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Digestive Health

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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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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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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