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]
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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]
5 Common Sources of Protein That Aid Digestive Health
Animal protein provides essential amino acids. While protein can be sourced from plant-based foods, plants lack one amino acid, which the body needs. Moreover, the digestive system has an easier time breaking down animal proteins. It is also a fact that the highest quality protein is sourced from animal products. If you have switched to a plant-based diet and are experiencing digestive issues, you may want to consider reintroducing animal protein back into your diet. With moderation, you can ... [Read More]
Digestive Supplements for a Healthy Gut
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70 million Americans suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions. Whether you’re a statistic or not, it pays to learn about how to best protect and improve your gut health. Besides making adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, boosting your intake of essential vitamins through dietary supplements can go a long way toward keeping your digestive system in tip-top condition. The only question now is, which ... [Read More]
