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What is gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the study and treatment of the digestive system. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver are all studied under gastroenterology. This field encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the normal functions of the gastrointestinal organs, which includes processes such as motility (material movement), digestion, absorption of nutrients into the body, elimination of waste from the system, and the liver's vital role in digestion.

Who is a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a certified doctor specializing in treating gastrointestinal and liver illnesses. The 13 most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders are:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Lactose intolerance
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Crohn's disease
• Acute and chronic pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Gallstones
• Diverticulitis

Education and training of gastroenterologists 

To practice as a gastroenterologist, an aspirant's journey starts way before residency. Students must initially earn an undergraduate degree in a field like biology or chemistry. After this, they enroll in an accredited medical school for up to four years of training. In medical school, students learn about human anatomy and physiology basics. They must also attend clinical rotations under various specialties of medicine. Following medical school, doctors enroll in an internal medicine residency program. A residency usually takes up to 3 years to complete.

A doctor is only eligible for extra specialized training (fellowship) in gastroenterology after completing a three-year internal medicine residency. During this fellowship training, gastroenterologists acquire in-depth knowledge regarding the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and related disorders under the guidance of nationally recognized experts in the field. Furthermore, they receive training in endoscopy, including upper GI endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.

What are the causes of gastrointestinal problems?

Some causes of gastrointestinal problems include:

A low-fiber diet

Fiber, a form of carbohydrate, is critical for digestive health. It keeps you fuller and aids in the digestion of certain foods. Fibers provide a much-needed source of nutrition for the billions of beneficial bacteria (microbiota) that coexist in our large intestines and have many health benefits.

The daily fiber intake for women and men younger than 50 years should be 25 and 38 g, respectively. You'll need to eat less if you're over 50 (around 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men). Fiber can be present in many foods, including fruits (albeit almost entirely in the skin), whole grains, legumes, beans, and vegetables. A low-fiber diet can cause bloating and digestive problems like constipation, stomach pain, and even the onset of colon cancer.

Feeling stressed

Stress and anxiety impact mental and digestive health, particularly gut bacteria. Recent medical studies show a well-established relationship between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. The gut possesses more neurons than the spinal cord because these two systems are in constant bidirectional communication, transmitting messages. Stress has been associated with a range of digestive disorders, including loss of appetite, inflammation, bloating, cramping, and changes in the microbiota. 

Drinking insufficient amounts of water

Water is vital for digestive health since it aids in the cleansing of the entire gastrointestinal tract. It softens the stool, preventing constipation. More importantly, water is believed to help the breakdown of meals and allow the gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients more quickly and effectively. Insufficient water intake can lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Consuming excessive dairy products

Milk and cheese are typically high in difficult-to-digest lipids and proteins, and medical research suggests they may have pro-inflammatory effects. Eating excessive dairy products might make you feel bloated, gassy, constipated, and have abdominal cramps.

A sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle can exert detrimental effects on your overall health and digestive well-being. This is why doctors often recommend a combination of physical activity, dietary modifications that exclude inflammatory triggers while increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory nutrients, and, when required, medications to address specific gastrointestinal conditions.

Aging

Unfortunately, aging is unavoidable and can add to the risk of gastrointestinal problems. A decrease in the activity of digestive glands can influence gut motility, contribute to reflux issues, and increase the risk of certain digestive diseases. Additionally, cancers affecting the digestive system can pose significant challenges, particularly among the aging population. 

Genetic factors

Many immunological and autoimmune gastrointestinal illnesses have a genetic component passed down from generation to generation. In certain situations, having these altered genes is enough to cause a gastrointestinal disease like cystic fibrosis or hereditary pancreatitis. Although genes play a role in the story, they aren't the whole picture. Environmental factors also influence the development of diseases. Changes in one's lifestyle may be able to help. Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and certain liver diseases are examples of predisposed genetic disorders.‍

Your gut and mood: how they’re connected

The next time you're feeling down, it might not just be the weather or a rough day at work—what you're eating could be playing a major role.

Your stomach does more than hold food until it's ready to be digested. It's also a key player in the ongoing conversation between your brain and the trillions of tiny microbes—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—living in your gut. These microbes constantly send messages throughout your digestive system that can influence your mood, emotions, sleep, metabolism, and overall health.

As your body breaks down food, these microbes work, making vitamins, communicating with your immune system, and even affecting your brain's functions. When your gut is out of balance—dysbiosis—it can send the wrong signals, leading to mood changes and various health issues.

An imbalanced gut may raise the risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and colon cancer. When the gut wall becomes more porous, harmful toxins can enter the bloodstream, worsening these conditions.

Maintaining a healthy gut requires a diverse range of bacteria. You can support this by eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in salmon, which help your gut's good bacteria (prebiotics). Limiting red meat, high-fat foods, and simple carbohydrates is also crucial. Foods that contain probiotics—such as fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt with live cultures help improve digestion, boost your immune system's functioning, and alleviate troublesome symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A daily probiotic supplement with strains like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli can further promote gut health.

Though there is still much debate about the gut's relationship to overall health, it's clear that eating a diverse diet, exercising regularly, and incorporating probiotics can improve the health of your gut—and, in turn, your whole body.

How to heal an unhealthy gut?

Once you know the underlying cause of your gut problems, you can change your diet and lifestyle to help heal your gut and improve your overall health. Here are a few ways to heal an unhealthy gut:

• The gut plays an important role in breaking down and absorbing nutrients, underscoring the importance of consuming nutrient-rich foods to promote a healthy gut.
• The gut microbiome contains beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and fight harmful organisms.
• It is also possible to keep the gut healthy by eating probiotic-rich foods or taking a probiotic supplement.
• Sleep issues can be caused by not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep, which can severely affect gut health. If you have sleeping trouble, talk to your doctor about getting at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
• Chewing your food slowly lowers your chances of developing obesity and diabetes while helping you make better food choices. As a result, you may experience less digestive discomfort and maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Consuming high-fiber food such as:
• Vegetables like broccoli and asparagus
• Legumes like black beans and chickpeas
• Whole grains like oats and quinoa
• Nuts like almonds, pistachios

When should you see a gastroenterologist near you?

Gastroenterologists, or GI specialists, often practice in outpatient clinics or hospitals. They perform various tests to diagnose conditions related to the digestive system. Generally, patients are referred to gastroenterologists by their primary care or family doctors.

However, you can visit a GI specialist near you for the following reasons:

• Frequent acid reflux and heartburn:

Acid reflux and heartburn can occur when stomach acid flows into the esophagus, often due to a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. Symptoms may include a hot or acidic taste at the back of your throat, difficulty in swallowing food, and chest pain.

Although occasional heartburn or acid reflux can be managed at home, you should visit a specialist if they occur more often. Frequent occurrences can indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease or even more serious conditions like cancer. Gastroenterologists can diagnose and provide appropriate treatment.

• Recurrent or severe abdominal problems:

Most abdominal problems, such as bloating, gas, and aches, can occur for different reasons. However, they usually resolve on their own within a few days. Specialist intervention is required when these problems persist or return frequently, especially when accompanied by bowel difficulties and nausea.

Some causes include acute conditions such as viral infections or severe issues such as appendicitis. You should visit a GI specialist near you if the pain lasts longer than a few days.In cases of severe pain, consider seeking immediate care in the emergency room.

• Problems with bowel movements:

Occasional bouts of diarrhea and constipation can affect anyone, often due to dietary factors or minor illnesses. However, consistent or prolonged issues with bowel movements should raise concern. These problems can stem from various causes, spanning from foodborne illnesses to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterologists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose these issues and recommend appropriate treatments.

• Colorectal cancer screening:

Colorectal cancer ranks as the fourth leading cancer in the US, excluding skin cancer. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Gastroenterologists are well-equipped to perform colorectal cancer screenings, and it is recommended that individuals undergo regular screenings starting at the age of 45, according to the American Cancer Society. These screenings can help detect and treat colorectal cancer in its early stages.

Finding the best gastroenterologist near you in Austin, TX

Finding a good gastroenterologist is critical if you are experiencing problems with your gastrointestinal tract. During your initial visit, the doctor should offer you their complete, undivided attention and answer all your questions about your concerns and available treatment options. 

With Zocdoc, you can find the best gastroenterologist near you in Austin in just a few clicks. On the Zocdoc website, enter your condition, location, date, and insurance carrier. If you can't find your specific health insurance plan listed on Zocdoc, try uploading an image of your insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the card and match it with the closest plan. Remember, this only works for medical insurance—vision and dental plans are not supported.

If you have issues uploading your card or have other questions, you can reach Zocdoc's service team through chat, phone, or email. For more details on insurance or other topics, visit Zocdoc's patient help center. The website will show you a list of top-rated gastroenterologists near you. The customized filters will also help you to refine your search.

All practitioners listed on Zocdoc have dedicated profiles containing information about their education, qualifications, experience, specialty, location, affiliations, and awards and recognition, among other things. Moreover, verified patient reviews are also available to help you to make the best choice.

Zocdoc can also help you book appointments on weekends and post 5 pm, depending on the doctor's availability. You can book in-person as well as online consultations. All bookings are fast, free, and secure!

Statistics related to digestive problems in Texas, U.S.

Digestive problems affect 62 million Americans every year. Most digestive illnesses become more common as people get older. Inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and chronic liver disease are further outliers that are more common in young and middle-aged persons.

Digestive illnesses account for 25% of all surgical procedures. In the United States, digestive problems rank third in total economic cost. Fourteen million acute digestive diseases are treated yearly, accounting for one-third of all cancers and many of the most prevalent acute infections. Colorectal cancer is the second largest cause of cancer death in women and men in the United States, accounting for about 51,000 fatalities annually.

According to the Texas Cancer Registry Mortality File from September 2015, colon cancer is the third most common cause of death. According to the Texas Cancer Registry Invasive Cancer Incidence, Jan 2016, colon and rectal cancer is Texas's fourth most frequent cancer.

Sources

American College of Gastroenterology

GI Alliance

Healthline

WebMD [1]

WebMD [2]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Nebraska Medicine

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.