Get a Healthy Start to the New Year With These Helpful Tips

Celebrating the New Year typically brings about the tradition of creating New Year’s resolutions. To numerous Americans, this includes developing goals to foster a healthy lifestyle. While you look for methods to maximize healthy eating and a healthier way of life, ensure you incorporate steps to improve your digestive health. Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract performs several vital functions that help sustain your overall health, so create a plan to take great care of your digestive health and ring in the New Year with a fresh start.

Colorado Gastroenterology is proud to be your partner in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases and conditions. People seeking further information on how they could bolster their digestive wellness or who are having any issues concerning potential GI conditions are invited to contact our office in Denver, CO to meet with a seasoned and caring gastroenterologist.

What eating habits can I follow to boost my GI health?

Kick off the New Year by planning to incorporate some healthy dietary habits. One of the most significant steps you can take to bolster your gut health is to consume plenty of foods containing high amounts of fiber. Doing so helps keep your digestive system functioning effectively and may inhibit GI concerns, such as diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and constipation. Types of fiber-rich foods to consider adding to your diet are items such as:

• Whole grains

• Beans

• Green peas

• Lentils

• Artichokes

• Broccoli

• Apples

• Chickpeas

Besides foods rich in fiber, you could also consider adding probiotics into your diet. The GI system depends on a sufficient balance of good bacteria to function most efficiently. If you increase the intake of healthy microorganisms, you can potentially support the proper proportion in your gut. Probiotics can be taken in supplement form or added to your diet in the foods you eat, like yogurt or other fermented foods.

How else can I improve my digestive health?

The foods you eat are merely part of the battle. Additional factors that can help elevate your gut health include an exercise regimen. Remaining physically active can help prevent and relieve constipation and increase the strength of your muscles. Another thing you could implement to help boost your digestive health is to practice healthy stress management. Uncontrolled stress and tension could possibly lead to issues like constipation, vomiting, and nausea. Suggestions to minimize stress include practicing meditation, getting plenty of sleep, and strengthening meaningful connections with friends and family. Considering that tobacco has a harmful effect on every area of your body, a major way you can improve your GI health is to cease smoking and tobacco use.

When should I see a GI specialist?

Even though following healthy dietary habits and maintaining an active way of life can substantially aid your GI health, there may be occasions upon which you should visit a gastrointestinal specialist for more troubling issues. Signs that you might be experiencing a digestive disease or condition include:

• Recurring heartburn

• Bloody stool

• Incontinence

• Abdominal pain

• Unintentional weight loss

• Vomiting and nausea

• Difficult bowel movements

• Loose stools

Should you have one or more of the above signs or symptoms, contact Colorado Gastroenterology promptly. You can request a visit with an experienced GI doctor in Denver, CO who can identify and treat digestive diseases and conditions that result in these troublesome signs and symptoms.

Should I have a colonoscopy?

Supporting ideal gastrointestinal health also consists of being current on preventive care. Colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer for both women and men but, fortunately, detecting the disease early can dramatically boost its prognosis. Medical professionals advise that adults begin undergoing periodic colonoscopy exams when they are 45 years of age. In the event your colonoscopy outcome is normal, then you likely won't need another one for about ten years. You can arrange for a colonoscopy at Colorado Gastroenterology.

Consult a gastroenterologist in Denver, CO

Why wait for the beginning of the year to start taking control of your GI wellness? Get started on the new and healthier you right away. With the experts at Colorado Gastroenterology, you can kick off the New Year enjoying improved GI health. Our Denver, CO gastrointestinal specialists are some of the top professionals in the field. To arrange for an appointment or hear more, please contact Colorado Gastroenterology today.