Set Goals Now for a Healthy Approach to the New Year

Welcoming the New Year brings New Year’s resolutions, and for a number of individuals in the United States, this represents creating goals to promote healthy living. While you research methods to optimize your healthy eating and healthy living, make sure to consider measures to enhance your digestive health. The digestive system provides a number of 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 bring in the New Year with a healthy start.

San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates is your partner in the fight against GI problems. 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 San Antonio, TX to meet with a skilled and attentive gastrointestinal specialist.

What can I eat to improve my GI health?

Start the New Year off strong by choosing to incorporate some healthy dietary habits. Among the most helpful things you can do to enhance your gastrointestinal health is to eat an 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. A selection of foods to incorporate into your dietary intake that are rich in fiber are items like:

  • Artichokes

  • Whole grains

  • Chickpeas

  • Lentils

  • Broccoli

  • Green peas

  • Beans

  • Apples

In addition to foods that are fiber-rich, you might also think about 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.

Are there other ways to boost my gastrointestinal health?

The foods you consume are merely part of the battle. Additional factors that might help fortify your gastrointestinal wellness include getting regular exercise. Keeping your body moving can help prevent and ease constipation, and help to develop stronger muscles. An additional thing you could implement to help boost your digestive wellness is to manage stress effectively. 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 forging healthy relationships with others. Since tobacco products have a harmful effect on every system in the body, one significant way you can aid your gastrointestinal health is to stop smoking and consuming tobacco.

Should I see a GI specialist?

Even though maintaining some healthy dietary habits and incorporating a healthy lifestyle can considerably improve your gut health, there could be occasions upon which you should see a gastrointestinal doctor for more distressing problems. Common signs and symptoms that you could be experiencing a gastrointestinal condition or disease are:

  • Queasiness and vomiting

  • Bloody stool

  • Frequent heartburn

  • Bowel or bladder incontinence

  • Difficult bowel movements

  • Abdominal pain

  • Unexplained weight change

  • Loose stools

In the event you notice one or more of the above signs or symptoms, contact San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates promptly. You can reserve an appointment with a talented GI doctor in San Antonio, TX who can identify and treat digestive diseases and conditions that lead to these distressing issues.

When should I schedule a colonoscopy?

Promoting ideal digestive health also involves being current on preventive care efforts. Colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer among both women and men; however, the good news is that catching the disease early can greatly boost prognoses. Medical experts recommend that adults start having periodic colonoscopies at age 45. In the event your colonoscopy outcome shows no concerns, then another will not be needed for about a decade. You can schedule a colonoscopy at a San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location near you.

Consult a GI specialist in San Antonio, TX

Why wait for the New Year to begin looking after your gut health? Move forward with a healthier, new you starting today. With help from the skilled physicians of San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, you can start the New Year with a healthy gut. Our San Antonio, TX gastrointestinal doctors are among the top physicians in the field. To set up an appointment or to learn more, please contact San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates.

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Colonoscopy