Dr. Curtis McElroy

Author: docmac

  • Gastrointestinal Health

    Gastrointestinal Health

    1. Colonoscopy: Do You Need One?

    Colon cancer, or more specifically, colorectal cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women. Prevalent in about 4% of the population, colorectal cancer occurs in about 1.8-1.9 million individuals annually and is seen in about 150,000 people in the United States yearly.

    Because of its prevalence rates, it’s recommended that people above the age of 45 should receive a colonoscopy every 1-5 years.

    What follows will be a discussion about the diagnostic colonoscopy, why the test is necessary, and how often to have this procedure.

    While the recommendations vary slightly depending on certain circumstances and health factors, such as health status, age, sex, race, and family history, it has been shown that this procedure has been effective in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer.

    What is a Colonoscopy?

    A colonoscopy is the use of a visual device to examine the inner aspect of the large intestine, which includes the rectum and colon. This process will help to identify any abnormalities of these regions.

    A colonoscopy is performed using a long tube-like instrument called a colonoscope, which is inserted into the anal region. With the aid of the attached imaging camera, a colonoscopy is able to capture internal images of the entire large intestine.

    During a routine colonoscopy, the practitioner may need to perform a biopsy of a mass or the removal of an intestinal polyp. The biopsy is performed by passing a wired biopsy forceps through the scope into the area where the mass is located and then withdrawing the tissue back through the scope for removal and transfer to a pathologist for tissue examination.

    When to Get a Colonoscopy

    The primary reason for an individual to seek a colonoscopy is to screen for the potential of colorectal cancer and to monitor for any additional developments of new masses or new polyps.

    The other typical reasons for obtaining a colonoscopy are signs of blood in the stool, determination of microscopic blood in the stool, pain in the rectal region, and age greater than 45 years.

    How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy

    If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or have had a history of polyps identified during routine colonoscopy, you will need to have a colonoscopy more often than another individual who has had no history of colon disease. The interval can vary depending on the specific individual case, and your gastroenterologist will tell you this information based on your individual condition.

    If you’re above the age of 45, you should schedule routine colonoscopy in collaboration with your primary care provider. This way the primary care provider and the gastrointestinal specialist can both monitor the intestinal health of the individual.

    Finally, a colonoscopy should also be performed if you meet any or all of the following criteria:

    • Above the Age of 45
    • Have Family History of Colorectal Cancer
    • Have Previous History of Benign or Pre-Cancerous Polyps
    • Suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • At Risk of Related Cancers



    Final Thoughts

    A colonoscopy is a highly effective preventative and management protocol for screening against colorectal disease. In fact, 90% of such abnormalities and malignancies can be detected by colonoscopy.

    If you’re part of the high-risk population, or if you have concerns regarding the potential need for a colonoscopy, it’s important to consult your primary care provider as soon as possible. Early detection is key, and prevention is best.



    2. Jaundice And Liver Health Conditions

    Jaundice is a condition that can be found in both infants and adults. Neonatal jaundice happens to be the most prevalent condition requiring medical attention in the infant population. The prevalence of jaundice in both children and adults is low, but it is helpful to know more about the condition as a parent or a family member.

    In the following, we’ll discuss the condition of jaundice in infants and in adults, and we’ll discuss the medical reasons for why it occurs.

    Definition of Jaundice

    Jaundice is a yellowing discoloration seen on the skin and the whites of the eyes that occurs due to excess bilirubin levels in the body. It can also cause stools to be pale and urine to be dark yellow.

    Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that occurs secondary to the breakdown of hemoglobin which is a building block of red blood cells. Normal breakdown of blood cells or damage to blood cells will release bilirubin, and it is normal to have some amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream. The liver breaks down bilirubin to allow it to be released from the body in the stool or urine.

    Jaundice can either be a short-term or a long-term condition. Certain symptoms that occur along with jaundice include constipation, bloating, gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

    Jaundice in adults will sometimes require treatment of an underlying medical condition, and, in some cases, it will improve without any treatment. Jaundice can occur in otherwise healthy children as well as adults with liver or pancreatic-related conditions.

    Common Causes of Jaundice

    Babies born prematurely, can often have high levels of bilirubin due to the fact that the liver is underdeveloped. Jaundice in an infant is often a mild condition and can usually be treated with noninvasive methods such as “bili lights” or “bili blankets”. This phototherapy causes the excess bilirubin to change to a form that can be eliminated effectively in the stool and urine.

    Excess bilirubin can occur in several medical conditions which can be seen in adolescents and adults. Some of the most common causes of jaundice are hemorrhages, hematomas, hepatitis infection, blood infections, enzyme deficiencies, alcohol abuse, and some medication side effects.

    Other conditions that can lead to jaundice are cancer of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. The classic presentation of pancreatic cancer is painless jaundice. In all of these cases, the underlying cancer will cause an obstruction of the normal flow of bile and levels of bilirubin will be increased in the bloodstream.

    A yellow discoloration of the skin should prompt anyone to consult with their primary care provider for rapid evaluation.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Jaundice is a sign of an underlying medical condition in many cases, and it should be evaluated in a timely manner. There are many things that can cause an elevated level of bilirubin, and many times the liver can be the primary cause of the condition.

    When left untreated or ignored, jaundice and elevated bilirubin can worsen, especially if liver disease or cancer is the primary cause. Rapid treatment of the underlying condition offers the best chance of a positive outcome.




    A Different Cause of Cholecystitis: Biliary Dyskinesia


    Cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder caused by irritation to the walls of the gallbladder, typically from gallstones blocking digestive bile from exiting the gallbladder and entering the small intestine.

    The primary responsibility of the gallbladder is to store and transport digestive bile to the small intestine in order to allow the body to digest fats. When this process is disrupted, inflammation can develop and cause all kinds of problems and can lead to the development of cholecystitis.

    The signs and symptoms of cholecystitis are typically pain and nausea that is brought on by the ingestion of fatty foods.

    Causes Of Cholecystitis and Pain

    The most common cause of cholecystitis is blockage of the exit of bile from the gallbladder secondary to gallstones. The inflammatory process that develops can also lead to significant infection if not treated.

    Another reason for obstruction of the flow of bile is gallbladder dysfunction or biliary dyskinesia. This is when the gallbladder is nonfunctioning and does not contract to squeeze the stored bile out of the gallbladder. In many cases, gallstones are not present and the pain from the condition is a colicky type of pain.

    Gallbladder dysfunction only occurs in about 2% of the adult population and is a much rarer cause of cholecystitis. Gallbladder dysfunction is a condition that should be considered in cases in which no gallstones are identified by ultrasound.

    How Biliary Dyskinesia Is Diagnosed

    In order to diagnose a case of biliary dyskinesia, it needs to be determined if the gallbladder is emptying. If you identify that the gallbladder doesn’t empty, the diagnosis is clear.

    Many individuals present to a doctor with signs of biliary colic. They have pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen which is often brought on after eating a fatty meal. Individuals can also develop fever and infection with this condition and may need treatment with intravenous antibiotics, analgesia, and hydrating liquids.

    Upon initial assessment, several imaging tests can be ordered. These tests and examinations include ultrasound, CT scan, and HIDA scan, otherwise known as a Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid scan.

    The HIDA scan, in particular, is a scan that creates imagery of the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct. This information provides the clinician with the ability to analyze, track, and determine whether or not the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder is normal or if there is a blockage of flow. If there is an abnormality of flow from the gallbladder, the diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia is established.

    Final Thoughts

    The diagnosis of a gallbladder condition can be somewhat complex, especially if the gallbladder is not functioning correctly. With biliary dysfunction, the recommended treatment is usually removal of the gallbladder or mechanical drainage of the gallbladder to try to relieve the inflammatory process.

    If left untreated, cholecystitis can become a major health concern by leading to infection and risk of rupture of the gallbladder. It’s best to seek treatment at an early stage of the illness to achieve the best outcome.




    The Pathophysiology of Appendicitis


    Appendicitis, an acute inflammatory condition of the appendix, is categorized as an infection and a medical emergency. Appendicitis is the most prevalent abdominal emergency requiring surgery, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 7%.
    If left untreated, the appendix can rupture and lead to a life-threatening condition.

    The appendix is a small embryonic remnant connected to the large intestine. The function of the appendix has been thought to have some function in immunity, yet as individuals age, the appendix becomes less and less useful. Eventually, it becomes a redundant organ vulnerable to infection.

    Another theory of the role of the appendix is that it acts as a storage for good bacteria, activating its responsibilities only during digestive distress, yet this theory has not been proven.

    What Causes Appendicitis?

    There are several causes of appendicitis, and the most notable are viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Other causes include blockages of the large intestine and appendix, and sometimes intestinal tumors are responsible for appendicitis.

    In appendicitis, there is swelling and inflammation of the appendix, abdominal pain and development of infection within the appendix. This process can lead to increased pressure and the risk of rupture of the appendix.

    Appendicitis doesn’t always have classic signs and symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose in certain cases. When the case presents in a classical manner, the nature of the progression of pain is very logical.

    The Pathophysiology of Appendicitis

    During the initial phases of appendicitis, tenderness and discomfort will begin to be recognizable in the umbilicus region of the abdomen. This occurs because the pain fibers for colicky pain, the pain produced by obstruction of the appendix, are referred to the umbilicus region at the middle of the abdomen.

    Within 24 hours, more and more inflammation occurs at the appendix, which then begins to affect the abdominal wall on the right side of the abdomen. Somatic pain fibers are located right at the area of the inflammation on the right side of the abdomen.

    At this stage, symptoms are likely intense enough for the patient to seek immediate emergency attention. If pain progresses past the 24-hour mark, arterial blood flow will be compromised to the appendix, and additional symptoms of nausea and vomiting will likely occur.

    Because appendicitis is such a spontaneous condition that worsens at rapid speed, early diagnosis and treatment is key to avoiding complications such as a ruptured appendix.

    Final Thoughts

    While appendicitis is an emergent condition that can result in severe complications, it can be managed well if detected early. Once the appendix has been removed surgically, patients usually recover rapidly.

    Interestingly, the logical pathophysiology of appendicitis can make it easier to understand and diagnose, however, this classic presentation of appendicitis isn’t always the case. Prudent and thorough evaluation will provide the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the condition.




    Best Dietary Guide To Prevent Diverticulitis

    Diverticulitis, which was seen with less frequency in the past, is now quite prevalent, diagnosed in about 65% of the population by age 85. One of the common contributors to the increase in prevalence has been the standard American diet, otherwise known as the Western diet.

    Diverticulitis can become quite a debilitating and uncomfortable condition and can worsen to the point of severe infection. Yet, 75% of diverticulitis cases do not result in complications, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    In what follows, we’ll be discussing diverticulitis and the type of diet recommended to help prevent the condition.

    What is Diverticulitis?

    Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive tract and specifically involves the lining of the large intestine. It occurs when tiny pouches, otherwise known as diverticula, develop in the large intestine and become inflamed or infected. The area of the large intestine often affected is the sigmoid colon, which is the part of the colon just before the rectum. This process of inflammation of the diverticuli occurs over time and may take several days to develop into an advanced condition.

    Types of Dietary Protocols Used to Prevent Diverticulitis

    Certain foods can create conditions that can increase the risk of diverticulitis, such as red meats, refined grains, and fatty foods. Yet, the best way to approach the management of diverticular disease is to make some fundamental changes in the way that you eat overall.

    In the case of acute diverticulitis, the diet will need to be as mild as possible in order to prevent further inflammation of the diverticuli. A clear liquid and low fiber diet will be the least irritative to the intestine while the inflammation improves and the areas heal over the course of about 2-3 days.

    Once the digestive system has had the chance to recover, a diet that can help prevent diverticulitis should be instituted. This will comprise fruits and vegetables and other whole foods designed to increase the fiber content of the diet. High fiber will help to prevent constipation, which causes increased pressure in the large intestine, and this is one of the most significant causes of diverticulitis. Some other examples of great foods to eat that can be preventative of diverticulitis are beans, legumes, and nuts.

    Final Thoughts

    In order to improve your health and prevent conditions such as diverticulitis, it’s important to consume a well-rounded diet consisting of whole foods and lots of high-fiber fruits and vegetables.

    To further complement this type of dietary adherence, be sure to drink sufficient amounts of water daily, exercise regularly, and prioritize variety in the foods that you eat. Consulting with a dietician can be a great way to plan for an overall improved diet that is helpful for gut health.

  • Preventative Health

    It’s important, especially these days, to prioritize your health and immunity, not only because of the pandemic but also to enhance your longevity. Recent years have provided knowledge that the immune system is critically important in a quality, healthy life in all individuals.

    Because public health is focused primarily on saving lives and treating current illnesses, it’s up to the individual to prioritize their health and well-being through proactive and preventative interventions that can boost the immune system.

    In what follows, we’ll discuss methods that can strengthen the immune system, including some medications and supplements, foods, liquids, and physical activity. We’ll also discuss the elimination of bad habits that decrease immunity.

    The Immune System

    The immune system is a complex network comprising cells, organs, tissues, and substances that defend the human body against disease and infection.

    With two primary parts of the immune system, the innate and adaptive systems, the immune system works by both natural immunity, which is something that we have always had, and acquired immunity, which is created when the body fights off disease or infection.

    Tips for Strengthening the Immune System

    As the body’s first line of defense, the immune system is incredibly powerful on its own. However, with a few lifestyle interventions, the immune system can be strengthened dramatically.

    The following are several tips and lifestyle interventions that can help strengthen the immune system:

    Exercise Frequently

    It’s already understood that regular exercise is the backbone of living a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it increase lean muscle mass and bone density, but it improves cardiovascular health and mood and improves body homeostasis, which has correlated with a strong immune system.

    After considering age, health status, and fitness experience, a general recommendation for the average individual involves a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

    It doesn’t matter what you do for physical activity. Whether it’s participating in sport, going for a walk, or going to the weight room, exercise continues to be shown through research to be paramount for solid immune system function.

     Prioritize Restful Sleep

    An often-overlooked aspect of health, sleep is arguably one of the most important things to prioritize for physical performance, mood, and cognition, as well as the strength of the immune system.

    The general recommendation for a restful sleep is to achieve 7-9 hours of sleep each night while prioritizing REM sleep, the stage at which the most restful sleep is accomplished.

    To avoid insufficient sleep quality, consider avoiding screen time before bed, reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol consumption, setting the bedroom temperature to a comfortable level, and seeking to have the same bedtime and wake-up time each day.

    Consume Sufficient Amounts of Water

    Water is an excellent source of hydration, and it also plays a major role in helping the body flush out toxins. This cleansing effect is directly related to strengthening the immune system.

    The majority of individuals today, however, are under-hydrated, failing to drink a sufficient amount of water daily.

    While the minimum daily recommendation for the average individual is 8 cups of water daily, a more suitable daily recommendation, especially for those physically active, is about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.

     Follow a Healthy, Immune-Friendly Diet

    In combination with hydration, the immune system requires the proper nourishment in order to remain strong and healthy. Contrastingly, malnourishment is the ultimate enemy of the immune system.

    While there isn’t any ONE diet that is the most optimal, and although the gut microbiome is quite complex as it pertains to diet and nutrition, following a generally healthy diet comprising real whole foods is the most effective method.

    Some of the most important nutrients to help strengthen the immune system include:

     

    • Vitamin C
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin B12
    • Zinc
    • Magnesium
    • Iron
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
    • Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates (Macronutrients)

    While most of these nutrients can be consumed sufficiently through whole foods, supplementation may be required where deficiencies are prevalent or nutrients are lacking from the diet.

    Not only do these nutrients play a role in optimal human function, but many are correlated with fighting toxins, decreasing inflammation, maintaining cell integrity, and these processes help the immune system to function optimally.

    Some of the most common and effective food choices for strengthening the immune system include citrus fruits, dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, nuts and seeds, ginger and garlic, turmeric, probiotic yogurt, and lean meats and fish.

     Stay Up-to-Date with Necessary Vaccinations

    Although there are arguments for both sides of vaccination, we don’t live in a perfect world, and natural immunity is not quite adequate for certain diseases or infections. The research continues to show the effectiveness of vaccinations for specific diseases, whether for Influenza, COVID-19, MMR, or others.

    The best help for the immune system defense against illness is the many natural lifestyle interventions discussed. Where your immune system lacks, vaccinations can make up for the deficiencies, especially in more dangerous, vulnerable circumstances.

    Final Thoughts

    Although the immune system is robust on its own, it’s best to be proactive in helping to strengthen the immune system to prevent disease. Lifestyle interventions such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and the elimination of unhealthy habits are keys in this process.

     

    By increasing nutrient uptake, decreasing sugar intake, reducing stress levels, and improving overall fitness, immunity can strengthen, and individuals can become healthier and more resilient.

    Prevention of Diabetes

    The number of individuals with type 2 diabetes is growing dramatically due to the rapid rise of obesity in the world. Many individuals have the risk of developing this illness.

    Prevention of Diabetes

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     Approximately 537 million adults have diabetes worldwide. The number of individuals with type 2 diabetes is growing dramatically due to the rapid rise of obesity in the world, in addition to some other factors. In addition, the fact that diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease makes it an even greater health problem.

    A disappointing concern with type 2 diabetes is that many individuals have the risk of developing this illness, but they don’t realize this risk. Some people live with chronically high blood sugars for prolonged periods of time before they even realize they have an issue. This may be due to a lack of symptoms or not realizing the significance of certain symptoms.

    Diabetes is also directly or indirectly responsible for a huge expenditure of health resources around the world. Therefore, a reduction in these numbers would have tremendous economic benefits.

    In what follows, we’ll be detailing the characteristics of diabetes with a focus on type 2 diabetes, the main causes and risk factors, and the methods to implement to prevent the condition or reverse it if possible.

    Characteristics of Diabetes

    Diabetes is classified into two types: type 1 and type 2.

    Type 1 is the condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin because of autoimmune destruction of certain cells in the pancreas.

    Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is the condition in which the pancreas produces less insulin, and the insulin that is produced is resisted at the cellular level leading to inadequate glucose metabolism.

    Type 2 diabetes is the most common and is the condition in which preventative measures can be the most effective.

    In the condition of diabetes, individuals can have some specific signs and symptoms, including:

     

    • Polyuria – increased urination
    • Polydipsia – increased thirst
    • Nocturia – the need to get up at night to urinate
    • Blurred vision
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches

     Causes and Risks of Diabetes

    The factors that lead to diabetes are related to insulin resistance and impaired insulin production.Insulin Resistance

     Insulin resistance is defined as a condition in which the response to insulin by the tissues of the body is inadequate. This can be seen most frequently in cases of obesity. Pregnancy can also lead to impaired insulin response due to the production of hormones by the placenta, which counteracts insulin effects. In some individuals with type 2 diabetes, there are insulin receptor abnormalities that can lead to problems with insulin resistance.

    Impaired Insulin Production

    One of the issues that hyperglycemia can cause is a worsening response of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The increased glucose levels have a toxic effect on these pancreatic cells, and they produce less insulin.

    Another thing that can happen with the pancreas is that it does not respond adequately to insulin resistance that occurs peripherally in the cells. The pancreatic beta cells don’t realize that the insulin levels in the blood are not controlling the hyperglycemia, and they don’t produce additional insulin to help the situation.

    Prevention of Diabetes

    It takes proactive motivation to prevent diabetes, and those that are aware of their risk of the condition will do well to adopt this behavior. If you know that you have a family history of diabetes, you should understand that you need to do what you can to prevent it from occurring in your life. Being aware of the biggest risks for diabetes, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet, will be helpful knowledge for your life.

    If you know that you have a family history of diabetes, it is also very important to see a primary care provider and be evaluated. They will do testing to assess your glucose homeostasis, which will include a hemoglobin a1c test. They will also perform glucose tolerance testing and compare the results to standard levels. Knowing this information will help you to make a plan to manage your risk effectively.

    In addition, it will be important for any individual who is pregnant to be very careful about the risk of gestational diabetes. Also, for those who have had a history of gestational diabetes, it is imperative to be under the close management of an obstetrician for preventative management and appropriate proactive management in cases of recurrence of gestational diabetes.

    A critical aspect of diabetes prevention will be to avoid smoking at all costs. Many studies have demonstrated the increased risk of developing diabetes in those who smoke. If you smoke, you must quit, and if you don’t smoke, then never start. Never even run the risk of getting addicted to nicotine. Smoking will only cause you bad health, and you must avoid it by any means.

    Some of the best methodology for the prevention of diabetes is a lifestyle that includes exercise and healthy eating. This will decrease overall body fat, which is the culprit that instigates many problems with insulin resistance and production.

    The dietary management of those at risk who wish to prevent diabetes can be made easier by following diet examples such as the DASH diet or the Mediterranean diet. In some clinical trials, these diets have correlated with a decreased incidence of diabetes.

    Final Thoughts

    Prevention of diabetes is an excellent goal, and anyone at risk should make every effort to achieve it. If more healthy-minded individuals had this attitude, diabetes could be thought of less as a disease and more as a complication. If the focus is placed on prevention of diabetes, the number of individuals who can benefit is overwhelming.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Premium Medical Content Piece #3

    Title: An Illness That Potentially Can Be Prevented – Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

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    Although the prevalence among the generally healthy population is not clear, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is predominant in those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. To illustrate its prevalence, it’s suspected that nearly 36 million individuals in the U.S annually are impacted by the condition, which is about 84% of those living with IBS or Crohn’s.

     

    SIBO is a serious concern, posing the risk of causing further health complications if left untreated. Because of its prevalence in certain vulnerable populations, SIBO can be a difficult problem to prevent. However, over recent years, new information from ongoing research has been helpful in identifying some preventative measures.

     

    In what follows, we’ll discuss this condition, detailing its most common characteristics inclusive of its etiology and symptomatology, and then we’ll discuss insight into potential solutions for prevention.

     

    Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

     

    SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a condition whereby the gut experiences an imbalance in its bacterial population, particularly in the small intestine. SIBO is also sometimes referred to as blind loop syndrome.

     

    Its root cause is typically related to a consequence of surgery or other disease processes. These conditions impair the normal passage of material through the digestive tract, ultimately resulting in bacterial overgrowth, particularly bacteria that isn’t commonplace in the small intestine. It is understood that certain bacteria such as E. Coli and Klebsiella become overgrown and more prominent when the small intestine becomes stagnant and has less motility.

     

    Other potential causes include low stomach acid levels, decreased production of digestive enzymes, structural irregularities of the small intestine, and overuse of some medications such as narcotics.

     

    Untreated, SIBO can result in a variety of unpleasant signs and symptoms such as bloating, cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. In addition, in some cases, individuals have had the development of kidney stones.

     

     

    In the most severe cases, SIBO can result in the exacerbation of underlying health conditions such as celiac disease and irritable bowel disease.

     

    While SIBO can develop in anyone, it’s most commonly reported in individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Other patients who have had previous abdominal surgery and have developed adhesions, which are adhesive bands that can develop between membrane surfaces, are at risk of having SIBO. It can also be seen in individuals who have unrelated health issues like obesity and diabetes.

     

    Potential Solutions for Treatment and Prevention

     

    Because the most common cause of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is previous surgery of the abdomen, it’s difficult for an individual who has this history to be able to change their risk by themselves. Additional surgical intervention with adhesiolysis, which is repairing or removing adhesions, would be a possible treatment.

     

    In many cases of SIBO, medical treatment with antibiotics is appropriate. Rifaximin is FDA approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and has been very useful for patients that have SIBO. One advantage of rifaximin is that it has decreased activity in the colon. This quality is protective to the individual by lowering the risk of overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile in the colon.

     

    Preventing SIBO from occurring requires an introspective look into the underlying causes of SIBO. For example, avoiding weight gain and the possible development of diabetes is imperative. In addition, if digestive issues are identified due to pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic enzyme supplementation can help prevent SIBO development.

     

    Since SIBO is often a consequence of another existing health condition, the existing condition should be managed or prevented to avoid SIBO. In addition, it’s best to avoid foods that can increase the risk of developing SIBO, such as sugar, dairy, some fruits and vegetables, and grains. Further, lifestyle interventions to improve diet, exercise, and stress reduction are also helpful in the prevention of SIBO. It may also be beneficial to supplement with vitamins and minerals that are most commonly deficient in many individuals.

     

    In some cases of SIBO, the use of antibiotics for prophylaxis is appropriate for prevention of the condition. The specific regimen of antibiotics will often need to be adjusted in order to prevent antibiotic resistance.

     

    Finally, other possible suggested treatments include probiotics and the use of statins, but current studies have not conclusively shown their benefit.

     

    Final Thoughts

     

    Though some medical conditions that place a patient at risk of developing SIBO are uncontrollable, some cases of SIBO do allow for the individual to be proactive in prevention.

     

    Once the underlying cause of SIBO is identified, potential options for management and prevention can be considered. If SIBO does develop, proper treatment with antibiotics can often be the solution.

     

    The good news is that much more has been learned about this difficult illness that affects a large number of people, and there is hope for treatment and prevention of the many debilitating issues that SIBO can cause.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Age Is Just a Number

    Age Is Just a Number – You’re As Old As You Feel

    stayingyoung

    The anti-aging market is one of the most profitable businesses today. Its focus is not just on beauty, but also on longevity. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements for countless anti-aging creams, soaps, supplements, and treatments that can supposedly keep us young inside and out.

    However, getting older remains a fact of life. No one has found the magic pill to turn back the clock or provide us with immortality.

    So the question still remains, what is the secret to living a long and fulfilled life?

    Perhaps the closest we can get to an answer lies with the super-agers. Don’t be surprised to come across an octogenarian running a marathon or actively pursuing a brand new career.

    It is wonderful to know that there are people over 100 years of age who still have goals they are striving for. If you ask them what’s the secret, they are more than willing to share the secrets to their longevity.

    Here’s what you may hear from them.

    Think Young

    When we talk about aging, the phrase ‘You are as old as you feel’ often comes up in the conversation. That’s because there is great truth to this saying. Many super-agers defy stereotypes about aging. They set themselves apart from the norm and show that age is just a number. This mindset leads them to be more physically active and cognitively robust, for longer.

    In our highly agist society, it is easy to accept the trappings of aging. However, simply not thinking of yourself as getting old improves your mindset. A young perspective allows you to believe that you can still engage in various physical activities that are not generally associated with seniors.

    A youthful perspective enables you to see signs of aging in a more positive light, making you more open to challenges and new experiences. Giving in to the belief that you are old and have limited time left can make you neglect taking care of yourself as well as you could. For example, some individuals believe that since they are getting older (and will continue to age) they will skip eating healthy meals or exercising.

    They may begin to indulge in an unhealthy diet, thinking that there is no point in eating healthy foods because what’s the point. This can make them more susceptible to developing life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes and heart and cholesterol problems.

    Losing sight of one’s purpose in life can also negatively affect your mindset. Many seniors that have retired lose their sense of purpose and identity. They need to find it again, and they can with a young mindset.

    Developing a Young Mindset

    Feeling young starts with developing a youthful mindset. To develop positive beliefs about aging, be more open to new challenges and experiences. Engaging in activities that can challenge you, such as developing new skills, learning new information, or socializing with different people, helps you to feel younger.

    Another way to develop a young mindset is to cultivate a ‘young’ healthy lifestyle. Do what young people do, not what you think old people should be doing. Regular exercise and engaging in physical activities not only keep us fit but can boost our mood, and make us feel and look better. Apart from exercising, try meditation to help develop a more youthful mindset.

    Practicing mindfulness also helps to change your mindset to a more youthful one. Being mindful makes you focus on the present, so think of yourself as young and vibrant. You are in control of your life and your destiny.

    There is no way we can stop our birthdays, but we can keep our minds and body young, and it all begins in the mind.

     

     

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy