GI health: Start the New Year with a Healthy Gut

GI health Start the New Year with a Healthy Gut

GI health isn’t something people normally think about during holiday festivities. This time of year calls for celebration and cheer. It is also the perfect time to evaluate how you will welcome the New Year and what you might do to promote healthy living. While you research methods to optimize your healthy eating and living, make sure to consider measures to enhance your digestive health. Your digestive system provides several crucial actions that help protect your overall health.

Now is an excellent time to create an action plan to take proper care of your gastrointestinal health and kick-off the New Year with a healthy start. If you are having gastrointestinal issues or need help creating an action plan, our digestive health experts are here to help. Below are a few suggestions on how to get started.

What can I eat to improve my GI health?

What can I eat to improve my GI health
What can I eat to improve my GI health

Start the New Year off strong by incorporating healthy dietary habits. Among the most helpful things you can do to enhance your gastrointestinal health is to eat adequate amount of foods high in fiber. This helps keep your digestive tract functioning efficiently and could ward off complications, such as diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and constipation. Here are some foods that are rich in fiber:

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

In addition to foods that are fiber-rich, consider including probiotics in your diet. Your digestive system relies on a sufficient percentage of healthy bacteria to work well. If you increase the consumption of helpful bacteria, you can potentially support a healthy balance in your gut. Probiotics may be consumed as supplements or incorporated into your nutritional intake in the form of fermented foods, including yogurt.

What are some other ways to boost my GI health?

The foods you consume should be one part of your plan. Other efforts should include an exercise plan, stress management, quality sleep and being tobacco free.

  • Getting regular exercise can help prevent and ease constipation and helps to develop stronger bones and muscles.
  • Unbridled stress and angst may potentially lead to issues like constipation, vomiting and nausea. Consider managing stress by engaging in meditation, getting quality sleep and creating healthy relationships with others.
  • Tobacco products have a harmful effect on every system in the body. You should not smoke or consume tobacco.

When should I see a GI specialist?

Even though maintaining healthy dietary habits and incorporating a healthy lifestyle can improve your gut health, there could be occasions where you need to see a gastrointestinal doctor for more gut health related concerns. Common signs and symptoms that you could be experiencing a gastrointestinal condition or disease are:

  • Queasiness and vomiting
  • Bloody stool
  • Loose stools
  • Frequent heartburn
  • Bowel or bladder incontinence
  • Difficult bowel movements
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight change

If you are experiencing one or more of the above signs or symptoms, contact Ocean Family Gastroenterology. Our digestive health professionals have the experience to identify and treat digestive diseases and conditions.

When should I schedule a colonoscopy?

Maintaining ideal digestive health includes preventive care efforts. Colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer among both women and men. However, when caught early the prognosis for this disease is good. Medical experts recommend that healthy adults with no medical history should start having periodic colonoscopies at age 45. In the event your colonoscopy outcome shows no concerns, then another will not be needed for another 10 years. You can schedule a colonoscopy at Ocean Family Gastroenterology.

Get Started – Consult a GI Health Specialist in Toms River, NJ

Why wait for the New Year to begin taking care of your gut health? You can start planning for a healthier, new you now. With help from the skilled medical experts at Ocean Family Gastroenterology, you can start the New Year with a healthy gut.

Patients needing further details on how to enhance their gastrointestinal health or who are having any problems with potential gastrointestinal conditions are welcome to contact our office in Toms River, NJ at 732-281-1590 or online HERE.