Natalia Chi
I can see why gut health is importantTrying to eat foods that support the gut microbiomeBut how can you check your gut health?
Professionals tell us to recognize symptoms and respond to them.
Aditya Sreenivasan, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, says, “If you’re feeling well, you don’t need to go to a gastroenterologist and ask, ‘What can I do to improve my gut health?'” I’m explaining. Instead, watch out for frequent issues such as:
- reflux
- gas bloating
- constipation
- diarrhea
“If you have these symptoms, I think the first step is probably to see a gastroenterologist and have the necessary tests done to diagnose the cause of your symptoms,” he says.
But before you worry, remember that it’s normal for everyone to experience these things from time to time. to pay.
“In the absence of these consistent symptoms, preventive workup and screening should not be aggressively pursued,” says Sreenivasan.
But don’t skip it even if you feel good colon cancer screeningThis should be done even in the absence of symptoms to detect potentially problematic polyps before they develop into cancer.American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at age 45 For people with average risk.
If you are experiencing “red flag” symptoms, such as unexplained rectal bleeding or weight loss, you should see your doctor immediately.
If you’re experiencing milder symptoms, noting a few other gastrointestinal issues and sharing them with your doctor may also help, says a transplant gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University. Dr. Shilpa Lavera says. These include:
- the color of your stool
- If the stool floats or sinks
- food intolerances or sensitivities
Recognizing these factors can help guide what treatment approach to take, she explains.
As for other tests, Ravella explains that some companies have started selling microbiome kits meant to check for different types of microbes in the microbiome, which she recommends. Is not …
“It doesn’t have much clinical relevance,” says Ravella. “Your microbiome is as unique as your fingerprint, so it can be difficult to point out differences between studies….when you take that test and check your microbiome…from a clinical perspective I don’t tell my doctor too much.I don’t have enough information yet.Maybe in the future I will.
