you ate something spicy, or sour, or something, you tell yourself. But, really — WHY is your body reacting that way? It’s not normal, so your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong. GERD and that constant burning sensation you feel can damage your esophagus…which can eventually lead to difficulty swallowing.

5. You suspect lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or Celiac disease

We all know that what we eat (or don’t eat) can impact our health and how we feel. Sometimes, our bodies can’t process things like lactose or gluten — which are in many foods (and even medicines and lip balm). And it’s difficult to conclusively determine that on our own without some testing to find out exactly what the issue is. In addition, Celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, and cause symptoms like seizures, infertility and more.

“As gastrointestinal specialists, we know that many of the symptoms our patients have are indicative of a treatable issue,” said Dr. Gehad Ghaith at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy Michigan. “There is no need to suffer in silence. We can help and you can live a happy, healthy life!”

Schedule now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center

We’re ready to determine what’s wrong and help you feel better. You can request an appointment at Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC and Endoscopy Center today!