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Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants Blog View all posts
Minor Anal Bleeding: When to Worry, What to Do

Minor Anal Bleeding: When to Worry, What to Do
Seeing blood in the toilet is alarming, to say the least. How do you know if it’s minor bleeding, you can handle it at home, or something serious that needs immediate medical care? Here’s your guide to rectal bleeding.
Feb 2nd, 2025
5 Benefits of Telehealth for Weight Loss Support

5 Benefits of Telehealth for Weight Loss Support
You know you need professional help to lose weight and get healthy, but there are so many obstacles (excuses?) to deal with — until now. Introducing telehealth for weight loss. Discover how to get the expert support you need without the hassles.
Jan 10th, 2025
Is Heartburn the Same as Acid Reflux?

Is Heartburn the Same as Acid Reflux?
You often see the terms heartburn and acid reflux together, and sometimes, they’re used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Here’s the difference between heartburn and acid reflux, and more importantly, what you can do about them. 
Dec 1st, 2024
Does BMI really hold the key to understanding your health, or is it simply a number? Here’s what your BMI can and can’t revea

What Your BMI Can Tell You About Your Health
Does BMI really hold the key to understanding your health, or is it simply a number? Here’s what your BMI can and can’t reveal about your health and what to do when it’s telling you you’re at risk.
Nov 27th, 2024
Why Do I Keep Getting Hemorrhoids?

Why Do I Keep Getting Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are itchy, bleeding, painful, and embarrassing. Getting them once is annoying, but when they keep recurring, it’s downright unbearable. Here’s why hemorrhoids tend to revisit you and how to stop them for good.
Oct 17th, 2024
When to Consider Surgery for Crohn’s Disease

When to Consider Surgery for Crohn’s Disease
When Crohn’s disease goes from annoyingly inconvenient to unbearable and dangerous, it means you’re current treatment isn’t getting the job done. Here are the signs that it’s time to think about surgery.
Sep 2nd, 2024
6 Foods to Avoid with Ulcerative Colitis

6 Foods to Avoid with Ulcerative Colitis
Set down your coffee cup and step away from those fries. Once you know how food and drink affect your ulcerative colitis symptoms, you can regain control of your life.
Jul 8th, 2024
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
It’s official — 45 is the new 50 for getting your first colonoscopy. If you are of age but haven’t scheduled yours yet, now’s the time. Here is what you need to know about what to expect.
Jun 20th, 2024
How to Soothe Hemorrhoids at Home

How to Soothe Hemorrhoids at Home
They itch, burn, bleed, and make it impossible to sit comfortably. You can’t ignore hemorrhoids, but you can relieve the misery with a few at-home tricks.
Feb 2nd, 2024

Can Crohn's Disease Run in Families?
You’ve seen a family member struggle with Crohn’s disease, and you’re wondering if you’re doomed to the same fate. Here’s what you need to know about the genetic connection.
Jan 4th, 2024

3 Subtle Signs of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C — chronic liver disease — can lead to liver failure, cancer, and death. Unfortunately, its early signs are so subtle that you could miss it. Here’s what to look for.
Dec 1st, 2023

4 Tips to Manage IBS at Work
You’re in the middle of a presentation and suddenly realize you need a bathroom — now! Everyone with IBS has faced this and other embarrassing moments. Here’s how to get through your workday without losing your dignity.
Nov 1st, 2023
When to Worry About Heartburn

When to Worry About Heartburn
Chest pain can be terrifying. Although heartburn has nothing to do with your ticker, it can mimic cardiac conditions and damage your digestive tract. Here’s when to seek help for heartburn.
Oct 1st, 2023
How to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy

How to Prepare for Your First Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are life-saving screening tests that can spot colon cancer before it gets out of hand. If you’ve scheduled your first-ever colonoscopy, here’s how to ensure it’s accurate and avoid a redo.
Sep 1st, 2023
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis to Know

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis to Know
You know ulcerative colitis is an incurable inflammatory bowel disease that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. But do you know what can happen if you don’t seek treatment? Get to know the UC’s far-reaching health effects.
Aug 1st, 2023
Will Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ever Go Away on Its Own?

Will Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ever Go Away on Its Own?
If you have IBS, the constipation, diarrhea, cramps, and bloating can wear on your body, mind, and spirit — is there any end in sight? Keep reading to discover the most effective treatments and whether there’s hope for an IBS-free life.
Jul 1st, 2023
When to Schedule Your Next (or First) Colonoscopy

When to Schedule Your Next (or First) Colonoscopy
The thought of getting a colonoscopy ranks right up there with a root canal and bikini waxing, but dealing with colorectal cancer is much worse. When was your last colonoscopy? Here’s a handy timeline to keep you on track.
Jun 5th, 2023
Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?

Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?
Those bulges on your bum make sitting and toileting miserable. How long do hemorrhoids last? Can you get rid of them at home? When do you need to call a doctor? Get help for your hemorrhoids here.
May 1st, 2023
When to See a Specialist About Chronic Constipation

When to See a Specialist About Chronic Constipation
Everyone has a little trouble going number two now and then, but if the problem persists, you may have chronic constipation, which can stem from and lead to a long list of health problems. Here are the signs it’s time to call an expert.
Apr 2nd, 2023
Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux: What's the Difference?

Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux: What's the Difference?
You often hear the terms “acid reflux” and “heartburn” used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Here’s what you need to know about heartburn and acid reflux, how they affect you, and what you can do about them.
Mar 16th, 2023
5 Ways to Prevent a Crohn’s Flare-Up

5 Ways to Prevent a Crohn’s Flare-Up
Living with Crohn’s disease is no fun, but you can live a much more enjoyable life by following these tips for preventing uncomfortable flare-ups.
Feb 14th, 2023
How to Manage IBS Triggers Through the Holidays

How to Manage IBS Triggers Through the Holidays

Juggling to-do lists, planning and attending parties, and all that food — the holidays are packed with everything you and your IBS try to avoid the rest of the year. Don’t panic. These tips help you handle the season with fewer symptoms and more joy.
Dec 13th, 2022
When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?
The number of folks under 50 diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has steadily risen since the mid-1990s, prompting a recommendation for earlier screenings. Keep reading to find out when you should come in for a colonoscopy.
Oct 3rd, 2022
Tips on How to Prevent Heartburn

Tips on How to Prevent Heartburn
That burning sensation in your chest means acid from your stomach has backed up into your esophagus. It’s uncomfortable at the moment, but over time, it can be destructive. Here’s how you can prevent it.
Aug 1st, 2022
Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids on My Own?

Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids on My Own?
They itch, they burn, and they make it hard to sit. You need to get rid of your hemorrhoids, but you’d rather solve the problem in the privacy of your own home, if possible. Here’s how to treat hemorrhoids on your own, and when to seek help.
Jul 11th, 2022
Understanding What Triggers Ulcerative Colitis

Understanding What Triggers Ulcerative Colitis
If you have ulcerative colitis, you know that panicky feeling when you need a bathroom NOW, but there’s none to be found. To prevent those moments and other UC symptoms, avoid these potential flare-up triggers.
Jun 1st, 2022
The Link Between Pregnancy and Heartburn

The Link Between Pregnancy and Heartburn
You’re looking forward to delivering your bundle of joy for the snuggles, the coos — and finally getting rid of your pregnancy-related heartburn. Yes, there’s a connection. What can you do about it?
May 4th, 2022
Why Orbera Might Be the Answer to Help You Lose Weight

Why Orbera Might Be the Answer to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. It seems like nothing works, and you’re hungry all the time. It’s time to try Orbera™ — it’s not a diet, it’s a nonsurgical treatment that gives you the key to lasting weight loss.
Apr 7th, 2022
What Are My Nonsurgical Options for Hemorrhoid Treatment?

What Are My Nonsurgical Options for Hemorrhoid Treatment?
When your hemorrhoids make it hard to sit, and you can no longer stand the pain and itching, it’s time to get rid of them. But if the thought of surgery “back there” sounds worse than your symptoms, you’ve got other options.
Mar 8th, 2022
Ease Your Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms with These Diet Changes

Ease Your Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms with These Diet Changes
You may not be excited to talk about your ulcerative colitis and the pain and embarrassment it puts you through, but we think you’ll be excited to learn about how to manage your symptoms with the food you eat. Here’s how your diet can help.
Feb 6th, 2022
What's Causing My Terrible Heartburn?

What's Causing My Terrible Heartburn?
Do you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux? Everybody gets heartburn now and then, but the causes may differ from person to person. Find out what’s behind your heartburn and how to control it before it causes damage.
Jan 12th, 2022
Severe Hemorrhoids? We Can Help

Severe Hemorrhoids? We Can Help
You’ve tried to take care of them on your own, but those creams and soaks aren’t getting rid of your hemorrhoids. It’s time to get your behind to the professionals. We can banish your painful, itchy hemorrhoids for good in less than a minute.
Dec 9th, 2021
Living with Hepatitis

Living with Hepatitis
Millions of Americans are walking around with an infectious disease, and it’s not COVID-19. It’s hepatitis, a potentially life-threatening illness that is easily spread to others. Fortunately, it can be treated and managed well. Here’s how.
Nov 9th, 2021
Signs Your Acid Reflux Is Actually GERD

Signs Your Acid Reflux Is Actually GERD
Any Chicagoan who’s ever indulged in a late night slice of pizza knows what heartburn feels like. But what if it sticks around no matter what you eat? Keep reading to learn what’s going on in your gut.
Oct 8th, 2021
Why Is Weight Loss So Difficult?

Why Is Weight Loss So Difficult?
If it feels like your body conspires against you when you try to lose weight, you may not be wrong. Find out what’s stopping you from shedding pounds and how you can clear the way to a healthier you.
Sep 9th, 2021
5 Common Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

5 Common Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
It’s never comfortable to talk about your bathroom business, but if you’re experiencing abnormal stools accompanied by pain and blood, it’s time to find out what’s causing it. Here are some signs it might be ulcerative colitis.
Aug 11th, 2021

How to Prevent a Hemorrhoid Flare-up
Hemorrhoids are real pain in the … you know what. They bleed, itch, make it hard to sit, and they hurt. If you’re prone to these annoying bulging veins in your anal area, keep reading to find out how to avoid flare-ups.
Jul 22nd, 2021

Why Heartburn Gets Worse With Age

Spicy food has always been your thing, and pizza tops your list of favorite foods, but lately they’ve been served with a side of heartburn. Find out why acid reflux becomes more frequent as you age and what you can do about it.
Jun 22nd, 2021

Typical Tummy Trouble or IBS: How to Tell the Difference
April is Irritable Bowel Awareness Month and a great time to get some answers about your tummy issues, like: is it normal to feel bloated and gassy, and what constitutes “regular” bathroom breaks? Get your answers here.
Apr 22nd, 2021

Am I a Candidate for Non-Surgical Weight Loss?
You’ve lost weight. You’ve gained weight. More than once. When your weight goes up and down, you impair your confidence and your health. If you’re ready to lose weight permanently, it may be time for nonsurgical weight loss. Keep reading to learn more.
Mar 15th, 2021

Make THIS the year.

Losing 50 or more pounds isn’t easy. It takes time, it takes effort and it takes support.
Jan 19th, 2019

Weight Loss Procedures Can Save Your Limbs.

Being overweight increases your risk of developing microvascular disease, neuropathy, peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia, which can lead to amputation.
Nov 9th, 2018

Your Amazing Digestive System
As you read this, as you sleep at night, as you work during the day, some part of your digestive system is working to nourish your body.
Aug 14th, 2018

Are You Feeling The Burn?

When you take antacids several times a week, your heartburn may be a symptom of a more severe problem like acid reflux or GERD.
Feb 21st, 2020

It’s Not You, It’s *This*.

Research suggests that, while willpower is vital to setting goals in the first place, habits and opportunity more accurately determine when you’ll reach a goal. When it comes to weight loss, Dr. Gaston is here with solutions to making habits stick and hel
Jan 15th, 2020
Genetics play a role in obesity, but there are solutions

Is It Your Grandma's Fault?
Genetics can affect obesity, but there are solutions to override your family's history of being overweight.
Oct 31st, 2019

We've Done It Again!
Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants Earns Prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation for Third Consecutive Time
Aug 22nd, 2019

NAFLD is deadly - but you can prevent it.
Damage to your liver means damage to the rest of your body - and as there are seldom symptoms, liver diseases are typically not diagnosed until it’s too late.
Jul 23rd, 2019

Stop! Don’t throw that on the grill!
For many of us, summertime means juicy burgers sizzling on the grill, thick steaks done to just-pink inside and sauce-slathered ribs. Unfortunately, eating all that red meat actually means you’ll be enjoying fewer summers in your lifetime.
Jun 19th, 2019

I Should Get A Massage Where?!
Dr. Gaston and Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants is here to explain why getting an abdominal massage - or giving yourself one - is a big benefit to your health.
Dec 6th, 2018

Why You Should Can It Yourself
The simple plain truth is that soft drinks, pop, soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened tea, sweetened water and other sweetened beverages are clearly and statistically shown to increase obesity and lead to a decline in overall health.
Oct 13th, 2017