Healthy Tips to Kick off the New Year

Welcoming the New Year brings New Year’s resolutions. To numerous people in the U.S., this includes developing goals to foster healthy living. When conducting research on how to improve your nutrition and tips for a healthy lifestyle, be sure to consider steps to boost your gut health. The digestive tract conducts several important functions that help protect your general health. We encourage you to create an action plan to take care of your gastrointestinal (GI) health and welcome in the New Year with a fresh start.

Arizona Digestive Health is proud to be your partner in protecting your health against digestive concerns. Individuals wanting additional details on how they can enhance their GI wellness or who are having any issues related to potential digestive problems are encouraged to contact our practice in Phoenix, AZ to meet with an experienced and compassionate gastroenterologist.

What foods can help to enhance digestive health?

Kick off the New Year by choosing to incorporate some healthy dietary habits. One of the most notable actions you can take to enhance your gut health is to consume adequate servings of foods high in fiber. This helps keep your GI tract operating smoothly and can reduce the chance of concerns, such as hemorrhoids, constipation, and diverticulitis. Food choices to include in your diet that contain a high amount of fiber are items such as:

• Artichokes

• Lentils

• Broccoli

• Whole grains

• Green peas

• Apples

• Beans

• Chickpeas

Besides fiber-rich foods, you can also consider including probiotics in what you eat. The gastrointestinal tract relies on a sufficient balance of good bacteria to operate smoothly. By increasing the intake of good bacteria, you could potentially support a healthy balance in your gut. Probiotics can be consumed as supplements or integrated into your dietary intake in the foods you eat, such as yogurt.

Are there other ways to enhance my GI health?

The foods you consume are merely part of the battle. Additional things that may help fortify your gastrointestinal health include an exercise regimen. Remaining physically active could help inhibit and alleviate constipation as well as strengthen your muscles. The next thing you can incorporate to help boost your GI health is to adopt healthy methods of managing stress. Unbridled stress and anxiety can potentially result in concerns like constipation, vomiting, and nausea. Ways to minimize stress include engaging in meditation, getting adequate sleep, and forming sincere connections with the people in your life. Since tobacco products have a harmful impact on every area of your body, a significant way to promote gut health is to quit smoking and consuming tobacco.

Should I consult a digestive health specialist?

Though following nutritious eating habits and establishing an active way of life can significantly support your gastrointestinal health, there might be instances in which you should seek a digestive health specialist for more distressing issues. Common signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing a gastrointestinal disease or condition are as follows:

• Loose bowel movements

• Vomiting and nausea

• Trouble passing bowels

• Incontinence

• Unintentional weight change

• Recurring heartburn

• Bloody stool

• Pain in the abdominal area

In the event you experience any of the signs and symptoms listed above, get in touch with Arizona Digestive Health right away. You can request a consultation with a talented GI specialist in Phoenix, AZ who can identify and treat digestive problems that result in these concerning issues.

When should I schedule a colorectal cancer screening?

Taking steps to maintain better digestive wellness also involves remaining up to date on preventive care needs. Colorectal cancer is the third leading form of cancer among both women and men, but the good news is that early detection can dramatically improve prognoses. Medical professionals recommend that adults begin receiving periodic colonoscopy exams when they are 45 years of age. If your colonoscopy result is normal, then your next screening can be done in a decade. Patients can schedule a colonoscopy at Arizona Digestive Health.

Meet with a GI doctor in Phoenix, AZ

Why wait for the New Year to begin taking care of your gastrointestinal wellness? Move forward with the new and improved you starting today. With the experienced team at Arizona Digestive Health, you can jumpstart the New Year with a healthy GI system. Our Phoenix, AZ gastroenterologists are some of the most skilled physicians in the industry. To reserve a consultation or find out more, please contact Arizona Digestive Health today.