Fisher Titus

Category: Digestive Health

  • The Importance of Colonoscopies

    The Importance of Colonoscopies

    By: Beth Steinmetz, APRN- CNP, Fisher-Titus Digestive Health

    A colonoscopy is an examination of your colon and rectum. Colonoscopies are performed to assist in early detection of colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, gastroenterologists and surgeons can also remove colon polyps to assist in prevention of colon cancer. Colonoscopies also assist in diagnosing various disorders in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and colitis.

    The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals have a colonoscopy starting at age 45 and repeat the procedure every 10 years if the colonoscopy was normal. Individuals who have signs of or are at high risk for colorectal cancer, or have received a previous colonoscopy with abnormal results may be required to have Colonoscopies completed at an earlier age or more frequently. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include low activity level, family or personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having diabetes, and older age.

    Preparation prior to colonoscopy is required. To prepare for the procedure, individuals will be instructed regarding certain dietary modifications such as being asked to limit or eliminate high-fiber foods leading up to the colonoscopy. You may be asked to take laxatives by mouth and be on a clear-liquid diet the day before. Your bowel must be fully cleansed before the procedure so a laxative or enema may be given before the procedure as well. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully before having the procedure. Since you will be given sedatives during the procedure which will impact safe driving ability, it is also vital to make prior arrangements for transportation. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, have lung or heart conditions, kidney disease, diabetes, or are taking medications that affect blood clotting, and include information regarding any allergies to medication before the procedure.

    Colonoscopies last for about 30-60 minutes. Prior to the procedure, you will be given sedatives and then be asked to lie on your side. A tubular instrument is inserted in the rectum that transmits an image of the colon’s lining that the doctor will examine for abnormalities. You may be asked to change position during the procedure and feel some minor discomfort. Biopsies may be taken of tissue while the colon is being inspected. Recovery takes about 30 minutes, and you may feel sensations of cramping or gas however, they will pass quickly. You may resume your normal diet after the procedure. Certain medications, such as blood thinners may need to be avoided for some time following the procedure.

    It is important to ensure that your digestive system is in good health. If you have any questions or concerns about having a colonoscopy, please contact your primary care provider.

    About Beth

    Beth Steinmetz is a Certified Nurse Practitioner at Fisher-Titus Digestive Health. Fisher-Titus offers Digestive Health services at our Norwalk location in Medical Park 3 to diagnose and treat a wide range of complications involving your digestive system. To learn more or schedule an appointment, go to fishertitus.org/digestive-health/.

  • Do Probiotics Aid Digestive Health?

    A decade ago, we didn’t hear much about probiotics. Sure, we had a vague sense that yogurt might be good for us, but most of us would have cited the calcium as its major benefit—not the live bacteria.

    Fast-forward 10 years and these alleged superheroes are everywhere. Probiotics—also called good bacteria—occur naturally in only a handful of foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, raw cheese and miso. What’s new is that you will find them in dozens of supplements in the form of pills, powders and gummies. You also will see them added to a variety of food products, including chocolate, tea and even dog treats.

    Probiotics often get credit for improving a host of health problems, including allergies, eczema, depression, bloating, acne, urinary tract infections and even asthma.

    But do probiotics aid digestive health? And if so, what’s the best way to consume them?

    The truth is that the study of probiotics is what you might call evolving. Dozens of studies have been done, but none have been large or comprehensive enough to reach a definitive conclusion. The National Institutes of Health warns that the “marketing and use of probiotics may have outpaced scientific research.” Further confusing the issue is that there are many types of probiotics.

    Here is a sampling of what science is saying:

    • One 2016 review of seven studies found no evidence that probiotic supplements have beneficial effects on the composition of gut bacteria in healthy adults.
    • The Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility reported in 2017 that adults who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome found their condition improved after taking probiotic supplements.
    • A 2017 University of Florida study of 173 healthy adults who suffer from seasonal allergies found that the half who took a combination of the probiotics lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (sold as Kyo-Dophilus in stores) reported fewer allergy-related nose symptoms.
    • A 2017 study done by the University of Virginia School of Medicine found that eating lactobacillus, a probiotic bacteria found in live-culture yogurt, reversed depression symptoms in mice.

    While science is still working out the veracity of various claims, it can’t hurt to increase your intake of foods that contain probiotics. Unless you’re into miso or fermented sauerkraut (not the regular kind you buy in a bag) the easiest way to do that is by consuming yogurt or kefir (a fermented milk smoothie found in the dairy section of most grocery stores). Just be sure to check the seal for “live and active cultures” and avoid products with excessive added sugar.

    One thing most doctors agree on? It’s a great idea to consume more probiotics while on antibiotics, which take aim at all bacteria in your gut, both good and bad. For some, this results in antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can help by building up your army of good bacteria more quickly.

    A word of warning: Do not skip your usual medication because you hope probiotics might help you with depression or some other condition. And if you’re considering a probiotic supplement, you should consult your doctor first. That’s especially important if you are pregnant, nursing or planning to give the supplement to a child.

    It’s all a little confusing, right? The reality is that while there is a lack of research, probiotics still have a lot of potential. If you think probiotic supplements might be right for you, make a note to discuss the issue with your doctor at your next appointment or, if you suffer from a digestive disorder, make an appointment with one of our experts to come up with a plan to improve your health and feel better.

    P.S. Looking for a great kefir smoothie recipe? Combine 1 cup of plain kefir with half a frozen banana and a ½ cup of frozen blueberries. Throw in a dash of cinnamon (and a handful of spinach if you’re feeling sneaky) and blend. Delicious!