Heartburn is often a symptom of digestive issues, such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux. Aptly named, heartburn feels like something is burning in your chest. It is quite unpleasant and can be confused with other health emergencies, such a heart attack. Defining Heartburn Heartburn is a feeling of discomfort in your chest that may move up to your throat and mouth and most often occurs after eating a meal. A heartburn flareup can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few ... [Read More]
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Common Upper GI Disorders
If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or difficulty swallowing, this can indicate an upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract disorder. If you frequently suffer from these symptoms, it may be time to seek the expertise of a gastroenterologist for further investigation in order to treat the underlying condition effectively. The upper GI tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine), while ... [Read More]
Facebook Live: Gluten and Celiac Disease
May is Celiac Awareness Month and here at Austin Gastro, we want you to love your guts. Dr. John Tsai answers some of the most common questions he gets from patients about celiac disease and gluten in a recent Facebook Live event. Nearly 3 million Americans are affected by celiac disease and 18 million Americans can be affected by gluten sensitivity. Most of us know gluten and celiac disease go hand-in-hand, but what exactly is celiac disease and how does it differ from gluten ... [Read More]
How Does The Digestive System Work?
One of the most important systems in the body is the digestive system. Without it, there would be no converting of the food we eat into energy or the elimination of toxins from the body. A healthy digestive system is invaluable. If you’re curious as to how the digestive system works, here it is. The Digestive System The digestive system is divided into 2 sections: the upper GI tract and lower GI tract. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and small and ... [Read More]
Gluten Sensitivity: Causes and Risk Factors
If you have a sensitivity to gluten, you are not alone. It is estimated that 18 million Americans are affected, which is 6 times the amount of those with confirmed celiac disease. Although the causes and risk factors for gluten sensitivity are still not entirely known, there are a number of theories that suggest why gluten, and certain compounds found in grains, may trigger symptoms in some people. What Is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found naturally in grain plants such as wheat, barley, and ... [Read More]
