There are many reasons why your doctor would recommend a lactose-free lifestyle. You could be lactose intolerant or dairy products may trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions that you have. When you choose to go lactose-free, there may be an adjustment period that you have to go through to fully adopt a lactose-free lifestyle. Here are a couple of tips that can help ease the transition. Read Labels Closely When grocery shopping, read the product labels to find out if it contains ... [Read More]
gut health
Causes of IBS
Over 35 million people in the United States and as many as 15% of the population worldwide are affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a very common condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation. It is a chronic condition, and although its exact cause is still not fully understood, it has been linked to a number of different factors that increase the chances of getting IBS or trigger IBS ... [Read More]
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]
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]
