So, you’ve been diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and your doctor advises rubber band ligation. What next? We will answer your questions about hemorrhoid banding here. By: Gregory M Lam, DO There’s a reason rubber band ligation is one of the most commonly used and effective procedures in hemorrhoid treatment. While physicians have been performing the [...]
Many of us might overindulge during the holidays, but persistent stomach pain after eating can warn of a gastrointestinal illness. Here’s how to tell. On average, 34% of Americans suffer stomach pain after eating during the holidays, thanks to enjoying too many rich foods and drinks. But if you experience pain after having only [...]
At least 20% of adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this blog, we explain why diagnosing GERD is important and how it determines better treatment. People understand that what they eat and drink can trigger heartburn or acid reflux flare-ups and discomfort. What some of these same people might not know is that [...]
October 2025 You Want Me to Swallow a Camera? Really? While it may sound bizarre, swallowing a tiny camera encased in a vitamin-sized capsule is a terrific way for your doctor to learn what’s happening in your digestive tract. The procedure, called a capsule endoscopy, provides a close-up look at your entire digestive tract. [...]
One in four Americans is taking or is interested in GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss. This blog explains the Ozempic effect on GI function. It’s widely understood that GLP-1 drugs diminish your appetite. Here’s something else you should digest: the “Ozempic effect” on GI functionality. Nearly 12% of all Americans have used [...]
A healthy gut diet can reduce IBD symptoms, but which is right for you? Learn how an emerging approach called precision nutrition can help relieve IBD. People diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease typically face two realities: their lifestyle is literally cramped by illness, and they spend as much time searching for a healthy gut diet [...]
Could excessive flatulence signal a GI issue? Learn the causes of gas, how to manage symptoms, and when to see a GI specialist. By: Said Nabhan, M.D. Your gastrointestinal tract performs much like a factory. It converts raw materials – nutrients – into energy and then packs what’s left over into waste (stool) that you [...]
External hemorrhoids can be painful and embarrassing. They can also lead to other health issues and lifestyle changes. Learn your treatment options. A popular myth has it that Napoleon Bonaparte lost the Battle of Waterloo due to external hemorrhoids so painful he couldn’t ride his horse to survey the battlefield. While historians argue the [...]
Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, can be an effective technique for calming common GI issues. This blog explains how to perform them. By: Said Nabhan, M.D. The old saying goes that the way to someone’s heart is through the stomach. Well, here’s a new saying: The way to ease heartburn is through the belly [...]
June 2025 How a Rubber Band Can Eliminate Hemorrhoids If you’re bothered by internal hemorrhoids – found within the lining of the anus and lower rectum – hemorrhoid banding may be the answer. It’s a common treatment that works just as you might guess. During this outpatient procedure, a rubber band or ring is [...]
