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6 questions to ask a gastroenterologist

Digestion is a necessary and continuous body process facilitating nutrient absorption and expulsion of waste from the body. Consequently, problems with the digestive system can lead to issues like diarrhea, constipation, and nausea and eventually trigger conditions like irritable bowel disease (IBD). A gastroenterologist understands such issues and suggests treatment courses or remedies to heal digestion problems. This article provides an insight into some uncomfortable questions one should ask a gastroenterologist:

What is the underlying cause of my condition?
While several effective treatment options exist for various digestive disorders, symptom control is only a part of healing from such problems. The other part is understanding their underlying causes and addressing the issues. For example, a person may be intolerant to gluten, which may trigger problems like celiac disease. For example, a meal plan high in inflammation-causing foods may have led to the developing of an IBD-related condition. Thus, understanding the root cause is the first step to finding a long-term solution to a digestion issue.

Will I need to undergo a colonoscopy or endoscopy?
Sometimes, a colonoscopy or endoscopy is required to examine the exact issue in the digestive tract. These tests give doctors a clearer idea of the condition and help with timely diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor about such tests before undergoing them.

What is the prognosis?
A diagnosis provides an insight into the nature of the health condition, whereas a prognosis is an analysis of the course it is likely to take. For example, patients with the same disease may have a different prognosis based on age and comorbid conditions. For example, a gastroenterologist can analyze a patient’s history of health conditions, age, the severity of the health condition, etc., and provide a prognosis based on such factors.

What treatment options would be best suited to me?
There are typically multiple treatment options for health conditions; however, these interventions may have side effects that may not be suitable for certain patients. Moreover, the treatment option may differ based on the condition’s severity. For example, while ulcerative colitis can mostly be treated with lifestyle changes and specific other interventions, some patients with a severe case of UC may require surgical intervention. Thus, patients need to ask their gastroenterologists what treatment options would best suit them and whether the condition may be resolved even with a change in meal plan and lifestyle.

What lifestyle and meal-plan changes would you recommend?
Lifestyle and meal-plan changes play an indispensable role in recovering from digestion issues. Therefore, confiding in a gastroenterologist about one’s existing meal plan and lifestyle is essential, as understanding what aspects must be changed. For example, a sedentary lifestyle is often the cause of problems like constipation. For example, a gastroenterologist may help patients understand what changes they must incorporate while healing from the condition.

What is your experience with treating patients diagnosed with my condition?
This underrated question can provide valuable insight into the likely challenges one may face during the treatment and post-treatment. It can also help one gauge the gastroenterologist’s proficiency in helping patients deal with these issues and the overall recovery rate.

Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highestÂ sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

6 foods to avoid during ongoing treatment

Individuals develop various health problems during their lifetime. While some are minor, others are severe and require many days of treatment and therapy to resolve. Irrespective of the condition's type and severity, doctors ask patients to make specific lifestyle changes to speed up recovery. One of these changes involves avoiding foods that may interfere with ongoing treatments. From milk to chocolate and soft-cooked eggs, here are six foods patients should exclude from their meals. Grapefruit While grapefruit is delicious, some may need to avoid it when on a treatment plan. This citric fruit may interfere with how the body metabolizes the treatment's ingredients. For instance, it may increase the absorption of specific chemical elements into the bloodstream, damaging the liver and causing the muscles to break down. Grapefruit must especially be avoided by those undergoing treatments for high cholesterol and thyroid disease. Milk Another food one should avoid when following a treatment plan is milk. Dairy products are rich in calcium, which could interfere with iron-rich treatments. They could lead to the improper absorption of treatment components into the bloodstream. Besides milk, one should stay away from dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Processed meats Processed meats are high in sodium and other preservatives. In addition, they are rich in an amino acid called tyramine (also abundant in mature cheese and soy products). These ingredients could negatively affect the body, especially when using treatments for depression and Parkinson's disease. If the compounds in these treatments mix with tyramine in the blood, it could increase blood pressure, leading to a range of symptoms, including chest pain, severe headaches, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. Chocolates Chocolates are full of sugars that could disrupt the healing effect of ongoing treatments. People with type 2 diabetes often require therapy to increase insulin in the body, a hormone that absorbs glucose and regulates blood sugar. When a person eats chocolates, the sugar derived from them could lead to insulin resistance. As a result, insulin therapy may have no positive impact on the patient's health. Green leafy vegetables While we are constantly reminded of the many health benefits of green leafy vegetables, an individual might need to reduce their intake when receiving treatments to thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Leafy greens possess a high amount of vitamin K, which could reduce the treatment's effect. To ensure blood thinning therapies work well, one must eat a consistent amount of leafy green vegetables to keep vitamin K levels balanced. Soft-cooked eggs Soft-cooked eggs have a series of health benefits for the body. However, someone being treated for cancer may need to avoid them. When battling this condition, an individual's immune system could weaken. And since soft-cooked eggs carry the risk of foodborne illnesses, it is better to avoid them until the person recovers. Other foods that should be excluded from the meal plan are raw fish like sushi, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products, as these, too, carry the risk of foodborne illnesses.