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!

Say everything is moving along just fine in your digestive tract. No pain, no complaints, no issues.

That’s great!

But you still need to start getting regular screening colonoscopies by the time you are 45 years old (or sooner, if needed).

Why? Think of it like a regular dental examination: If you keep up with your cleanings and checkups, you can head off potential problems before they turn into bigger issues.

Colonoscopies are painless and take about 30 minutes — and it could save your life.

“We want patients to have regular screening colonoscopies because we know they can help save lives,” said Dr. Mary Jacob of Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan.

Here are the Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Colonoscopy:

1. Colon cancer and polyp screening

The No. 1 reason everyone should get a colonoscopy at age 45 (or sooner depending on your family history) is for the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women have a lifetime risk of developing colon cancer. But because of colonoscopies, colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented — and early detection is lowering the colon cancer death rate.

(Adults ages 50 and older may qualify for a Colonoscopy Now, to save time and money!)

2. You have a family history of colon cancer

When your blood relatives have something like colon cancer, it increases the risk that you could develop it as well. Colon cancer screenings like a colonoscopy keep an eye on things and are often performed at a younger age as a preventive measure.

3. You have a personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis are at increased risk for developing colon cancer. Even if feeling great and your disease is controlled on medical therapy, surveillance colonoscopies are needed every 1-2 years to screen for early changes of colon cancer.

4. Rectal bleeding
Anytime you’re bleeding, you need to know why. If you fall and cut yourself, you know the reason you’re bleeding. Internally, it’s harder to know why, and often presents as rectal bleeding or in bloody stool. Not all rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. You may want to ignore the signs, but don’t: An evaluation by one of our doctors at Gastrointestinal Specialists P.C. in Troy, Michigan and colonoscopy can help determine the source of the bleeding, and catch a problem early.

5. Change in bowel habits

You know the foods you eat contribute to what happens in your digestive tract, so you may excuse the after effects of what you’ve been consuming — but there could be underlying issues requiring treatment by a GI specialist that are making things worse. And those issues may be able to be treated, making you more comfortable and healthier.

Schedule your colonoscopy

If you’re 45, or have one of the other Reasons Why You Need a Colonoscopy, you can request an appointment online now at Gastrointestinal Specialists. Our outpatient endoscopy center offers increased convenience and financial savings compared to a hospital.

Is there a way to nourish your digestive system for a healthier colon and happier gastrointestinal tract? Yes! The foods you eat can impact how your body responds — and it’s simple to incorporate these three things into your diet now.

“Diet is one of the easier things you can change to have a healthier colon,” said Dr. Jared Bortman, a gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists PC & Endoscopy in Troy, Mich.

“I encourage my patients to increase their vegetable intake for the fiber benefit, as well as studies suggesting an association between vegetable consumption and reduced colorectal cancer risk.”

1. Whole Grains

Regularly including whole grains in your diet improves bowel health by helping to maintain regular bowel movements. At least half of the grains you consume should be whole grains — if not more.

Diet Tip: Start adding whole wheat, barley, oatmeal, whole wheat bran flakes (and gluten-free whole grains, including quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice and wild rice) to your daily rotation.

2. Water

The majority of our body’s functions depend on water — so it makes sense that drinking plenty of water improves our overall health, especially when it comes to the digestive system. Drinking enough water keeps stools soft, and ensures things are flowing throughout your gastrointestinal tract more smoothly. The more the foods you eat are watered down, the less chance of them getting “stuck” and causing you discomfort as they make their way out.

Diet Tip: Definitely don’t skip getting at least 64 ounces of water a day! And fruits and veggies are high in water content like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and soup.

3. Fiber

An apple a day keeps the doctor away — when it comes to the fiber in them that helps to keep your gastrointestinal tract clean. Vegetables are generally high in fiber and some fruits are too, so make sure you are getting a variety of veggies and fruit every day. Fiber removes waste by grabbing debris left behind in the colon on its way through your digestive system.

Diet Tip: Munch on seeds, nuts, brown rice, couscous, green beans, dark leafy vegetables, zucchini, celery, cabbage, raisins, apples, strawberries and oranges.

Take Care of Colon Issues

At Gastrointestinal Specialists PC & Endoscopy Center, we provide colon cancer screenings and colonoscopies, in addition to treating other gastrointestinal concerns to help you feel better and treat diseases. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.