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RussellHavranekMD

About Russell Havranek

Russell Dean Havranek, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist in San Antonio TX that has been in private practice since 2005 as a member of the Gastroenterology Clinic of San Antonio medical group, which specializes in the comprehensive treatment of all digestive symptoms and conditions. Dr. Havranek received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1998 and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2005. He has a special focus on promoting colon cancer awareness and prevention with colonoscopy. Also, his practice has a special focus on IBD and IBS digestive conditions and their symptoms. His gastroenterology clinic is located at 8550 Datapoint Drive, Suite 200, San Antonio, TX 78229.

2024 Colon Cancer Awareness

With March being colon cancer awareness month, I wanted to help promote the message that this is a highly treatable cancer and often curable when detected at a localized stage in the bowel. Here are a few other key points to keep in mind regarding Colon Cancer:

  • The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening at 45 years old for average-risk individuals and high-risk individuals being screened earlier and more frequently.
  • A screening colonoscopy is the best way for prevention and early detection of colon cancer. You can learn more about why this exam is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening by visiting our colonoscopy webpage.
  • We offer a Direct Access Colonoscopy scheduling

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By |2024-03-03T15:06:40-06:00March 1st, 2024|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on 2024 Colon Cancer Awareness
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Family History Can Impact Your Digestive Health

Do you have a family history of gastrointestinal issues? It’s important to know since some digestive and stomach conditions are hereditary, which means they can be passed to you. However, genetics are complicated, so it doesn’t definitively mean that one of your parents’ conditions will be passed to you. It just signifies an increased risk.

If you have a family history of gut problems, you can take steps to reduce the risk of developing them yourself. In this article, I’ll explain the role genetics can play in your digestive health and some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing digestive conditions.

Genetics Role in Digestive Health

Some digestive conditions have a strong genetic component, meaning specific genes can increase the

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By |2024-01-22T12:12:11-06:00January 22nd, 2024|colon cancer, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Family History Can Impact Your Digestive Health
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A Gut Healthy Guide to Mexican Cuisine

Growing up in rural Nebraska, I’m a little embarrassed that I used to equate Mexican food to the Taco Bell menu. Thankfully, after living in San Antonio for the past 20 years, I’ve been exposed to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine. While this food tastes great, it is not always considered the healthiest. The good news is that there are now more healthier Mexican food options available in San Antonio than ever before.

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By |2023-11-20T12:04:33-06:00November 14th, 2023|Digestive Health, Nutrition|Comments Off on A Gut Healthy Guide to Mexican Cuisine
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Gut Health Myths Debunked by GI Doctor

While the internet provides a wealth of information, it can be challenging to differentiate facts from falsehoods, especially healthcare-related ones. These myths can lead well-meaning people to engage in unnecessary practices that could harm their digestive health.

Dr. Havranek will address many myths surrounding gut health in this article. Learn which are true or false and the science behind each one.\

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By |2023-09-14T09:49:02-05:00September 14th, 2023|Digestive Health|Comments Off on Gut Health Myths Debunked by GI Doctor
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How to Boost Your Nutrient Absorption

Eating a nutritious diet is essential to improve your gut health. But it’s not just what you eat that matters. To reap the benefits of a healthy diet, your body must be able to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.

Nutrient absorption is an essential part of digestion. The nutrients from your diet supply your cells with the energy they need to complete your daily bodily functions.

This article will take a closer look at digestion and the absorption of nutrients. We’ll outline some tips that you can follow to maximize nutrient absorption and get the most out of your diet. We’ll also highlight what can happen when your body struggles to absorb nutrients. Keep reading to learn how to boost

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By |2023-07-17T10:44:30-05:00July 17th, 2023|Nutrition|Comments Off on How to Boost Your Nutrient Absorption
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Which Yogurt Is Best for Gut Health?

Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food that can benefit your gut health. With endless potential mix-ins, it’s easy to get your daily intake of healthy fats, protein, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

There are numerous yogurt options in grocery stores, so it helps to know their differences before you shop.

This article will take you through the nutritional profiles of different types of yogurt and how they impact your gut health. Keep reading to learn more about yogurt and which one might be best for you.

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By |2023-06-05T19:44:01-05:00June 5th, 2023|colon cancer, Diet, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Which Yogurt Is Best for Gut Health?
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Tips to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease

Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body and plays a significant role in the digestive system. This large, reddish-brown organ rests beneath your ribcage in your upper right abdominal cavity. It removes toxins from your blood, regulates blood sugar levels and clotting, and makes bile to aid digestion.

Fatty liver disease can impair your liver’s ability to complete these essential functions. In some cases, this can lead to severe health issues. Making lifestyle changes can help prevent fatty liver disease and improve your overall health and well-being.

This article will explain what fatty liver disease is and the risk factors and symptoms you should look out for. We’ll also discuss how a GI doctor can diagnose and

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By |2023-04-25T11:46:26-05:00April 25th, 2023|Digestive Health|Comments Off on Tips to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
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How Do Digestive Enzymes Benefit Your Gut Health?

Digestive diseases affect around 60 to 70 million people in the United States. Astonishingly, this causes more than 21 million hospitalizations every year. It’s important to pay attention to changes to your gut health to help you avoid medical complications.

With the high prevalence of digestive diseases, it’s not surprising that there’s an increased interest in digestive enzymes.

This article will discuss what digestive enzymes are and how they affect your gut health. We’ll outline how enzyme deficiencies can occur and when you should see a doctor. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your digestive enzymes and improve your gut health.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes to aid digestion.

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By |2022-12-21T17:47:16-06:00December 21st, 2022|Diet, Digestive Health|Comments Off on How Do Digestive Enzymes Benefit Your Gut Health?
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GI Bleeding: Know the Signs

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a potentially life-threatening symptom of a GI condition. It causes more than half a million hospitalizations in the United States annually and has a mortality rate of 5%-10%.

But many cases can be safely treated on an outpatient basis without medical complications. While the cause of GI bleeding is typically not serious, it’s important to recognize the signs and respond accordingly.

This article will discuss the types of GI bleeding and the symptoms you should be aware of. We’ll also highlight the common conditions that can cause GI bleeding. Lastly, this article will outline when you should see a doctor and how GI bleeding is diagnosed. Keep reading to learn more about GI

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By |2022-11-14T11:22:56-06:00November 14th, 2022|Digestive Health, Endoscopy|Comments Off on GI Bleeding: Know the Signs
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Here’s What You Need to Know About Esophageal Disorders

Esophageal disorders affect the esophagus. This is the muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. Waves of muscular contractions push food and liquid down this tube.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve connecting the esophagus and stomach, relaxes to let food pass. This valve remains closed when not eating to prevent the stomach contents from flowing into the esophagus. In many cases, esophageal disorders disrupt this process and cause problems with eating and drinking.

This article will discuss types of esophageal disorders and their common symptoms. We’ll also highlight the diagnosis of esophageal disorders, including testing options. Lastly, we’ll outline the steps you can take to reduce your risk of esophageal disorders.

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By |2022-10-04T15:58:04-05:00October 4th, 2022|Digestive Health, Endoscopy|Comments Off on Here’s What You Need to Know About Esophageal Disorders
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