There are a group of inherited syndromes that are known to increase a person’s risk of getting colon cancer or endometrial cancer. Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) is the most common hereditary factor linked to those diseases in women. Fortunately, there is genetic testing available that can screen for Lynch syndrome. Let’s go into more detail about what Lynch syndrome is and what you can expect from Lynch genetic testing. Lynch Syndrome Lynch sy ... [Read More]
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Are Juice Cleanses Necessary?
You’ve heard about the juicing craze. Juice bars are popping up everywhere, from the mall to the gym. And the latest trend are juice cleanses. Juice cleanses involve only drinking juice for a designated period of time, typically ranging from 3 to 10 days. There are different opinions on whether juice cleanses are necessary, helpful, or harmful. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a juice cleanse, as well as some potential risks, so you can determine if a juice cleanse is the right choice ... [Read More]
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of fat cells in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is commonly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to distinguish it from the diseases where alcohol plays a part. If more than 10 percent of total cells in the liver are fat cells, it is called steatosis, or fatty liver. Many people have fatty liver disease without noticeable symptoms, but it can be dangerous if allowed to progress. Steatosis can lead to swelling and ... [Read More]
Do You Really Need to Detox Your Liver?
A healthy liver plays a vital role in digestion, filtering food and drinks you ingest, purifying the blood, and performing literally hundreds of functions every day. The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and we cannot live without it. Many self-proclaimed health experts recommend a liver detox to rid the body of toxins and cleanse the liver. But is this truly necessary? How Your Body Detoxes Naturally Your liver detoxifies the body constantly. By filtering out toxins ... [Read More]
Upper GI Diseases vs. Lower GI Diseases
The gastrointestinal (GI) system goes all the way from the mouth to the anus, and for medical evaluation and treatment purposes it’s divided into two main sections: the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. There are various ailments that can afflict the upper and/or lower GI tract. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the upper and lower GI tracts and the diseases associated with them. Upper GI Tract Conditions The upper GI tract is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, an ... [Read More]
Why You Should Have a Colonoscopy
The statistics are alarming – colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed (after skin cancer and breast/prostate cancer), and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. This year, there will be an estimated 97,000 new cases of colon cancer. The good news is that a colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer or find it at an early stage. Early detection is the key to survival. In fact, if caught early, colorectal cancer has a 9 ... [Read More]
When to See a Doctor for Stomach Pain
Virtually everyone has experienced a stomach ache at some point in their lives. There are many reasons why you may experience stomach pain or abdominal pain. Some of the more common reasons include indigestion, a viral infection, constipation, or menstrual cramps. Believe it or not, stress can also cause stomach pain. While most stomach pain is harmless, sometimes abdominal pain can indicate a more serious issue. Let’s discuss when a stomach ache is just a stomach ache – and when you act ... [Read More]
Top Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a growing epidemic in our country. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with an estimated 97,000 new cases of colon cancer in 2018. This is why it is so important to be aware of the symptoms and to get early detection screenings. First, let’s look at the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. Keep in mind that many of the sign and symptoms of colon cancer are similar to ... [Read More]
Living with Acid Reflux
If you suffer from heartburn, frequent regurgitation or bloating, you may have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), also known as acid reflux. Acid reflux often is brought on by excess mid-section fat putting pressure on the stomach, forcing the backflow of acid back up the esophagus. Acid reflux usually presents as a burning sensation in the chest and/or throat and may be accompanied by regurgitation of acid into the throat or mouth. Bloody or dark stools are also symptoms of the ... [Read More]
The Signs and Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
An estimated 500,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, but primarily affects the small intestine. The start of the large intestine is also affected, though the disease can really affect any and all parts of the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, the rectum and anus; and are responsible for processing food as it passes through the body. The s ... [Read More]
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