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RussellHavranekMD

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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.

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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Colon Cancer: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Colon cancer affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. Alarmingly, it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Despite its high incidence and mortality, colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Knowing how to reduce your risk of colon cancer can save your life.

This article will discuss what colon cancer is and the factors that increase your risk. We’ll outline 7 key ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer and the importance of colon cancer screening. Keep reading to learn more about colon cancer and how you can take your health into your own hands.

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By |2022-08-18T12:53:42-05:00August 18th, 2022|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on Colon Cancer: 7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk
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5 Gut-Friendly Snacks for Summer

What you eat has a significant impact on your digestive health. You’re not just eating for one, you’re also feeding the trillions of bacteria in your gut.

Your gut bacteria play an important role in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Eating foods that support your gut bacteria can heal your gut and prevent you from experiencing stomach issues.

This article will explain how food helps balance your gut microbiome. We’ll also highlight 5 homemade, gut-friendly snacks that can boost your digestive health and the foods you should avoid.

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By |2022-07-15T14:07:30-05:00July 13th, 2022|Nutrition|Comments Off on 5 Gut-Friendly Snacks for Summer
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Men’s Health Month: Bringing Awareness to Preventable Health Conditions

June is Men’s Health Month. This national observance brings awareness to preventable health conditions that men may experience and encourages early detection through regular medical checkups. Men’s Health Month also promotes healthy lifestyle habits, which can reduce the risk of many diseases.

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By |2022-06-21T09:02:45-05:00June 21st, 2022|colon cancer, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Men’s Health Month: Bringing Awareness to Preventable Health Conditions
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Bloating and Gas: Is It Normal or Should You See a GI Doctor?

Everyone experiences bloating and gas on occasion. You may have eaten something that didn’t agree with you. Or you simply ate too much, too fast.

No matter the reason you experience bloating and gas, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing all the same.

Bloating and gas that become more frequent may signify a medical problem. This article will discuss how much gas is normal, how to tell if you’re bloated, and the common causes of bloating and gas. Lastly, we’ll highlight when you should see a GI doctor for bloating and gas.

How Much Gas Is Normal?

Research shows that people pass gas an average of 8 to 14 times per day. But some people may

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By |2022-05-23T12:28:56-05:00May 23rd, 2022|Bloating, Digestive Health|Comments Off on Bloating and Gas: Is It Normal or Should You See a GI Doctor?
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Heartburn Relief Study Opportunity

Do you ever experience problems swallowing? Or heartburn, especially at night or after eating?
You may notice that it occurs after you lay down to go to bed.

These are all symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With heartburn being the most prominent symptom. GERD is a prevalent condition that researchers estimate is experienced by 20 percent of people in the United States.

To help further the development of a treatment that can provide relief, Gastroenterology Research of San Antonio is now enrolling those suffering from frequent heartburn in a study until full patient enrollment is met.

This study represents an excellent opportunity to help further the progression of a new medication for those suffering from

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By |2022-05-02T13:24:52-05:00May 2nd, 2022|Digestive Health|Comments Off on Heartburn Relief Study Opportunity
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2022 Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is colon cancer awareness month. At my gastroenterology practice each year, we take this opportunity to help promote local events and spread the awareness message that following the colon cancer screening guidelines is the best way to avoid this cancer.

While everyone is still mitigating their risk of COVID-19 in San Antonio with the various precautions, we encourage you to focus on your regular health physicals and screenings to help avoid preventable diseases like colon cancer.

“I don’t want anyone to become an avoidable statistic by not getting screened for colon cancer. Please follow the screening guidelines and help spread awareness to friends or loved ones of screening age. Together we can beat colon cancer.”
– Dr. H

Colon

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By |2022-03-01T07:35:31-06:00March 1st, 2022|colon cancer, Colonoscopy|Comments Off on 2022 Colon Cancer Awareness Month
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