6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Digestive health problems are uncomfortable and not unusual. But you don’t have to suffer in silence. “We love to help patients achieve their optimal health,” says Amy Thomas, F-NP, with Texas Health Medical Associates Gastroenterology. Here are three of the most common digestive conditions Amy sees in her practice. 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Persistent heartburn (burning behind your breastbone) is a classic symptom. It’s sometimes Check your risk Scan the QR code to take a confidential colorectal cancer health risk assessment. Colorectal cancer: Lower your risk You have the power to help prevent colorectal cancer. First, get screened for colorectal cancer (starting at age 45 for most people). Colonoscopy is the only screening method that finds and removes precancerous polyps. “That’s why a colonoscopy is superior to all other screening tests,” says Gastroenterologist Mike Bismar, MD. “It’s a 30-minute test that can save your life.” Next, adopt healthy habits, like eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, exercising, limiting red meat, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Beyond lifestyle changes A healthcare provider can guide you to effective treatment. That may include medications or, for GERD, a procedure such as LINX or Nissen fundoplication. Gut check 3 common digestive health problems accompanied by a sour taste in your throat, hoarseness and a persistent cough. Untreated GERD can damage the throat and lead to swallowing problems and even cancer. To help manage it, identify and avoid foods that give you heartburn. “These can include spicy foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus- or tomato-based foods, and fatty and fried foods,” Amy says. Eating smaller meals (and eating your last meal at least two hours before lying down), elevating the head of your bed and avoiding tight clothing can also help. 2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes abdominal pain and bloating, along with diarrhea, constipation or both. Your provider might have you try a special, low-FODMAP diet for a few weeks. This diet restricts hard-to-digest carbs and may help you identify which foods trigger your symptoms. 3. Peptic ulcers. These stomach sores cause burning abdominal pain in between meals, among other signs and symptoms. Helpful changes include limiting aggravating foods (like spicy, acidic or tomato-based foods) and avoiding NSAID pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
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