Digestive Health Archives

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

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accurate Diagnosis Is Key

Feb 23, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term that encompasses ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), as well as several other, less common gastrointestinal diseases. “IBD is an interruptive illness that is lifelong,” explains Ellen Scherl, MD, the Jill Roberts professor of inflammatory bowel disease at Weill Cornell Medicine. … Read More

Taming Belly Bloat

Jan 22, 2021 · UHN Staff · Digestive Health

For many of us, gas and bloating can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and sometimes embarrassing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take. While underlying medical conditions must be ruled out by seeing your doctor, bloating is often caused by gas. Dietary adjustments may help. The Main Culprit, Gas. Bloating and distention … Read More

Study Links Acid Reflux Medications to Type 2 Diabetes

Dec 21, 2020 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Digestive Health

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which are used to treat acid-related disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, are one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, and type 2 diabetes, which represents approximately 90% of all diabetes cases, is one of the most steadily growing diseases worldwide. Interestingly, a … Read More

Snapshot of the GI Tract Could Expand Possibilities in Gut Treatment

Nov 19, 2020 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Digestive Health

Like a checking account or a tight-rope walker, a healthy gut relies on balance. An unbalanced gut has difficulty processing food and eliminating waste. If you have ongoing digestive issues, your doctor might suggest testing your gut microbiota, in an effort to identify the root of the problem. You may … Read More

Ask the Doctor: Flu Shots; Treating Constipation; Relieving Grief

Nov 19, 2020 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Digestive Health

Q: Is it too late to get a flu shot? A: Infectious disease experts recommend getting the flu shot before Halloween, but it’s certainly not too late to get one now. It takes a couple of weeks for the body to build an immune response, and that response can last … Read More

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