The other side of the statistical coin is that it is estimated that nearly 5 million Americans have the disease and that 82% of those are Baby Boomers. The real problem is that it is estimated that 75% of those infected are unaware that they have the disease.

Dr. Sara Rippel has co-authored an important paper recently published in the Journal of the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA). The title of the paper is "Pediatric Patients With Dyspepsia Have Chronic Symptoms, Anxiety, and Lower Quality of Life as Adolescents and Adults". Now to most of us that may not mean anything; but if you have a child with Dyspepsia it should be a great comfort to you that our Doctors are studying the condition and are working on ways to help improve the quality of life for their patients.

Congratulations, Dr. Rippel, we are so glad that you are part of the GI Associates team. Do you want to know more about our Pediatric Department or view the journal article?

Apparently, the K-E diet or “Feeding Tube Diet” is one of those diet crazes which migrated across the big pond from Rome (of all places!). Not sure what K-E stands for…maybe it should be called the IQF Diet (Idiotic Quick Fix) instead. Folks are fed a liquid 800 calorie formula consisting of protein, fat and zero carbohydrates throughout the day. Since the formula is zero carbohydrates, the person goes into ketosis. Ketosis, in turn, causes the person to not feel any hunger. This is the basis of the Atkin’s Diet and other low carbohydrate diet plans à Lose weight without being hungry.

Last July, the diet made its debut in the United States as way to help the morbidly obese. Instead, brides-to-be saw it as a great way to shed pounds to fit into their skinny wedding dress….imagine being able to drop 20 pounds in only 10 days! It will cost the bride-to-be $1500 along with the pleasure of having a tube down your nose and lugging formula around in a bag slung over your shoulder 24/7. Of course it is only for 10 days!

The K-E diet is nothing more than a quick fix. When the tube comes out you still have to face eating again. I would much rather eat my 800 calorie low carbohydrate diet and skip the tube! GI Associates offers such a program - the Ideal Protein Program. The program is initially a low carbohydrate diet. It uses a four phase protocol. Unlike the K-E diet, it does not leave you wondering how to handle the eating issue when the tube comes out. During the four phases, the program addresses the underlying issues which contributed to the weight. You gain the knowledge and skills to keep the weight from returning. You can’t find that in a tube!

Want more from Sandy? Visit our nutrition corner.

The local walk is this weekend - Sunday, April 22 at the Old Trace Park, we hope to see you there. 

One of the first steps when you begin to notice excessive gas is to keep a food diary to see if it’s specific foods that are causing the gas. If you find relief from pain when you pass gas, notice a difference when you change your diet, or the pain doesn’t continue or get worse.

If you determine that food isn’t the problem then excessive gas can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue. There could be problems with your digestive system or some other issue that you gastroenterologist may be able to determine through tests. Talk to your gastroenterologist if you are suffering from excessive gas.

Early symptoms can be vague and easily to explain away, but if you are having persistent symptoms it is time to get it checked out! Don't let your age or lack of family history be a hinderance to knowing your body and getting screened. 

On the preventative side of the discussion...what can you do to lower your risk?

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
• Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.
• Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you have a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy ways to achieve your goal. Aim to lose weight slowly by increasing the amount of exercise you get and reducing the number of calories you eat.

It is estimated that as much as 90% of all colon cancers are caused by diet or other modifiable risks - let me say that again, 90%! Screening is essential to the early detection of colon cancers and everyone should have their baseline screening by the age of 50. The ACG recommends that African-Americans be screened by the age of 45. It is important to talk to your primary care physician and evaluate if your timetable should differ because of family history or other factors in your personal medical history.

If you are among the 33% of Americans who are considered obese (statistics from the CDC Nov 2011) you need to be aware that you are at a greater risk for developing colorectal cancers and need to be screened sooner rather than later. If detected early, there is a very high cure rate. But, left undetected colon cancer accounts for the second most cancer deaths in America.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - get the information you need and schedule a screening for you or someone you love.

Colorectal cancer usually doesn’t have any symptoms, especially at first, and that’s why it’s important to get screened. People who have had symptoms have complained of blood in their stool, stomach pain or cramping and unexplained weight loss.

Colorectal cancer screenings save lives because they help gastroenterologists spot any precancerous polyps. If cancerous polyps are found they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

If you think you might be suffering from some of these symptoms or want more information about colorectal cancer be sure to talk with your gastroenterologist. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have and get your scheduled for a colorectal cancer screening.

Fear causes people to postpone their first colonoscopy, but would you postpone if you knew that screenings reduce the death rate by 53%? That's a significant number, one not easily ignored. A study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine follows two groups, one that had precancerous polyps removed during routine colonoscopies and one group that was not regularly screened. The rate of death in the screened group was 53% lower than the unscreened group. The conclusion is that screenings find polyps while they are still precancerous; once the polyp is removed it doesn't have the chance to grow into a tumor. Unscreened patients run a greater risk of not being diagnosed until the cancer has become advanced. 

Are you 50 years of age or older? Have you had your baseline colonoscopy? Call 601-355-1234 to make an appointment.

• Spicy Foods- most people who suffer from heartburn know to stay away from spicy foods, but those with some digestive problems including IBS also suffer from heartburn due to spicy cuisine.
•  High-fat/fried foods- your digestive system can only process so much food at one time and these two types of foods easily overwhelm the digestive system resulting in acid reflux or heartburn. 
• Alcohol and carbonated beverages- these products relax the esophageal sphincter, which keeps stomach acid confined to the stomach, causing cramping, diarrhea or heartburn. Alcohol also inflamed the stomach lining keeping nutrients and enzymes from being absorbed into the body. 
• Dairy Products- it’s important to get plenty of calcium into your diet, but for people are lactose intolerant eating dairy products results in bloating, cramps, diarrhea or gas. 
• Chocolate- it can be a problem for many people due to the milk products or caffeine in the chocolate causing cramps, bloating or diarrhea.

From the esophagus to the intestine the entire system is sometimes referred to as the gut and is a single digestive organ. What is really amazing is that it also has it's own nervous system that allows it to operate independently from the brain. This nervous system also controls the pancreas and gall bladder and, like the brain and spinal column, is full of nerve cells. The small intestine alone contains around 100 million neurons which is about the same number found in the spinal cord. It is believed that the vagus nerve - the large nerve running from the gut to the brain - actually transmits more information to the brain than it carries "orders" from the brain. Interesting, but what does it mean?

Researchers don't yet know how all of this effects the entire body, but there are some really amazing issues being studied. For example:

• 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut! So research is being done to link GI disorders with depression and anxiety. Serotonin also is necessary for digestion of food, cell repair in the liver and lungs, heart development, and bone-mass accumulation.
• electrically stimulating the vagus nerve has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and epilepsy. Another study of a similar procedure has been shown to help improve learning and memory in an animal study.
• a very small study marks the beginning of research of autistic children and a bacterium that is found in intestines
• Parkinson's Disease damages the neurons in the brain, it also damages neurons in the gut. There is research being done in France to see if Doctors can track the disease through easily procured colon biopsy samples rather than dangerous brain biopsies.

All of these studies are in the early stages and it may be years before we see any office level treatments for these health concerns; but, it should give us all a greater motivation to take care of our "guts". If you have any concerns about your health you should seek medical treatment right away. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at GI Associates please call 601-355-1234.

The American Heart Association gives 7 simple changes that can make a big difference.

Get active- Exercise and activity are not only good for your heart but it can have an impact on blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and fatigue. Activity can be adding moderate exercise like walking or bike riding to your weekly routine or taking the stairs and not waiting for the closest parking spot to the building.

Eat Healthier- A heart healthy diet contains foods rich in fiber, protein and whole grains with lots of fruits and veggies. When preparing a meal try to have lots of different colors of vegetables that are full of vitamins and minerals. Keeping healthy snacks in the house makes for good choices between meals. Cut back on processed sugars, cholesterol and sodium.

Lose Weight- Becoming more active and changing your eating habits will help with losing weight. When you are at a healthy weight you may find you feel better, your blood pressure is lower and that your cholesterol and blood sugar are in normal range.

Stop Smoking- Cigarette smokers are more at risk for cardiovascular disease and lots of different cancers. Although stopping may seem like a daunting task it is well worth it for your health and for those you love.

The last 3 changes are lowering your blood pressure, reducing your blood sugar and lowering cholesterol.

This month take control of your health one step at a time and choose a better quality for your life. These simple steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Constipation_flyer.pdf

Much more research is needed before we can understand how this antioxidant works and if it will be viable as an anti-cancer agent; but, it does sound intriguing. What is even more interesting is that it points to the fact that healthy eating does for us than just trimming our waistline. So, take a look at our Nutrition Corner and lets set out to eat a balanced, healthy diet and maybe throw in some carrots and celery!

Most people think that heartburn is something that you "just have to live with", but left untreated it can cause bleeding or ulcers in the esophagus, build up of scar tissue and in extreme cases - cancer.  One theory for the rise in the number of cases is the increase in peoples weight. As people gain weight fat is stored around the internal organs increasing pressure on the stomach. So, now there is another reason to lose weight.

If you suffer from persistant heartburn, meaning twice a week a week, you should seek medical advice. Call and make an appointment with one of the Physicians at GI Associates. Other steps you can take include:

• Making a concerted effort to lose weight, by exercising and adopting a healthy diet.
• Learning which foods are more likely to trigger excess acid or reflux, and then avoiding them.
• Eating the final meal of the day two to three hours before bedtime, thus reducing the amount of food in the stomach that would press against the esophageal valve.
• Elevating the head of the bed, if nighttime reflux is a problem, as this can reduce the pressure of stomach acid and contents on the valve

People usually only think about their GI track when something goes wrong or when you turn some magical age that requires screening tests to be run. But, so many issues that we deal with everyday at GI Associates can be aided by simple lifestyle changes in our patients.  So lets talk about what you can do to be healthier this year and every year.

• Lose Weight - if you are carrying excess weight you increase your risk of many different diseases and ailments. It is not easy to change the way you eat but if you start with small changes, like adding more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet, you will end up seeing results. The more results you see, the easier it will be to...
• Get Regular Exercise - start walking!  If you have not been exercising at all please talk to your Doctor before starting any program.
• Make an Appointment for your yearly physical and make sure you are up to date on all of your screenings - we admit it...we know that no one really likes to go see their Doctor; but we want you to know that early detection of diseases makes all the difference in how you will be able to live your life.  For example, detected early, colon cancer is highly curable. If you are due for a colonoscopy then schedule it today, if you have never had one and you are 50 years of age or older then schedule one today! If you are seeing your primary care Physician you should know that you can request your Doctor to refer you to GI Associates for screenings.
• Talk to us - things that you've been "living with" like, heartburn, can be treated by a Physician at GI Associates. Resolve to stop suffering and get some help.

We would like to help you keep your resolution to be healthier in 2012. Call for an appointment at 601-355-1234.

You should be able to talk frankly with your doctor about any concerns you have and follow their  recommendations for diet, lifestyle and medications. Our goal, as we enter the new year, is to inform, educate and give you the tools you need to take charge of your health. 

Rosemary has been used for stomach problems such as indigestion, bloating and stomach cramps and constipation. It’s still unclear how it helps but many think it has a detoxifying effect on the liver and helps to increase the flow of bile, which aids digestion.

While too much rosemary might make you sick, adding a little to your meals might help with occasional digestion problems. For those who suffer from frequent or chronic digestion problems, be sure to call GI Associates and make an appointment with your gastroenterologist.

In the mean time, if you want more information on Crohn's and Colitis explore our site...there is additional information in our nutrition corner. 

AAD is caused by an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the colon from a course of antibiotic therapy.  Risk factors for AAD include recent antibiotics use, old age, recent hospitalization, low albumin, and immunosuppression. This study points to the importance of everyone who is at risk for AAD start a round of probiotics along with the prescribed antibiotics.

When you eat, that food passes from your mouth to the stomach through the esophagus. Once the food is in the stomach there is a ring of muscle fibers, called the sphincter muscle, that prevent the food from going back into the esophagus. If these fibers don’t close then contents on the stomach can leak back into the esophagus causing gastroesophageal reflux.

Usually the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are:

• Heartburn or a burning pain in the chest that may increase when you bend down, lie down or are eating. 
• Sometimes it may also feel like there is food stuck behind the breastbone or nausea after eating. 
• Regurgitation, difficulty swallowing and hiccups may also be a common symptom. 
• Heartburn usually gets worse at night and can often be relieved by antacids.

You may find that eating certain foods makes things worse. If your symptoms worsen or you seem to have frequent or even chronic heartburn be sure to talk with your gastroenterologist. Lifestyle changes may be necessary but your gastroenterologist will be able talk with you how to make living with GERD better and answer any questions you may have.

After you finished chewing and swallowing food it then passes down the esophagus and into the stomach. There is mixes with gastric juice and begins the digestion process.

• A family history of stomach cancer 
• A history of certain gastric polyps or chronic atrophic gastritis 
• Helicobacter pylori infection (a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers) 
• Smoked or are a current smoker

• Difficultly swallowing that may increase over time 
• Excessive belching 
• Loss of appetite 
• Abdominal fullness or pain 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Dark stool 
• Weakness or fatigue 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Vomiting blood

There has long been a known connection between people that live sedentary lives and cancer but this study goes one step further. Even if you go the gym and exercise for an hour everyday but follow that up with sitting at your desk all day your risk increases. Recommendations are to stand up and walk around your office at regular intervals in order to break up your day.

If you are concerned about colon cancer or have postponed your screening, call GI Associates today and make an appointment.

The theory is that many people with IBS have trouble absorbing certain carbohydrates in their small intestines. Large molecules of those foods travel to the colon and are attacked by bacteria and ferment, causing gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea – the symptoms of IBS.

The list includes common foods—such as dairy products, some fruits and vegetables, wheat, rye, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Physicians have long known that some of these foods can cause stomach upset individually, like those that suffer from lactose intolerance.

The low-Fodmaps diet recommends eliminating all of those foods for a period of six to eight weeks, and then gradually adding back one group after another to identify which cause the most trouble. This study was a very small study and it needs to be investigated more thoroughly. But, if it is found helpful it could be a real relief to those who suffer from IBS.

IBS is referred to as a “syndrome” because it involves so many varying signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, sensitivity to certain foods, beverages and medications in addition to constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms seem to get worsen with stress.

Many sufferers take laxatives to help relieve constipation but they’re still left with abdominal pain and many medications taken to help the abdominal pain make the constipation worse. If you think you may have IBS be sure to talk to your gastroenterologist. They will be able to make sure there are no additional gastrointestinal problems and help you learn how to relieve the pain and live with IBS.

Recently, elimination diets have found their place with the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) for both adults and children. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (fighter cell) normally found in the intestine, but not in the esophagus (wind pipe). Think of eosinophils as a bull in a china shop. A bull in a china shop is a disaster waiting to happen just as finding eosinophils in one’s esophagus. Both are where they don’t belong and can wreak havoc. If left untreated, it can cause thickening and narrowing of the esophagus.

What causes esosinophils to find their way into one’s esophagus? The answer is plain and simple à food allergies. Those suffering from EE have a variety of woes which sends them to a GI doc - reflux which doesn’t get better on acid-blocking meds, difficulty swallowing and/or food gets easily stuck in the throat. Children have a history of reflux, vomiting, food refusal, poor appetite, weight loss and not growing as they should. EE is diagnosed by your GI doc through tissue samples taken during a procedure called an EGD. EE can be controlled with diet alone with some individuals.

Elimination diets may also help certain individuals suffering with IBS. Typically a high fiber diet is used. Some find the high-fiber diet makes them feel worse instead of better. Their woes may be caused by certain carbohydrates they are eating. The diet used is called a FODMAPS Elimination diet. One of our patients had diarrhea-type IBS for over 20 years (can you imagine suffering from diarrhea for 20 + years?!) Drug store and prescription medicines didn’t cure it. He can tell you where every bathroom is located in the Jackson area eating out. He started feeling better during the first few days on the diet. By the end of the week, diarrhea had stopped. As you can well imagine, he was ecstatic. In fact, he almost ended up making a trip to the emergency room from doing a jig in the bathroom. We are now in the process of adding foods back to find out what was causing the diarrhea.

Making an appointment with a dietitian who specializes with GI disorders and the diets used in the treatment of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and IBS may make life much easier. Not all dietitians see individuals with GI diseases on a routine basis. Therefore, they may not be well versed with both the nuances of the diets used for treatment, nutritional needs and menu planning.

Are you or someone you love over 50? We are running out of time to have your 2011 screening done. Don't put it off any longer, call for an appointment today.

Studies have shown that large doses or prolonged use of these antacids increase the risk of infection, bone fractures and dementia. They also hinder the body’s ability to absorb some nutrients, reduce resistance to infection and may increase the risk of cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases.

While an occasional antacid is ok, frequent or chronic heartburn suffers who take large doses or are taking antacids on a daily basis should talk with a gastroenterologist. These frequent gastrointestinal problems could be a sign or a more serious issue or could be treated in a more safe and effective way rather than popping an antacid everyday