Gastrointestinal Health | Granite Peaks Gastroenterology

Restoring Gut Health: How Gastroenterologists Tailor Treatments for Optimal Patient Outcomes

Posted on June 20, 2023June 20, 2023 by fuelmarketing

Gastroenterologists play a crucial role in restoring gut health and improving the overall well-being of patients. With their specialized training and expertise, they understand the complex nature of digestive disorders and employ a personalized approach to treatment. We will explore the multifaceted aspects of gut health restoration and how gastroenterologists tailor treatments for optimal patient outcomes.

Unveiling the Complexity of Gut Health

Your gastrointestinal tract is a complex system responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and sending nutrients to the appropriate parts of the body. Gastroenterologists recognize that various factors, such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environmental influences, can impact gut health. Understanding this complexity is vital for tailoring treatments that address the specific needs of each patient. The most important factor influencing gut health is diet. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet helps to maintain the body’s natural balance of bacteria in the gut and can help reduce inflammation associated with certain conditions. Eating a variety of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy gut.

Diagnostic Tools and Technique

Gastroenterologists employ different diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately assess a patient’s digestive health. One of the most common methods is endoscopy, which allows the visualization of the inside of the digestive tract. Procedures like colonoscopy and upper endoscopy enable the identification of abnormalities, such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. Imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs provide detailed images of the digestive organs, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning process. Gastroenterologists may utilize specialized tests to assess the functionality of the gut. These tests include stool analysis, breath tests, and blood work, which can help identify the presence of infections, food intolerances, or malabsorption issues. By combining these diagnostic tools and techniques, gastroenterologists can gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s gut health and tailor treatments accordingly.

Restoring Gut Health

Your digestive health is essential for overall physical and mental well-being. When the gut is unhealthy, it can lead to a wide range of issues, such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and even depression. Restoring gut health may require a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and supplementation. Dietary changes are key to restoring gut health. Eating a whole-foods-based diet and avoiding processed foods may be beneficial.

By understanding the complexity of gut health, utilizing diagnostic tools and techniques, and restoring gut health, these gastroenterologists strive to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from digestive disorders. Through their expertise and collaboration with patients, gastroenterologists pave the way for restoring gut health and achieving optimal well-being.

Make Sure to Have Your Gut Checked. Schedule an Appointment Here.

What Is the Western Diet and What Does It Mean for Your Health?

Posted on March 30, 2022March 30, 2022 by fuelmarketing

You have heard of different popular diets. However, the “Western Diet” is a generalization regarding the poor diet many Americans are thought to eat on a regular basis and what it might mean for your health, overall.

The Western Diet

The Western diet is a modern diet where prepackaged foods, refined grains, fried foods, high-fat dairy products, processed meats, conventionally raised animal products, red meat, eggs, potatoes, corn, high-sugar drinks, and candy and sweets are common and consumed in large quantities (think “super-size”). Healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and pasture-raised animal products are high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, protein and important nutrients.

The Impact on Digestive Health

Everyone likes something a little fatty, sweet or fried every so often. However, a regular diet high in those types of foods is considered unhealthy. These food choices tend to be low in fiber and high in fats and refined sugars. High fat diets harm your gut microbiome and can increase inflammation markers, making your body more prone to obesity and subsequent chronic diseases. The low fiber content in processed foods makes them less filling and satisfying, and can lead to constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and stomach pain among other digestive ailments.

The Health Implications of the Western Diet

The overall health implications of eating poorly can be alarming. It has been linked to conditions such as obesity, cancer, and diabetes. It can also lead to liver disease and cardiovascular disease.

What about nutrition? The foods common to the Western diet tend to be very calorie dense and low in nutrients. Over time, which can cause a person to suffer from being under-nourished, which is distinct from being underfed, in this case. Poor nutrition negatively impacts your health and quality of life.

Change Your Diet to Change Your Health

Learn as much as you can about food and the impact it has on your health. Use what you learn to make smart decisions that will benefit your health and well-being, and help you get the most nutritional value out of the foods you put in your body.

Your Granite Peaks gastroenterologist can help you determine whether your diet is helping or hurting you, and what you can do to improve your digestive health conditions.

Stress Management Techniques to Support Digestive Health

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Granite Peaks

Keeping your digestive system on track can be a delicate balance of several factors. What you eat and drink, how much exercise you get, and how stressed you feel are all parts of the equation that totals good gut health.

As part of the fight-or-flight body response to stress, cortisol is produced when the body is under stress. Cortisol helps your body respond to threats by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and glucose. It also slows other body functions, including digestion, so it makes sense that prolonged stress produces excessive cortisol and can negatively impact your digestive system.

Move

Most people know that taking a break to walk, run, swim, dance or get any form of exercise is a good way to de-stress. Not only does it help you burn off excess cortisol and calm your mind, but it gets all your muscles moving, including your heart, lungs and your digestive tract muscles. Your digestive system needs a bit of a workout too!

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are a great way to stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and take control over the functions of your body. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system handles the activities that take place when the body isn’t on high-alert, helping you feel less stressed.

Here’s a breathing exercise to try:

Choose a number to count to (at least up to three)
Inhale while counting to that number
Hold your lungs full of air for that long
Take that long to exhale
Hold your breath with your lungs empty for that long

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness helps you build awareness of your body and can help relieve stress and protect your digestive health. Practices such as yoga, meditation or body scanning can empower you to notice stress sooner and take steps to reduce it.

Not everything works for everybody but you can find the best way to help your body help itself, relieve stress, and allow your digestive system to function well.

Want to learn more about how stress affects your digestive system? Learn more here: Stress and Your Digestive System.

If you are experiencing prolonged digestive problems, talk to your Granite Peaks gastroenterology specialist. They can help you find the solutions to your digestive issues.

Six Ways to Keep Your Gut Moving

Posted on May 17, 2021May 10, 2021 by Granite Peaks

Six Ways to Keep Your Gut Moving

By Ginger Bailey, RDN, CD

When everything is going well, food moves through our system like a nicely regulated conveyer belt. Fuel goes in, the nutrients we need get extracted and absorbed, and the waste comes out the other end for elimination. But sometimes, this conveyor belt doesn’t work so well – especially if it moves too slowly near the end. When that happens, things get backed up, which can result in some very uncomfortable symptoms. I’m talking, of course, about constipation, and if you’ve ever suffered from it, you know it’s no laughing matter.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do with your diet to keep this system flowing well.

Six Ways to Keep Your Conveyor Belt Moving Smoothly

There are several factors that can make things move slower than they should. Here are a few things you can do with your diet if you frequently find yourself getting “backed up”.

Make sure you get enough fiber. Fiber does two critical things. It helps hold more water in your colon so that your stool doesn’t get dry and hard. It also helps provide bulk that triggers peristalsis – the muscular contractions in our digestive tract that propel food forward. Again, think of it like a grocery store conveyer belt. It helps your colon know there is something there so it can move things along. Fiber is found mainly in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes.
Ease up on the starch and protein. Starches and proteins tend to be more binding. They will usually cause your stool to be harder and hold less water in the colon. It’s okay to have some starch and protein, so long as they are eaten along with fruits and veggies—foods that have a higher fiber content. Many people eat too much starch and protein in proportion to the number of fruits and vegetables they consume, which can cause problems with regularity.
Drink more water. Most people don’t get adequate fluid intake. On top of that, many people consume caffeine which causes more fluid loss! If there isn’t enough fluid going through your system, your colon will try to reabsorb as much fluid as it can to prevent extra losses. In severe cases, this can cause a blockage.
Avoid unnecessary supplements. Many supplements are poorly absorbed by the body. If something isn’t well-absorbed, it will just move through your digestive tract and can stop things up. Look for the USP label on your supplements to make sure they have been tested for absorbability. Try to avoid taking nutritional supplements unless there is no way to get those nutrients through food. (For example, due to food allergies or other medical conditions.) Ask your doctor or dietitian for recommendations about what is necessary for you.
Get up and move! When you get moving, it helps promote peristalsis. If people aren’t getting enough physical movement, they will also tend to have more issues with constipation. Getting up and moving, even in short increments, can really help you get “unstuck”!
Are you taking medications that can cause constipation? Opiate pain medication and muscle relaxers are known to slow the system down and cause constipation. There are other medications that can also have this side effect. If you are concerned about this, talk with your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take. You can discuss options you might have to either change or discontinue medication if other interventions have failed.

Hopefully, a few of these simple tips will help get things flowing better – and you feeling better. But, if these suggestions are not enough to fix your slow digestion problems, then it is time to talk with a gastroenterologist or a dietitian who can evaluate your situation and recommend next steps.

Constipation can be a symptom of several gastrointestinal conditions. It is best to be sure there is no significant medical reason for your situation, then work on the right solution for your system – everyone is unique.

The specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology work with patients with these issues every day. Be sure to talk with them if you are suffering with any sort of digestive health problems to get the expert care you need.

Your Health and Safety is Our Greatest Concern.

Posted on May 26, 2020July 8, 2021 by Granite Peaks

As we have all weathered the last few months, we hope to find our patients safe and healthy. If you need gastrointestinal care and have put it off or delayed your screening tests, we are here for you and ready to provide care. Granite Peaks GI Clinic and Endoscopy Center are keeping precautions in place to make it safe and easy for you to get the digestive healthcare you need!

We offer Telehealth virtual visits for a convenient, safe way to see your provider from the privacy of your home. We are seeing patients inside our clinic and performing endoscopy procedures, as well.

If you visit our clinic, expect a few changes. You will find these processes in place to prevent infection of our patients and staff. These precautions are in place for the benefit of everyone – patients, visitors and staff – and their family at home.

We practice good hand hygiene before, during and after your visit and urge you to do the same.
All staff members wear a facemask at all times while inside the facilities.
Every staff member is pre-screened daily for fever and risk factors.
All surfaces are stringently cleaned after each patient and each use.
All patients are required to wear a facemask at all times while in our facilities.
All patients are pre-screened for fever and risk factors before entering our facilities.
Extra visitors (drivers, children, family) are not allowed in the building, unless necessary.
Telehealth appointments available to decrease the number of patients inside the facilities.

Your providers at Granite Peaks want you to feel safe when visiting us, and to know that we will do everything possible to keep you safe while you are receiving the healthcare you need to live well and feel your best.

Call our office today to schedule your next appointment with us.

Esophageal Motility Disorders: Treatment and Diagnosis

Posted on February 5, 2019April 18, 2019 by James Stewart

By James M. Stewart, MD

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a common problem that many people experience. Oftentimes, trouble swallowing is caused by acid reflux or even a small, but harmless, narrowing of the esophagus may cause food to stick in the throat. These conditions are usually assessed with an upper endoscopy where a dilation of the esophagus may be necessary. The diagnosis of acid reflux may require pharmacological control to improve swallowing mechanisms. However, there are some rare causes of dysphagia that do not respond to these techniques.

In order to swallow properly, a very coordinated series of muscle contractions must occur in order to move food from the back of the mouth and into the esophagus. Then a different set of muscle contractions further progress the food through the esophagus and into the stomach. Relaxation of the sphincter muscles (which act as valves) has to synchronize with the muscle contractions in order to move the food through the esophagus. As one might imagine, there are many opportunities for these muscles to function improperly, resulting in a feeling of strain or discomfort when swallowing.

Diagnosing Esophageal Motility Disorders

The best method of diagnosis for muscular disorders of the esophagus is through a test called a HIGH RESOLUTION ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY. This process involves placing a small catheter (tube) that contains multiple pressure sensors into the esophagus. The patient is then given a slightly salty sip of water to drink which activates a swallowing response. The manometry machine then records the measurement of pressure on each of the tube’s sensors. The observed patterns are then compared to what is considered a normal swallow. The differences can help show which area may not be functioning at an optimal level, and how to best address the issue. This test process takes about 30 minutes to complete. Esophageal muscular dysfunction of this level is not typical; therefore, this test is not a routine recommendation until after a patient has had an upper endoscopy and has also tried other therapy options first.

Treating Esophageal Motility Disorders

Since an esophageal manometry can diagnose many different muscular causes of difficulty swallowing, treatment largely depends on what the test shows as abnormal function. Sometimes surgery is indicated to open a part of the esophagus that may not appropriately relax, sometimes medications can be used to help the esophagus contract more vigorously or more gently, depending on the abnormality.

If you are experiencing difficulty when swallowing, make an appointment with one of the gastroenterology specialists at Granite Peaks GI for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. A full range of treatment options are available to appropriately address your needs for this condition.

Osteoporosis – The GI Connection

Posted on December 18, 2018April 18, 2019 by May Marschner

Edited by May Marschner, PA-C

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which bones become thin and weak, leading to an increased risk of fractures. In fact, people with osteoporosis can break a bone simply by falling at home. More than 1.3 million osteoporosis-related fractures occur every year in the United States. A common misconception is this is a disease that only affects women, but 20 percent of hip fractures in the elderly occur in men.

There are many GI conditions and therapies that may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have any of these risk factors, your gastroenterologist may recommend screening for osteoporosis. The goal of screening is to identify people who are at increased risk of sustaining a low-trauma fracture who would benefit from intervention to minimize that risk.

Who Should be Screened for Osteoporosis

-all women aged 65 and older and all men aged 70 and older

-post-menopausal women younger than 65 who have certain risk factors for fractures (previous fracture, family history of hip fracture, low body weight, smoking, excess alcohol use, rheumatoid arthritis)

-people taking chronic steroids, such as prednisone at a dose of more than 5 mg daily for more than 3 months

-people with malabsorption and maldigestion conditions such as celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis and short gut syndrome—these conditions may lead to decreased vitamin D and calcium absorption

-people with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

-people with chronic liver disease such as primary biliary cirrhosis

-people who have undergone certain weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass

Screening for Osteoporosis

The best tool to diagnose osteoporosis and to monitor changes in bone mass over time is a simple XRay called a DEXA scan. If you have any of the above-mentioned gastrointestinal conditions, or if you take steroids regularly (or have in the past), your gastroenterologist may recommend a DEXA scan.

The results of a DEXA scan are quantified with a T-score.

-a T-score from +1 to -1 signifies normal bone density

-a T-score between -1 and -2.5 signifies osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis)

-a T-score of -2.5 or less signifies osteoporosis

Prevention and Treatment for Osteoporosis

-stop smoking and excess alcohol consumption

-participate in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises

-get enough calcium—the recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1000 mg per day for men and pre-menopausal women, and 1000-1500 mg per day for post-menopausal women; the average dietary intake of calcium in this country is only 500 mg daily, meaning that most people need to take 500-1000 mg of a calcium supplement daily; foods and drinks high in calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, and foods fortified with calcium such as cereals and juices

-get enough vitamin D—you should get at least 600-1000 units daily; your body naturally makes vitamin D through sunlight exposure—foods and drinks high in vitamin D include salmon and tuna and foods fortified with vitamin D like milk and cereals

-medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help reduce bone loss—the most common medications are biphosphonates and include Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva and Reclast

-treat the underlying disease appropriately and/or reduce use of medications that increase your risk for osteoporosis

How Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Might Affect Your Bones

Proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium) block the production of acid in your stomach. Studies are controversial, but PPIs may decrease the absorption of calcium and increase the risk of fractures in people over the age of 50. The risk may increase with increasing dose and duration of PPI therapy. Short term PPI use has not been associated with bone density changes. Discuss with your doctor the benefits of taking a proton pump inhibitor if you have an increased risk of bone fractures. If a PPI is necessary long-term, the doctor will likely recommend a calcium supplement that doesn’t need stomach acid for absorption, such as calcium citrate (Cal-Citrate).

In summary, if you have a condition such as celiac disease, chronic liver disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease; if you take chronic prednisone; or if you have undergone a prior gastric bypass procedure, you should talk to your Granite Peaks gastroenterologist about osteoporosis screening, prevention and treatment.

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Posted on November 27, 2018May 28, 2019 by Granite Peaks

A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in the normal and disease processes of the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. A gastroenterologist (sometimes called a GI doctor) completes their medical degree, usually in Internal Medicine, then completes an intense, specialty fellowship in gastroenterology. A GI doctor becomes well-versed in diagnosing and evaluating patients with gastrointestinal conditions. Once properly diagnosed, patients will benefit from a treatment plan to manage symptoms and repair, or prevent further damage to the digestive system.

What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?

In addition to clinical practice, gastroenterologists are skilled in performing endoscopy procedures. Colonoscopy and EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) procedures are common in a gastroenterologist’s practice. They use a flexible, lighted tube with a camera to see inside the digestive tract. This practice is used to screen for colon cancer, remove polyps, test for celiac disease, dilate the esophagus and gather biopsies to test for conditions that may or may not be apparent by visual examination alone.

Common Gastroenterology Procedures, Symptoms and Conditions

– Colon Cancer Screening
– Hemorrhoid Removal
– Esophageal Stricture Dilation
– Rectal Bleeding
– Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s
– Barrett’s Disease
– Celiac Disease
– GERD – Heartburn, Acid Reflux
– H Pylori
– Liver Disease
– Gallbladder Disease
– Pancreatitis
– Hepatitis C
– Lactose Intolerance
– Irritable Bowel Syndrome
– Nausea, Vomiting, Intestinal Distress
– Change in Bowel Habits
– Infusion and Medication Management

The board-certified gastroenterologists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology and the physician assistants who specialize in gastroenterology at our GI clinic are highly-trained, experienced healthcare providers with the advanced skills to diagnose and treat patients suffering from digestive health disorders.

Probiotics – Helpful for Some

Posted on November 6, 2018April 18, 2019 by Andrew Heiner

By Andrew Heiner, MD and May Marschner, PA-C

As the interest in probiotics has greatly increased nationwide, it is important to know that there is very limited data supporting when to use probiotics, which strains are most effective, and what benefits they actually provide.

Recent studies to determine the effectiveness and benefits (or negative effects) of probiotics on the system are somewhat inconclusive. There are not only multiple forms, strains and qualities of probiotics, there are also many types of people. Some individuals are naturally resistant to the bacteria in probiotics, while others may see successful colonization of microbes when probiotics are introduced. The mechanisms of action of probiotics in various disease states are not fully understood, nor is the question of contamination.

Recent research tested a group of patients taking a course of antibiotics. The group of patients was divided and treated in one of three ways:

– No intervention at all, leaving the patient to regain normal status on their own,
– Took probiotics after antibiotic therapy,
– Reinstated with original microbiomes to the gut. These microbiomes were taken from their own gut before they took antibiotics and reintroduced by Autologous Fecal Microbiome Transplant (aFTM).

Although the group taking probiotics saw rapid recolonization, the probiotic’s quick takeover prevented the participants’ normal bacteria from repopulating – delaying the return to normal for months. The aFMT group was returned to normality within days.

Another study has determined that probiotic use can result in an inappropriate accumulation of bacteria in the small intestine that can result in brain fogginess and rapid, significant belly bloating. Researchers found high levels of D-lactic acid being produced by the bacteria lactobacillus’ fermentation of sugars in food. D-lactic acid interferes with cognition and sense of time. Some patients using probiotics had two to three times the normal amount of D-lactic acid in their system, impacting their cognitive abilities. Probiotic-containing foods such as yogurt, fermented foods and dark chocolate provide normal amounts of bacteria rather than the significant blast of microbes that probiotic supplements offer.

Probiotics do offer therapeutic benefits to patients suffering with certain medical issues, but assuming they are harmless and a benefit to everyone may be a false assumption and requires further research. Patients who are immunocompromised, hospitalized, or post-op should not take probiotics without speaking with a healthcare professional.

Some Good News

In patients with pouchitis, studies have found that probiotics are an effective treatment for mild ileal inflammation and help prevent further inflammatory damage. Probiotics have also been well-studied in infectious diarrhea in pediatric patients — with the main benefit being a shorter duration of diarrhea-type symptoms. Recent studies have shown that probiotics reduce the risk of c. difficile associated diarrhea by 50% in hospitalized patients when started within two days of the first dose of antibiotics. The research on IBS is more limited, but controlled trials in patients with IBS-D have shown that B infantis 35624 at a dose of 1×10⁸CFU per day for four weeks can reduce bloating, abdominal pain, bowel dysfunction, incomplete evacuation, straining, and passage of gas. Other strains of bacteria (such as B bifidum MIMBb75) have been shown to not only improve IBS symptoms but also patient quality of life.

The above research sounds promising and there are many studies currently underway which should provide more insight into the risks and benefits of probiotics in the future. It is important to remember that probiotics should not be used as a substitute for scientifically proven treatments.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking probiotics, particularly if you have medical issues, as they have proven to cause some adverse effects in people with certain illnesses. As more research becomes available, we hope to gain more knowledge about the possible uses, and risks, associated with probiotics in order to provide the best possible treatment options for patients.

Obesity and Your Gastrointestinal Health

Posted on June 12, 2018April 18, 2019 by Steven Desautels

By Steven G. Desautels

Obesity is a growing medical and public health problem worldwide. The health implications of obesity include a wide spectrum of benign digestive diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus (BE), erosive esophagitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), gallstones, and pancreatitis and digestive organ cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), and esophageal cancer.

Esophagus:

Obesity increases the prevalence of esophageal motility (i.e. movement) disorders. Esophageal transit time has been demonstrated to be prolonged in subjects with obesity. This is thought to be related to increased gastric and gastroesophageal junction resistance. Excess body weight produces higher intra-abdominal pressure and reduces lower esophageal sphincter pressure, predisposing obese individuals to GERD. Obesity is one of the known risk factors for developing erosive esophagitis. Barrett’s refers to the replacement of the normal squamous epithelium of the distal (lower) esophagus by specialized columnar epithelium. Barrett’s is usually a consequence of chronic GERD and predisposes one to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Several studies have shown an association between obesity, abdominal circumference and metabolic syndrome and Barrett’s esophagus. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing. The molecular mechanisms linking obesity and esophageal adenocarcinoma have been investigated extensively and thought to be related to increased insulin and insulin like growth factors.

Stomach:

Gastric physiology and its neurohormonal regulation are altered in obesity. Higher BMI has been associated with greater fasting gastric volume and accelerated gastric emptying of solids and liquids. Obesity has been found to be a risk factor for erosive gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Obesity is considered a pro inflammatory and pro carcinogenic and is recognized as an important risk factor for cancer, including gastric cancer.

Small intestine:

The prevalence of diarrhea in obese individuals is higher compared with normal weight controls. This is thought to be related to several mechanisms including bile acid diarrhea, accelerated colonic transit, increased mucosal permeability or intestinal inflammation. Medications used by obese individuals such as Metformin for diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome also may cause diarrhea.

Colon and rectum:

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing diverticulosis. Several studies have documented an increased prevalence of adenomatous polyps with elevated BMI. Similarly, obesity is associated with an increased risk of adenoma recurrence.

Liver:

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the United States and the most frequent cause of increased transaminase levels (liver enzymes). Patients with NAFLD are at risk of progressive fibrosis and eventual cirrhosis. NAFLD confers increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Gallbladder:

Obesity has been well recognized for its strong association with gallstone disease, including cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and cholesterolosis. Cholesterolosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in the mucosa of the gallbladder wall. It is a benign condition that is usually diagnosed incidentally during cholecystectomy or on ultrasonography.

Pancreas:

Obesity and fat infiltration of the pancreas play a significant role in the endocrine pancreatic dysfunction that leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity is associated with more severe acute pancreatitis. Meta-analyses have reported an association between BMI and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.