Gastroenterology

Nutrition is a topic that directly affects our lives and involves all the organs of the human body, but its central focus is the digestive system. This medical specialty deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system, including organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines (small and large), liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Doctors specializing in this area are called gastroenterologists.

Some of the most common conditions in older adults include:

• Liver diseases: such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders: such as gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, and ulcers
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a condition causing abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits
• Gastrointestinal cancers: diagnosis and treatment of tumors in the digestive tract
• Absorption problems: such as celiac disease

Diagnostic tests and imaging are performed at our medical centers, diagnostic facilities, or hospitals within our provider network, always in direct coordination between the specialist and the primary care physician:

Examinations include:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy

Laboratory tests:

• Blood tests: FOBT

Imaging tests:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal MRI

At our medical institution, we focus on prevention, and an essential part of this is nutritional education and weight management. We help patients understand why "we are what we eat" and how poor dietary choices can lead to multiple metabolic diseases. We work to instill the importance of changing eating habits and choosing a balanced, healthy diet.