Healthy Tips to Ring in the New Year

New Year's celebrations often carry the tradition of establishing New Year’s resolutions. To countless people in the United States, this represents developing goals to promote a healthier life. When you look for tips to optimize a healthy diet and healthy living, make sure to consider steps to improve your gut health. Your gastrointestinal (GI) system carries out an array of crucial functions that work to help preserve your systemic health and wellness. Now is an excellent time to create an action plan to take great care of your gut and welcome in the New Year in good health.

Digestive Health Associates of Texas is proud to be your partner in the fight against GI issues. Individuals in need of further suggestions on how they can improve their gastrointestinal wellness or who are experiencing any symptoms involving possible digestive conditions are welcome to contact our practice in Dallas, TX to meet with a board-certified gastroenterologist.

What dietary tips can help to improve GI health?

Begin the New Year by following some healthy dietary habits. Among the most helpful actions you can take to enhance your GI health is to consume an adequate amount of fiber-rich foods. By doing so, you can help keep your digestive system processing properly and may ward off issues, like diverticulitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids. A selection of foods to add to your diet that contain a high amount of fiber include:

- Artichokes

- Green peas

- Apples

- Broccoli

- Whole grains

- Lentils

- Beans

- Chickpeas

Aside from foods rich in fiber, you can also think about including probiotics in your nutritional intake. The digestive system relies on an appropriate amount of helpful flora to work in the best possible way. If you increase the consumption of good bacteria, you can potentially support the proper balance in your digestive tract. Probiotics can be consumed in supplement form or added to your diet in the foods you eat, such as yogurt or other fermented foods.

What are other tips to improve my GI health?

The foods you eat are merely a portion of the battle. Other factors that could help elevate your gastrointestinal health include an exercise regimen. Keeping your body moving might help hinder and relieve constipation as well as increase the strength of your muscles. Another thing you could consider to help bolster your digestive health is to effectively manage stress. Unmanaged stress and anxiety can potentially result in issues like vomiting, nausea, and constipation. Tips to reduce stress include getting a proper amount of sleep, practicing meditation, and forging meaningful connections with the people in your life. Given that tobacco products have a harmful impact on every part of the body, one final way you can improve your GI health is to quit smoking and using tobacco.

Should I see a GI specialist?

Even though following healthy dietary habits and maintaining a healthy way of life might considerably enhance your gut health, there could be situations in which you should consult a digestive health physician for more distressing problems. Some of the more common indications that you could be experiencing a gastrointestinal condition or disease include:

- Trouble passing bowels

- Incontinence

- Unintentional weight loss

- Frequent heartburn

- Abdominal pain

- Vomiting and nausea

- Bloody stool

- Loose stools

If you experience one or more of the signs and symptoms listed above, contact Digestive Health Associates of Texas promptly. You can schedule a visit with an accomplished GI doctor in Dallas, TX who can detect and help manage digestive problems that cause these bothersome issues.

When should I get a colonoscopy?

Taking measures to maintain good gut wellness also consists of remaining current on preventive care. Colorectal cancer is the third leading type of cancer for both men and women, but fortunately, catching the disease early can significantly boost its prognosis. Doctors recommend that adults begin having periodic colonoscopy exams when they are 45 years old. In the event a colonoscopy exam shows no concerns, then you won't need another one for about a decade. Individuals can arrange to receive a colonoscopy at one of our Digestive Health Associates of Texas locations.

Speak with a gastroenterologist in Dallas, TX

Why wait until the start of the year to begin taking control of your GI health? Move forward with the healthier, new you starting now. With the help of Digestive Health Associates of Texas, you can begin the New Year with improved GI health. Our Dallas, TX gastrointestinal specialists are among the top practitioners in the field. To arrange for a visit or for further details, please contact Digestive Health Associates of Texas today.