June 25, 2023

When you’re dealing with digestive tract issues, it can affect your whole life. When your stomach hurts, you will often find that you aren’t able to function as you normally can each day. Digestive problems can cause you to miss out on events and hinder you from being as productive as you normally might be. It’s important to know that digestive health often depends on the lifestyle decisions that you make and it’s easy to maintain your digestive health with some easy tips from your gastroenterologist. Maintaining Your Digestive Health When you’re dealing with digestive issues, you might not be sure where to start with getting your digestive system back into proper working order. One of the most important things that you can do is start managing a healthy diet and taking steps to improve your physical health. Your gastroenterologist can guide you along your journey to making the best decisions to start feeling better each day. You should be eating a high-fiber diet in order to keep food flowing through your digestive tract and to avoid issues like constipation. A high-fiber diet can also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight while also treating digestive issues like diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome. You can increase your intake of fiber by using both insoluble and soluble fiber. Be sure to choose lean meats as part of your diet. This helps you get the protein you need while avoiding unnecessary fats in your diet. You should also be including probiotics and prebiotics with choices like low-fat yogurt. Another easy way to maintain a healthy digestive system is by making sure that you are properly hydrated. It’s important that you drink plenty of water each day and that you’re also getting regular exercise. While exercising, be sure that you continue to hydrate as you sweat. Contact Our Gastroenterologist Today Find out how you can improve your digestive health. Contact your gastroenterologist to learn more tips for maintaining your digestive health.     

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause you pain and interrupt your daily life. You might find yourself having to avoid certain events because of some of the symptoms that are associated with IBS. When you start noticing these symptoms affecting your life, it’s important that you talk to your gastroenterologist to discuss treatment and what your triggers might be. Dr. Masi Khaja at Capitol Gastro in Austin, TX, can explain what symptoms you should be looking out for with irritable bowel syndrome and how you can deal with these symptoms. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome When it comes to irritable bowel syndrome, one of the most common symptoms our gastroenterologist will look for is abdominal pain. This may also come with cramping and diarrhea or constipation. If you’re particularly stressed or if you’ve been eating fried and greasy foods, this pain is likely to happen and trigger your IBS. IBS is also usually linked with gas and bloating, as well as mucus in the stool. You’ll notice a distinct change in your bowel habits, and this can cause you to lose focus throughout the day. When you’re dealing with pain from IBS, it can be difficult to function and perform your daily tasks. In order to avoid these symptoms, you should be sure that you’re taking note of what foods can trigger your pain and avoid those foods. You also need to exercise on a regular basis and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sleep is also crucial and is an important part of keeping you healthy. Contact Your Gastroenterologist Today Make sure that you can identify symptoms that could point to IBS. Contact Dr. Khaja at Capitol Gastro in Austin, TX, to learn more about irritable bowel syndrome and if it might be affecting you. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (512) 593-6022. We have two offices in Austin, Texas, as well as offices in Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and Leander, Texas.   

Find out why you might be dealing with heartburn. Heartburn is a common issue. While it’s usually nothing to worry about, if you are dealing with this problem regularly, it might be time to see a gastroenterologist to find out what’s going on. After all, recurring heartburn could be a sign of a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it’s vital that you address the issue properly. What Is Heartburn? So, you know that you feel a miserable burning sensation in your throat and chest, but you aren’t quite sure what’s going on there. Heartburn, also called indigestion, occurs when the acids in your stomach travel backward into the esophagus. Heartburn is often an excellent indicator that you are dealing with GERD. If left untreated, GERD can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. What Can Cause Heartburn? It’s essential to recognize what may trigger your heartburn. Women who are pregnant as well as obese or overweight individuals are more at risk for developing heartburn. What you eat could also affect whether you develop heartburn. It’s important to recognize common trigger foods, including, Citrus Alcohol Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products Tomato-based products (this includes ketchup) Onions Chocolate Fried or fatty foods (think onion rings and French fries) Apart from diet, other things can trigger your heartburn, including, Overeating Smoking Lying down immediately after eating Taking certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood pressure medications Intense exercise Should I Treat My Heartburn? If you are dealing with heartburn regularly, you must address this issue to prevent serious complications such as esophageal damage. If over-the-counter heartburn medications aren’t helping keep your symptoms under control, or if you are dealing with heartburn two or more times a week, then it’s the perfect time to visit a gastroenterologist for care. Remember: Over-the-counter antacids are not for long-term use. If you have to take antacids frequently, you need to see a GI doctor. How Will a Gastroenterologist Treat My Heartburn? One of the simplest ways to ease heartburn is through lifestyle changes. These include, Not eating 2-3 hours before bedtime Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid larger meals Avoid belts or shirts that are too tight around the middle Limit acidic, spicy, fried, and fatty foods Eat slowly and chew food fully to aid in better digestion Sleep with your head raised in bed Get plenty of water Avoid eating 2 hours before exercise if you find that exercise triggers your heartburn Avoid alcohol and caffeine Quit or avoid smoking Lose excess weight Along with lifestyle changes, your gastroenterologist may prescribe medication to ease symptoms. These medications may include, Antacids H2 blockers Proton pump inhibitors These medications are designed to reduce or temporarily block stomach acid to allow the gut time to heal. Suppose heartburn has gotten too much for you to address on your own. In that case, it’s a good idea to turn to a gastroenterologist, as they specialize in treating heartburn and other digestive disorders.

Everyone has heartburn occasionally. It’s that stabbing, burning sensation in your chest, and it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn is known as acid reflux, and it’s a condition involving your digestive system. Your gastroenterologist can help you get relief from acid reflux. What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux So, what causes acid reflux? It has to do with a sphincter muscle between your stomach and esophagus. When it works normally, it keeps stomach acid from pushing back up into your throat. In cases of acid reflux, the sphincter muscle doesn’t close completely, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus, and your throat. Acid reflux can cause: Throat pain or chronic hoarseness Chronic bad breath, nausea, and vomiting Tooth erosion and increased tooth sensitivity Chest or abdominal pain Dry coughing or wheezing For mild, occasional acid reflux, you can try a few simple tips at home which can help decrease symptoms. It’s important to: Avoid eating right before bed Eat smaller meals and avoid eating large amounts of food at one time Stay upright after eating for at least two to three hours after a meal Avoid spicy foods and try to maintain a healthy weight Avoid smoking and using tobacco products Take over-the-counter antacids to eliminate excess stomach acid If you have moderate to severe or chronic acid reflux symptoms, you need to seek out the expertise of your gastroenterologist. Untreated acid reflux can turn into gastroesophageal reflux disease. This disease, commonly known as GERD, can cause permanent esophageal damage, including esophageal cancer. Your gastroenterologist will begin with a thorough examination. Your doctor may recommend diagnostic procedures like an endoscopy, to view the inside of your esophagus. Then, your gastroenterologist will develop a treatment plan designed to help eliminate or reduce acid reflux symptoms. Your treatment plan may include: Prescription medications to reduce stomach acid Dietary changes to eliminate spicy and acidic foods Lifestyle changes including meal planning Want To Know More? To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of acid reflux, talk with an expert. Call your gastroenterologist today.