Make Plans Now for a Healthy Start to the New Year

Celebrating the arrival of the New Year brings New Year’s resolutions. For many people in the United States, that tradition involves creating goals to establish a healthier way of living. While you research methods to maximize your healthy eating and healthier living, remember to incorporate measures to boost your gut health. Your digestive system performs a number of important actions that work to help maintain your quality of life, so create a plan to take proper care of your gut and welcome in the New Year in good health. GI Alliance is thrilled to be your partner in protecting your health against gastrointestinal disorders. If you need further suggestions on how you can improve your gastrointestinal health or if you're having symptoms of possible digestive problems, please contact a GI Alliance location near you meet with a board-certified gastroenterologist.

What dietary tips can help enhance digestive health?

Kick off the New Year by incorporating some healthy dietary habits. One of the most notable things you can implement to support your digestive health is to consume plenty of foods rich in fiber. This helps keep your digestive tract functioning properly and can reduce the risk of complications, such as diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and constipation. Some foods to incorporate into your diet that are rich in fiber include:

• Whole grains
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Apples
• Broccoli
• Green peas
• Artichokes
• Beans

Apart from fiber-rich foods, you might also think about including probiotics in your dietary intake. Your GI tract relies on an appropriate proportion of good bacteria to operate in the best possible way. If you increase the consumption of good bacteria, you can potentially support the proper balance in your digestive tract. Probiotics may be taken in supplement form or added to your diet in the foods you eat, like yogurt.

What are other ways to boost my gastrointestinal health?

The foods you eat are merely a portion of the story. Some other activities that could help improve your digestive wellness include getting regular exercise. Keeping your body moving can inhibit and ease constipation and help you develop stronger muscles. The second thing you can implement to help boost your GI health is to manage stress in healthy ways. Unmanaged stress and tension can potentially lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Ways to manage stress include engaging in meditation, ensuring you get adequate sleep, and forming genuine relationships with others. Considering that tobacco has a damaging effect on every portion of your body, a significant way you can improve your GI health is to cease smoking and tobacco use.

When should I consult a GI specialist?

Although following healthy dietary habits and establishing an active way of life can substantially support your digestive health, there might be times where you should visit a GI specialist for more distressing concerns. Common indications that you could be experiencing a gastrointestinal disease or condition include:

• Bloody stool
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Difficult bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Queasiness and vomiting
• Recurring heartburn
• Unintentional weight change

In the event you have one or more of the above signs or symptoms, get in touch with GI Alliance as soon as possible. You can request a visit with one of our seasoned gastrointestinal specialists who can identify and treat GI diseases and conditions that result in these bothersome issues.

Should I set up a colon cancer screening?

Taking steps to maintain improved GI wellness also involves staying up to date on your preventive care. Colorectal cancer is the third leading type of cancer for both women and men, but fortunately, catching the disease early can dramatically improve the prognosis. Medical professionals recommend that patients begin receiving periodic colonoscopy procedures when they are 45 years old. If your colonoscopy outcome is within normal limits, then your next screening can be done in ten years. You can arrange to have a colonoscopy at a GI Alliance facility in your community.

How do I find a GI doctor near me?

Why wait for the start of the year to start looking after your GI wellness? Welcome in the new and improved you starting today. With the help of GI Alliance, you can start the New Year with better digestive health. Our caring gastroenterologists are among the most experienced professionals in the industry. To arrange for a visit or find out more, please contact GI Alliance today.