Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, and acid reflux (heartburn) are very common, yet usually treatable and preventable with basic care. Most digestive problems are related to our lifestyle, the foods we eat and life stresses. Make the right choices and it will help your body will stay on track. Here are some simple methods you can use to improve your digestion. Eat Fruits and veggies A variety of fruits and vegetables provide your body with ... [Read More]
Gastroenterology
What are the Different Kinds of Functional GI Disorders
There are many different types of gastrointestinal disorders but functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are unique. In FGIDs, your gastrointestinal tract malfunctions. FGIDs do not have “outside” causes, such as tumors or chemical imbalances. What may frustrate some patients is that although FGIDs cause very real, and sometimes very painful symptoms, traditional tests and imaging scans cannot diagnose FGIDs. What are some traditional diagnostic tools that don’t work for FGIDs? Many ... [Read More]
Hep C: Speaking Out About “The Silent Killer”
According to HepCHope.com, a staggering 1 in 30 Baby Boomers has Hepatitis C. That’s 3.2 million people. These numbers are just an estimate, as many affected people are unaware due to the disease’s dormant symptoms; most don’t become perceptible until many years after being infected. The most chronic blood-borne infection in the United States, Hep C can lead to severe liver damage, cancer – and even death if left untreated. As a precaution, the Centers for Disease Control is advising all ... [Read More]
Is it Food Sensitivity or a Bacterial Infection?
Food sensitivity is not to be confused with food allergies. Whereas food allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting to a certain food, food sensitivities and intolerances occur when the body is unable to process or digest a certain food. However, sometimes a bacterial infection can throw a wildcard on the table, so understanding the different symptoms can help differentiate between different conditions. Causes and Symptoms of Food Sensitivity These are some of the ... [Read More]
Dr. Carl Frank and Liver Disease Patient Raise Awareness and Warn Others
Austin Gastro physician, Dr. Carl Frank and his patient, Patricia Murphy, were interviewed by the Williamson County Sun on the issue of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and why it is so important to take action quickly if you are diagnosed with this increasingly common liver condition. Patricia Murphy didn't take Dr. Frank seriously when he diagnosed her with fatty liver disease in 2009. He explained to her that the only treatment for this is good old-fashioned diet and exercise, and he ... [Read More]
