Gastro Girl

Dr. Sophia Patel, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at The Cleveland Clinic shares her expertise on the clinical presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis as well as other forms of dysphagia in children. In this video, Dr Patel answers the following: What additional steps should emergency room healthcare providers take when a child comes in with a food impaction? What signs and symptoms should non-GI providers be looking for in children to signal a need for a gastroenterologist referral? What questions should a primary care provider ask during regular consultations or medical history discussions so they can make the referral to a gastroenterologist sooner? We discuss these topics and more in this educational video, which you can view at youtube.com/gastrogirl. 

Avoiding certain foods that trigger GI symptoms is a common way to manage a variety of conditions like IBS, IBD, and EoE. Obese patients and those with fatty liver disease who need to follow a specific regimen like the Mediterranean Diet also need to avoid certain foods. Yes, eliminating foods is challenging for all patients. But trying to stay true to cultural or religious beliefs while following a gut-friendly diet can be even harder. We’ve invited back one of our favorite registered dietitians, Neha Shah, who understands how important food is to culture, religion and social gatherings. With first-hand experience as a vegetarian and GI nutrition expert, Neha explains the ways patients can work with their providers on adapting gut-friendly diets that are aligned with their cultural or religious beliefs. Neha’s positive and open approach aims to help patients realize that following a gut-friendly diet doesn’t mean they can’t stay true to their culture.

The incidence of young onset colorectal cancer has risen by 51% since 1994. As a result, approximately 11% of all new diagnoses of colorectal cancer occur in individuals younger than 50 years old. Several studies are underway to try and understand the cause of this increase in young-onset CRC. Dr. Suneel Kamath of the Cleveland Clinic joins us to explain the results of his recent study on metabolomic differences in young onset versus average onset colorectal adenocarcinoma, and what’s most important for patients to take away from these findings. While this study looked at the consumption of red meat and sugars as it relates to how the body breaks down and uses these foods, Dr. Kamath helps us understand whether these foods are to blame for CRC.

Dr. Christopher Velez from Massachusetts General Hospital is here to share insights from his important review article, Digestive Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations, recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Dr. Velez walks us through some of the challenges these groups face with healthcare in general, how some of these socioeconomic factors can directly affect their digestive health, and why it’s so important to address this understudied and underrepresented patient population in clinical research. 

Imagine that you’re driving back home after a big meal. You didn’t have any alcoholic beverages at all that day, but you’re pulled over for suspected drunk driving. If that scenario freaks you out, this episode may help you better understand a rare, but terrifying condition called auto-brewery syndrome where the body converts food into alcohol. This condition has had devastating impacts on people's lives, causing some to lose jobs or be charged with driving while under the influence. Joining us to share her expertise is Barbara Cordell, President of Auto-Brewery Syndrome Information and Research, http://www.autobrewery.info/ and author of the book, My Gut Makes Alcohol!: The Science and Stories of Auto-Brewery Syndrome,. Barbara gives us insights into some of the experiences of patients she’s worked with, who have struggled with auto-brewery syndrome, including her husband. She also explains what patients and providers can do to properly diagnose and treat this rare condition. 

 If you or a loved one have just been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Gastroenterologist, Dr. Brian Dooreck of Miami, FL, wants you to know that you are not alone and that a free program makes it easy for patients and their families to access evidence-based information and resources related to colorectal cancer. 

In this episode, Dr. Dooreck tells us all about the Colorectal Cancer Provider Outreach Program, which features trusted colorectal cancer resources so patients can better navigate through the sometimes scary and confusing time when they learn they (or a loved one) are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. 

Providers are encouraged to share this valuable resource with their patients, coloncancer.support Check out the video version of this podcast episode on the Gastro Girl YouTube Channel, youtube.com/gastrogirl for the QR code that takes you directly to this important resource. 

The feeling of having something stuck in your throat is often a terrifying experience. And if you or a loved one are constantly struggling or are adapting the way you eat to swallow food, your esophagus is likely not functioning properly. We welcome back Dr. Pooja Singhal, a Gastroenterologist at SSM Health St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK, to explain what’s going on with the esophagus and the way it is functioning when someone is struggling to swallow. She provides an overview of the various digestive disorders that can affect one’s ability to swallow food, how it’s possible for swallowing liquid to be a problem, and highlights the adaptive eating behaviors you may not realize you’re doing, which are warning signs you should see your doctor. 

Yes, you have bacteria in your gut. Yes, that’s normal. But small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a gastrointestinal condition where there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO can lead to uncomfortable symptoms including bloating, diarrhea and nausea, which overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions, making SIBO diagnosis a bit tricky. SIBO can also cause unintentional weight loss and malabsorption. Dr. Mark Pimentel, a leading gastroenterologist and SIBO expert from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center joins us to explain what’s really going on inside our gut with SIBO. He also gives us some insight on the causes, risk factors, and how SIBO is diagnosed and treated. Dr. Pimentel, who is the author of the book, The Microbiome Connection: Your Guide to IBS, SIBO, and Low-Fermentation Eating, also shares some surprising insight on how artificial sugars can affect our gut microbiome. 

After finding the right multidisciplinary care team and undergoing treatment for a period of time, you’re starting to feel more like yourself. Your EoE is in remission. Swallowing food is no longer a fear-inducing practice. You have a better understanding of what may trigger your EoE and how to avoid those situations. You’re thriving!

Part 4 of our 4-part Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Education Program contains success stories of EoE patients from the doctor’s perspective, so you can understand what remission and/or success could mean for you.

Part 4 welcomes back Gastroenterologists Dr. Scott Gabbard and De. Sophia Patel of The Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gabbard shares some patient stories from the adult perspective, while Dr. Patel, who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology, shares some anecdotes from the children she’s treated who are now growing through adolescence and adulthood themselves.

This episode covers the following topics:

· Examples of patient success

· The power of multidisciplinary care

· Achieving remission

· How to maintain remission

*This patient education program is brought to you with support from Sanofi Regeneron and features leading Gastroenterologists and EoE experts from the Cleveland Clinic

You’ve been diagnosed with EoE but have not been maintaining a consistent regimen with a healthcare provider. Perhaps treatment results haven’t been optimal, or put simply, life got in the way. You’re not alone.

Part 3 of our 4-Part Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Education Program is designed to inform you on ways to get back on track with treating your EoE diagnosis and what conversations you may have with your healthcare provider.

Part 3 features two Gastroenterologists, Dr. Scott Gabbard and Dr. Sophia Patel of The Cleveland Clinic who share their expertise on getting patients back on the right path toward optimizing their digestive health. Dr. Gabbard offers insights from an adult patient perspective, and Dr.Patel, who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology, offers her observations and advice for children struggling with an EoE diagnosis.

In this episode, Dr. Gabbard and Dr. Patel discusses such topics as:

· Why do patients stop treatment or stop seeing a healthcare provider?

· The importance of medical care and guidance

· Similarities and differences between EoE diagnoses in adults and children

· Treatment options - what’s new?

· What patients can do to get back on track

· How to find a new provider

· How to engage a multidisciplinary care team

· Patient success stories

*This patient education program is brought to you with support from Sanofi Regeneron and features leading Gastroenterologists and EoE experts from the Cleveland Clinic

Dating has its own anxiety-riddled challenges, never mind trying to date with a digestive health condition. In this episode, Registered Dietitian Jessica Lebovits, reveals some startling statistics from a study she and colleagues conducted on the “Impact of Celiac Disease on Dating,” including some responders openly admitting to consuming foods with gluten just so they don’t have to have an awkward conversation about their celiac disease. Jessica has plenty of tips and advice to share for dating when you have a condition like celiac disease. You can also find some of her favorite gluten-free foods and recipes @gluten_rd on Instagram and check out her courses on GI OnDEMAND:  Celiac Disease 101 and Celiac Disease and the Gluten Free Diet. 

You or a loved one has just been diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). What does that mean in the short term and the long term? How does this condition impact your quality of life? What treatment options are available? How will you manage new experiences that may include medications, therapy, or diet interventions? This webinar may lead you to some answers.

Part 2 of our 4-Part Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Education Program is designed to inform you on what the next steps are after recently being diagnosed with EoE.

Part 2 welcomes back Claire Beveridge, MD, who is a Staff Member at The Cleveland Clinic in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and heads the Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) adult clinic as well as the transition pediatric to adult EoE clinic. Dr. Beveridge's specialty interests include: EoE, Achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, GERD, esophageal swallowing disorders, and esophageal motility disorders.

In this episode, Dr. Beveridge discusses such topics as:

· How EoE is treated

· Whether or not it can be cured

· Long-term management—eating out, travel, school, etc.

· How to talk to friends and family about the condition

· What parents/caregivers need to know

· Additional tests after diagnosis

· What you should know about multidisciplinary care 

*This patient education program is brought to you with support from Sanofi Regeneron and features leading Gastroenterologists and EoE experts from the Cleveland Clinic

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine, and can cause a variety of digestive problems and related health issues. Triggered by eating foods containing gluten, patients must avoid gluten in order to reverse and prevent further damage to the small intestine. Jessica Lebovits knows first-hand all about celiac disease as she has been living with the disease for years. She is a well-known GI expert registered dietitian who specializes in working with celiac patients to help them understand and adopt a gluten-free diet. In this episode, Jessica explains 5 key things you need to know if you (or a loved one) have been diagnosed with celiac disease. She also shares her favorite resources and tips to help you navigate dining out and traveling on a gluten-free diet. You can find some of her favorite gluten-free foods and recipes @gluten_rd on instagram and check out her courses on GI OnDEMAND:  Celiac Disease 101 and Celiac Disease and the Gluten Free Diet. 

Do you or a loved one have trouble swallowing food? Does food ever get stuck in your throat? Do you or a loved one take longer to eat than everyone else and/or drink with every bite to help get the food down?  If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you or your loved one may have a condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

Learn more about EoE in this episode, "Undiagnosed and Suffering in Silence," which is Part 1 of a 4-Part Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Education Program targeting key areas of the patient journey from symptoms to diagnosis to treatment options to living and thriving with this serious health condition. 

Part 1 features Claire Beveridge, MD, who is a Staff Member in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and heads the Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) adult clinic as well as the transition pediatric to adult EoE clinic. Dr. Beveridge's specialty interests include: EoE, Achalasia, Barrett's esophagus, GERD, esophageal swallowing disorders, and esophageal motility disorders.

In this episode, Dr. Beveridge discusses such topics as:

•  What are EoE Symptoms (in adults/children)

•  How to find a provider

•  How to talk to your doctor

•  Prep for your appointment

•  What to Expect at your visit

•  How is EoE Diagnosed-? Tests? (What is an endoscopy and why would I have one)

•  My doctor scheduled me (my child or loved one) for endoscopy—what to expect/how to prep

*This patient education program is brought to you with support from Sanofi Regeneron and features leading Gastroenterologists and EoE experts from the Cleveland Clinic.

For the video version of this webinar visit youtube.com/gastrogirl.

If you’re curious about Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT), you’ll enjoy this episode where we chat with documentary filmmaker, Saffron Cassady, whose film, Designer Sh*t, shows her struggle with ulcerative colitis. After a decade of trying conventional treatments to alleviate her symptoms, Saffron documents her journey to determine if FMT could potentially help her feel better. Saffron gives us an inside look at her documentary, the steps she took to weigh the risks and potential benefits of FMT, and how she’s feeling today. We also welcome Dr. Neil Stollman, a leading gastroenterologist and microbiome expert in Oakland, California, who offers expert insight on FMT and explains what patients need to know about the scientific evidence and future potential of FMT. Check out designershitdocumentary.com to learn more about Saffron’s documentary. 

Joining us for this episode are the co-authors of a fabulous new book, “A Woman's Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What the F*@# Is Going On Down There?” Dr. Karyn Eilber and Dr. Victoria Scott are both urogynecologists who help women better understand their pelvic discomfort. They highlight five things women should know about their pelvic floor, including what may be causing symptoms or imbalances “down there.” Is it gastrointestinal? Is it hormonal? Is it structural? Find out in this candid but important conversation, so you’re better prepared to communicate what you’re feeling in your pelvic region to your healthcare team. 

Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)  like bloating, constipation and lower abdominal pain can overlap with or serve as warning signs of other women’s health conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and pelvic floor disorders that also impact the bladder. But how can women tell what is causing their lower abdominal pain and know what type of doctor can help them find relief? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Pooja SInghal, a Gastroenterologist and  Dr. Arielle Allen, a Urogynecologist, who explain the various signs and symptoms they look for to determine whether lower abdominal discomfort is a GI issue, a pelvic floor issue, or an issue specific to women. The doctors also share some tips for patients so they are better prepared for their next medical appointment in order to help their healthcare provider make the diagnosis quicker and determine the treatment path without delays. 

If you have Celiac Disease or are sensitive to gluten, Erica Dermer, aka Celiac and the Beast, wants you to know about some of the most satisfying gluten-free snacks on the market. In this episode, Erica shares some of her favorite picks found during her latest travels to food expos around the country. Follow her @celiacandthebeast on Instagram for updates on her favorite gluten-free finds.

The word “superfood” is everywhere. From product marketing to social media posts and online videos. But what exactly is a “superfood;” how do we determine whether one food is superior to another and what does that even mean? While some foods are certainly more nutrient dense than others, Registered Dietitian Beth Rosen explains why the word “superfood” is nothing more than a marketing buzzword, and why categorizing foods as “good” or “bad” or “super” can do more harm than good. Beth also shares five practical tips to help us take control of the way we view and choose the foods we eat.

In this special bonus episode we catch up with two performers featured in the Tune It Up Concert for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness that is streaming Thursday March 30th at 8pm EDT on gi.org/concert. First we introduce classical singer and hip hop producer Khary "K. F. Jacques" Laurent (kfjacques.com) who offers his perspective on the importance of colorectal cancer screening and why you should not delay talking with your doctor about any symptom or health concern. He also shares how he got linked up with the Tune It Up concert series. Then John Morris Russell, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (cincinnatisymphony.org/pops) shares his experience with colonoscopy prep as well as some special messages about the Tune It Up concert series, organized by Dr. Benjamin Levy of the University of Chicago.