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Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants Blog View all posts

Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?
Those bulges on your bum make sitting and toileting miserable. How long do hemorrhoids last? Can you get rid of them at home? When do you need to call a doctor? Get help for your hemorrhoids here.
May 1st, 2023

When to See a Specialist About Chronic Constipation
Everyone has a little trouble going number two now and then, but if the problem persists, you may have chronic constipation, which can stem from and lead to a long list of health problems. Here are the signs it’s time to call an expert.
Apr 2nd, 2023

Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux: What's the Difference?
You often hear the terms “acid reflux” and “heartburn” used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Here’s what you need to know about heartburn and acid reflux, how they affect you, and what you can do about them.
Mar 16th, 2023

5 Ways to Prevent a Crohn’s Flare-Up
Living with Crohn’s disease is no fun, but you can live a much more enjoyable life by following these tips for preventing uncomfortable flare-ups.
Feb 14th, 2023

How to Manage IBS Triggers Through the Holidays

Juggling to-do lists, planning and attending parties, and all that food — the holidays are packed with everything you and your IBS try to avoid the rest of the year. Don’t panic. These tips help you handle the season with fewer symptoms and more joy.
Dec 13th, 2022

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?
The number of folks under 50 diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has steadily risen since the mid-1990s, prompting a recommendation for earlier screenings. Keep reading to find out when you should come in for a colonoscopy.
Oct 3rd, 2022

Tips on How to Prevent Heartburn
That burning sensation in your chest means acid from your stomach has backed up into your esophagus. It’s uncomfortable at the moment, but over time, it can be destructive. Here’s how you can prevent it.
Aug 1st, 2022

Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids on My Own?
They itch, they burn, and they make it hard to sit. You need to get rid of your hemorrhoids, but you’d rather solve the problem in the privacy of your own home, if possible. Here’s how to treat hemorrhoids on your own, and when to seek help.
Jul 11th, 2022

Understanding What Triggers Ulcerative Colitis
If you have ulcerative colitis, you know that panicky feeling when you need a bathroom NOW, but there’s none to be found. To prevent those moments and other UC symptoms, avoid these potential flare-up triggers.
Jun 1st, 2022

The Link Between Pregnancy and Heartburn
You’re looking forward to delivering your bundle of joy for the snuggles, the coos — and finally getting rid of your pregnancy-related heartburn. Yes, there’s a connection. What can you do about it?
May 4th, 2022

Why Orbera Might Be the Answer to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. It seems like nothing works, and you’re hungry all the time. It’s time to try Orbera™ — it’s not a diet, it’s a nonsurgical treatment that gives you the key to lasting weight loss.
Apr 7th, 2022

What Are My Nonsurgical Options for Hemorrhoid Treatment?
When your hemorrhoids make it hard to sit, and you can no longer stand the pain and itching, it’s time to get rid of them. But if the thought of surgery “back there” sounds worse than your symptoms, you’ve got other options.
Mar 8th, 2022

Ease Your Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms with These Diet Changes
You may not be excited to talk about your ulcerative colitis and the pain and embarrassment it puts you through, but we think you’ll be excited to learn about how to manage your symptoms with the food you eat. Here’s how your diet can help.
Feb 6th, 2022

What's Causing My Terrible Heartburn?
Do you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux? Everybody gets heartburn now and then, but the causes may differ from person to person. Find out what’s behind your heartburn and how to control it before it causes damage.
Jan 12th, 2022

Severe Hemorrhoids? We Can Help
You’ve tried to take care of them on your own, but those creams and soaks aren’t getting rid of your hemorrhoids. It’s time to get your behind to the professionals. We can banish your painful, itchy hemorrhoids for good in less than a minute.
Dec 9th, 2021

Living with Hepatitis
Millions of Americans are walking around with an infectious disease, and it’s not COVID-19. It’s hepatitis, a potentially life-threatening illness that is easily spread to others. Fortunately, it can be treated and managed well. Here’s how.
Nov 9th, 2021

Signs Your Acid Reflux Is Actually GERD
Any Chicagoan who’s ever indulged in a late night slice of pizza knows what heartburn feels like. But what if it sticks around no matter what you eat? Keep reading to learn what’s going on in your gut.
Oct 8th, 2021

Why Is Weight Loss So Difficult?
If it feels like your body conspires against you when you try to lose weight, you may not be wrong. Find out what’s stopping you from shedding pounds and how you can clear the way to a healthier you.
Sep 9th, 2021

5 Common Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
It’s never comfortable to talk about your bathroom business, but if you’re experiencing abnormal stools accompanied by pain and blood, it’s time to find out what’s causing it. Here are some signs it might be ulcerative colitis.
Aug 11th, 2021

How to Prevent a Hemorrhoid Flare-up
Hemorrhoids are real pain in the … you know what. They bleed, itch, make it hard to sit, and they hurt. If you’re prone to these annoying bulging veins in your anal area, keep reading to find out how to avoid flare-ups.
Jul 22nd, 2021

Why Heartburn Gets Worse With Age

Spicy food has always been your thing, and pizza tops your list of favorite foods, but lately they’ve been served with a side of heartburn. Find out why acid reflux becomes more frequent as you age and what you can do about it.
Jun 22nd, 2021

Typical Tummy Trouble or IBS: How to Tell the Difference
April is Irritable Bowel Awareness Month and a great time to get some answers about your tummy issues, like: is it normal to feel bloated and gassy, and what constitutes “regular” bathroom breaks? Get your answers here.
Apr 22nd, 2021

Am I a Candidate for Non-Surgical Weight Loss?
You’ve lost weight. You’ve gained weight. More than once. When your weight goes up and down, you impair your confidence and your health. If you’re ready to lose weight permanently, it may be time for nonsurgical weight loss. Keep reading to learn more.
Mar 15th, 2021

Make THIS the year.

Losing 50 or more pounds isn’t easy. It takes time, it takes effort and it takes support.
Jan 19th, 2019

Weight Loss Procedures Can Save Your Limbs.

Being overweight increases your risk of developing microvascular disease, neuropathy, peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia, which can lead to amputation.
Nov 9th, 2018

Your Amazing Digestive System
As you read this, as you sleep at night, as you work during the day, some part of your digestive system is working to nourish your body.
Aug 14th, 2018

Are You Feeling The Burn?

When you take antacids several times a week, your heartburn may be a symptom of a more severe problem like acid reflux or GERD.
Feb 21st, 2020

It’s Not You, It’s *This*.

Research suggests that, while willpower is vital to setting goals in the first place, habits and opportunity more accurately determine when you’ll reach a goal. When it comes to weight loss, Dr. Gaston is here with solutions to making habits stick and hel
Jan 15th, 2020

Is It Your Grandma's Fault?
Genetics can affect obesity, but there are solutions to override your family's history of being overweight.
Oct 31st, 2019

We've Done It Again!
Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants Earns Prestigious Joint Commission Accreditation for Third Consecutive Time
Aug 22nd, 2019

NAFLD is deadly - but you can prevent it.
Damage to your liver means damage to the rest of your body - and as there are seldom symptoms, liver diseases are typically not diagnosed until it’s too late.
Jul 23rd, 2019

Stop! Don’t throw that on the grill!
For many of us, summertime means juicy burgers sizzling on the grill, thick steaks done to just-pink inside and sauce-slathered ribs. Unfortunately, eating all that red meat actually means you’ll be enjoying fewer summers in your lifetime.
Jun 19th, 2019

I Should Get A Massage Where?!
Dr. Gaston and Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants is here to explain why getting an abdominal massage - or giving yourself one - is a big benefit to your health.
Dec 6th, 2018

Why You Should Can It Yourself
The simple plain truth is that soft drinks, pop, soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened tea, sweetened water and other sweetened beverages are clearly and statistically shown to increase obesity and lead to a decline in overall health.
Oct 13th, 2017