Barrett’s Esophagus

What Is Barrett’s Esophagus? Barrett’s esophagus, also known as Barrett’s disease, is a disorder in which perpetual exposure to stomach acid causes injury to the cells of the lower esophagus. Left untreated, Barrett’s esophagus raises a patient’s risk of developing esophageal cancer by up to 80 percent.   What Causes Barrett’s Esophagus? Patients with gastroesophageal
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Celiac Disease

What Is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease (CD) is a common, yet potentially life threatening, disorder which can easily be under diagnosed or misdiagnosed. Three million Americans are living with Celiac Disease, but only 17% of them realize they have it! Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an abnormal response to glutens—proteins found in
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Colon and Rectal Polyps

Colon and rectal polyps are abnormal growths arising from the lining of the large intestine or the rectal canal. Polyps are the most common condition affecting the colon and rectum. They appear in about 15 to 20 percent of adults. Some polyps are flat, while others protrude from the lining of the colon. Polyps of
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Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is diagnosed in over 140,000 Americans each year. This cancer causes tumors in the large intestine, which is the lower part of your digestive system. Colon cancer can have a very high recovery rate if caught in its earliest stages with a screening procedure called a colonoscopy. Expert Los Angeles gastroenterologist Dr. Peyton
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Constipation

Most people endure the occasional bout of constipation. However, if you’re experiencing three or fewer bowel movements a week or often have difficulty passing stool, you may be suffering from a more serious condition known as chronic constipation. While lifestyle changes are usually sufficient to relieve constipation, the condition can sometimes be indicative of a
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Diarrhea

Everyone experiences diarrhea at some point. These semi-frequent loose and watery bowel movements occur as a result of viral infection or other gastrointestinal issues. Diarrhea is very common and is often not serious. It can typically be treated by consuming plenty of fluids and by taking over-the-counter medicine. If diarrhea persists for more than two
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Dysphagia | Difficulty Swallowing

Have you ever experienced difficulty swallowing, or had the feeling that food is stuck in your throat or chest? Trouble swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be a sign of a problem in your throat or esophagus. The esophagus help move foods and liquids from your mouth to your stomach, and dysphagia usually stems from
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Esophageal Cancer

What Is Esophageal Cancer? Esophageal cancer is a disease that affects the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach through which food passes during swallowing. Cancer in this area of the body usually begins in the lining of the esophagus and travels deeper into the tissue over time as the lesion turns into a
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Fatty Liver

What Is Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)? Fatty liver is a condition that occurs when abnormal quantities of fat accumulate in the liver. These fatty deposits start out small, but can grow large enough to create cysts (irreversible lesions). The most common factors leading to fatty liver are excessive alcohol intake and obesity. Patients with insulin
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Fructose Intolerance

What Is Fructose Intolerance? Dietary fructose intolerance or fructose malabsorption is a digestive disorder that occurs when the small intestines cannot absorb a normal amount of fructose in the diet. While the average person has a limit on the amount of fructose they can comfortably digest in one sitting, a patient with dietary fructose intolerance
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Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating are issues that affect everyone. There are many factors that can be involved. Habits such as eating too quickly can cause you to swallow air, leading to bloating and belching. Intestinal fermentation of undigested carbohydrates (including as those found in beans) is a common cause of flatulence. However, frequentor particularly uncomfortable episodes
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Experiencing the occasional bout of acid indigestion after a meal is not uncommon. However, persistent heartburn and reflux could be signs of a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Patients who experience reflux more than twice a week are encouraged to visit Dr. Berookim for a consultation.   What Causes Reflux?
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H. Pylori and Ulcers

H. pylori, also known as Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterial infection located in the stomach. It is often contracted during childhood. While many people with H. pylori demonstrate no symptoms, doctors estimate that half the world’s population is infected. H. pylori can spread from person to person or through tainted water. For this reason, the
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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins around the anal canal or rectum. Though hemorrhoids are often not serious, they are a common problem that can become uncomfortable and painful if not treated. The rectum leads to the anus and completes the final stage of the digestive tract, so hemorrhoid symptoms often become evident during bowel
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Commonly known as IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in which the colon is especially sensitive to the natural contractions that help food pass through the intestines. Left untreated, the condition can cause a great deal of pain as well as emotional distress and inconvenience. If you’ve been suffering from unexplained GI symptoms, feel
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Lactose Intolerance

What Is Lactose Intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder that occurs when the small intestine cannot break down lactose—the natural sugar found in dairy products like milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. This condition is not a food allergy. It can occur at any age, but it usually develops during adolescence or adulthood.
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Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

What Is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth? Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a dysfunction of the small bowel that allows bacteria to proliferate above normal levels. Unlike the colon, which should contain a lot of highly active bacteria, a healthy small intestine is not heavily colonized. Bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine if there
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Ulcerative Colitis

Heath problems affecting the small intestine can have a profound impact on the way you live your life. Ulcerative colitis, a type of irritable bowel disease,  affects the inner lining of your large intestine and rectum and causes a number of unpleasant symptoms. If you are suffering from troubling digestive symptoms or changes in bowel
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