Alcohol could be a tonic or poison, depending on its dose. Moderate drinking can be healthy, but excessive drinking could facilitate various gut-related health issues. Let's take a closer look at how alcohol can affect your digestive health and what preventive measures you can take to maintain good digestive health. How Your Body Digests Alcohol Metabolism is characterized by a series of chemical reactions in the living cells that convert food into energy for life processes and normal ... [Read More]
Blog
Hepatitis A and How It Is Transmitted
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by toxins, alcohol use, certain medication, and viruses. Viruses are considered the most common cause of hepatitis. There are five distinct types of hepatitis caused by different types of hepatitis viruses. Let’s talk about hepatitis A, which is caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), the transmission of this disease, and where you can go to get vaccine and treatment for hepatitis A in Austin, Texas. What Is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a highly ... [Read More]
What Kind of Doctor Is Best for a Colonoscopy?
The colon, which is the large intestine, is a key part of the digestive system. Its function is to remove water, salt, and nutrients from partially digested food, and to prepare waste for elimination. Your risk of developing colon issues increases with age, and it is now recommended that you have your first colonoscopy at age 45. If you have colon cancer or rectal cancer in your family (grandparent, parent, sibling, or child), then your doctor may recommend that you have your first ... [Read More]
Is My Heartburn Severe Enough to Require Treatment?
Heartburn literally feels like burning in your chest. The burning is a result of stomach acids backing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) should seal itself to prevent this from happening, but for those who suffer from heartburn, it relaxes and allows acid reflux to develop. Almost every person at one point will experience heartburn symptoms, and it is usually due to something they consumed that triggered it. Spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods and caffeinated ... [Read More]
What Is a Gastroenterologist And What Do They Treat?
If your primary care physician refers you to a gastroenterologist, you may wonder what this medical specialist does. At Austin Gastroenterology, our board-certified physicians deliver comprehensive GI care, and they want their patients fully informed on tests, medications, and overall digestive health. Let’s look more closely at what a gastroenterologist can do for you. What is a Gastroenterologist? A gastroenterologist is a physician with years of education, training, and ... [Read More]
