Digestive Health Archives

High Quality Diet Linked to Healthy Aging

Oct 19, 2021 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Digestive Health

A higher quality diet—one filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fewer processed foods, added sodium and sugar—is associated with healthy aging and longevity, researchers say. The study measured the effects of food on gene expression as we age, specifically DNA methylation, a process that helps the body … Read More

At-Home Colon Screening Becoming More Popular

Aug 24, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

A recent study suggests that many people are opting for at-home tests when it comes to getting screened for colorectal cancer. The tests are easy, and don’t require the inconvenient and unpleasant “bowel prep” that is required for colonoscopy. But Mount Sinai gastroenterologist Brijen J. Shah, MD, cautions that at-home … Read More

Gallstones Can Cause Serious Complications

Jul 26, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

If meals tend to cause discomfort in the upperright quadrant of your abdomen, and the pain radiates to your shoulder blade and back, you may have gallstones. These are particularly common in older adults, with older women especially vulnerable. Fortunately, the stones often don’t cause symptoms—you may not even be … Read More

Newsbites: Inflammatory gut microbes; Vitamin D; Dementia

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Digestive Health

Food Choices May Increase Inflammatory Gut Microbes The bacteria that live in our gut have a critical role in helping or hurting our health. A new study found intake of some foods was consistently associated with the presence of “bad” bacteria, and others with “good” bacteria. The researchers examined bacteria … Read More

Frontline: Risk of dementia; Risk of falls: Decrease gut inflammation

Jun 23, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

Getting Enough Sleep May Cut Your Risk of Dementia People in their 50s and 60s who reported getting six hours or less of sleep each night are at higher risk of developing dementia later in life, according to research published in Nature Communications, April 20, 2021. The researchers collected data … Read More

If You’re Troubled by Heartburn, Lifestyle Changes Could Make a Difference

Jun 23, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

About 60 million Americans experience heartburn—indigestion that causes a burning pain in the chest—at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. But Mount Sinai gastroenterologist Brijen J. Shah, MD, emphasizes that frequent heartburn isn’t normal and may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). “GERD is more common … Read More

Ask the Experts: GERD drugs; Antiplatelet drugs vs. anticoagulants; Kimchi pros and cons

May 21, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

A friend and I both have gastroesophageal reflux disease, but while my doctor recommended I take an H2 blocker to manage the symptoms, my friend’s doctor told her to take a protonpump inhibitor. Why the different advice? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by stomach acid flowing (refluxing) backward into … Read More

Adopt an “Anti-Reflux Lifestyle” to Ease GERD Symptoms

May 21, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid in the stomach refluxes, or backs up, into the esophagus. “The stomach is designed for acid, but the esophagus is not. Acid can damage the esophageal walls and cause inflammation that leads to stricturing (narrowing); this may cause dysphagia (difficulty … Read More

Ask the Experts: Thyroid Disease; Upper GI Series; Fish-Free Omega-3s

Mar 29, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

Q: What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and what are the main risk factors for these conditions? A: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both refer to the amount of hormone excreted by the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and regulates your metabolism. Hypothyroidism means you have an … Read More

Frontline: GI Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients; Cardiovascular Health; Early Indicator of Dementia

Mar 24, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

GI Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients More Prevalent Than First Recorded A common perception of COVID-19 is that it primarily affects the respiratory system, with the most common symptoms being difficulty breathing and a dry cough. But as more data on COVID-19 have become available, researchers have found that 18 percent … Read More

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