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Digestive Health

The Ultimate Guide to a Diet for a Healthy Gut

2024-08-22T09:39:46-04:00

Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall well-being, and diet plays a pivotal role in achieving this balance. From promoting healthy gut flora to managing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and stomach pain, understanding what to eat—and what to avoid—can significantly impact your digestive health. In this blog, we'll explore the best dietary practices for a healthy gut, address common concerns like leaky gut, and provide practical advice for dealing with various stomach issues. Understanding Leaky Gut and Its Impact What Is Leaky Gut? Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, [...]

The Ultimate Guide to a Diet for a Healthy Gut2024-08-22T09:39:46-04:00

Understanding Stage 5 Colon Cancer Symptoms

2024-06-20T16:50:41-04:00

Understanding Stage 5 Colon Cancer Symptoms Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, progresses through various stages. Typically, the staging system ranges from Stage 0 to Stage 4. However, the term "Stage 5 colon cancer" is not a standard medical classification. Most likely, people referring to "Stage 5" mean an advanced Stage 4 cancer, indicating further metastasis and severe symptoms. This blog will explore the symptoms of advanced Stage 4 colon cancer, highlighting the critical aspects you need to know. What is Stage 4 Colon Cancer? Stage 4 colon cancer is the most advanced form of the disease. At this [...]

Understanding Stage 5 Colon Cancer Symptoms2024-06-20T16:50:41-04:00

Unlocking the Sweet Benefits of Dark Chocolate on Gut Health and the Microbiome

2024-03-28T20:45:52-04:00

Unlocking the Sweet Benefits of Dark Chocolate on Gut Health and the Microbiome Dark chocolate has become more than just a guilty pleasure in recent years. With its rich flavor and potential health benefits, this delectable treat has captured the attention of health-conscious individuals seeking to indulge in something sweet while still nourishing their bodies. Beyond its antioxidant properties and mood-boosting effects, dark chocolate has been increasingly recognized for its positive impact on gut health and the microbiome. Understanding Gut Health and the Microbiome Before delving into the benefits of dark chocolate, it's essential to understand the significance of gut [...]

Unlocking the Sweet Benefits of Dark Chocolate on Gut Health and the Microbiome2024-03-28T20:45:52-04:00

Navigating Holiday Celebrations with Digestive Sensitivity: Insights from Dr. Lynn O’Connor

2024-03-22T17:58:01-04:00

Navigating Holiday Celebrations with Digestive Sensitivity: Insights from Dr. Lynn O'Connor With several holidays in the coming weeks (Purim, Holi, Easter, the end of Ramadan, and Passover), and as someone who specializes in colorectal health, I understand the challenges individuals with digestive issues face during festive gatherings. I'm Dr. Lynn O'Connor, and I'm here to share some valuable insights on handling holiday gatherings with grace and care, ensuring a joyful celebration without compromising your digestive well-being.   Plan Ahead: Know Your Triggers I have found that a key aspect of successfully managing digestive issues during holiday celebrations is understanding your [...]

Navigating Holiday Celebrations with Digestive Sensitivity: Insights from Dr. Lynn O’Connor2024-03-22T17:58:01-04:00

Why is Nutritional Counseling Important for Colorectal Cancer Patients?

2023-05-30T16:23:36-04:00

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious illness that affects millions of people around the world. According to the American Cancer Society, CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States alone. While there are various treatments available for CRC patients, nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall health and recovery. Nutritional counseling can help CRC patients improve their nutritional status, quality of life, and even clinical outcomes! The importance of improving nutritional status One recent study published in June 2022 conducted on CRC patients found that nutritional counseling [...]

Why is Nutritional Counseling Important for Colorectal Cancer Patients?2023-05-30T16:23:36-04:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

2023-03-29T19:05:49-04:00

Did you know that April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month? I wanted to take a moment to talk about this condition and shed some light on its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome? While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to it, such as:  Abnormalities in the muscles or nerves of the intestines Inflammation in the intestines Changes in the gut microbiome Food intolerances or sensitivities Genetic or environmental susceptibility Thankfully, there are ways to manage and improve the quality of life for those who struggle [...]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month2023-03-29T19:05:49-04:00

Colon Cancer Risk Factors and Disparities

2020-10-01T16:05:04-04:00

Many lifestyle-related risk factors can raise your chances of developing colon cancer. While some people who get the disease may not have any of the risk factors, it's important to be aware of them. Certain racial backgrounds, like African Americans, are more at risk to develop the disease. African Americans are disproportionately burdened by cancer in general, and colorectal cancer is no exception. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. The reason behind this usually stems from [...]

Colon Cancer Risk Factors and Disparities2020-10-01T16:05:04-04:00

Ask Nurse Alice Podcast: What We Should Know About Colon Cancer

2020-09-09T21:51:02-04:00

When news broke that Chadwick Boseman suddenly passed away from colon cancer, I was completely shocked. The news has been a wake-up call for everyone, especially the African-American community, to start paying closer attention to our health. I recently was a guest on the Ask Nurse Alice podcast, hosted by the amazing nurse and online personality, Alice Benjamin, RN. We had a great conversation where I was able to share my expertise and knowledge about colorectal health and colon cancer. Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vSEVGG2EZPVTm1mWWSK2B Transcription Nurse Alice: Hi, friends welcome to another episode of Ask Nurse [...]

Ask Nurse Alice Podcast: What We Should Know About Colon Cancer2020-09-09T21:51:02-04:00

Dr. Lynn O’Connor in the News: Why is my Poop Green or Black?

2020-07-24T15:04:26-04:00

As a colorectal surgeon, my patients often ask me about what they should be aware of when it comes to bowel movements. One question I'm often asked is, "Is it normal for my poop to be a different color?"  The truth is, poop can come in come in many different shapes and colors! It's not necessarily a bad thing for your stools to appear green or black. Your diet is a big factor that affects the color of your poop. Green foods like leafy greens, matcha, avocados and herbs can cause your poop to appear a green color. This is [...]

Dr. Lynn O’Connor in the News: Why is my Poop Green or Black?2020-07-24T15:04:26-04:00

Understanding and Treating Constipation

2020-02-17T14:29:11-05:00

Now that the holidays and Super Bowl viewing parties are over, a lot of us are trying to get back on track with our diets and exercise routine. This is also a common time of year when many of my patients experience constipation.  People often think of constipation as having bowel movements that are hard to pass and stool is often hard and dry.  Constipation is actually defined as a condition in which a person has fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week and yes, most of the time stools are hard dry and small, making them difficult and [...]

Understanding and Treating Constipation2020-02-17T14:29:11-05:00
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