Latest news with #ManhattanGastroenterology
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The One Fruit a Gastroenterologist Is Begging People To Eat More Of
The One Fruit a Gastroenterologist Is Begging People To Eat More Of originally appeared on Parade. Pardon the pun, but we are a country bloated with gut problems. Between 9% and 20% of U.S. adults experience chronic constipation, which means regularly experiencing constipation for at least three months. Between 25 to 45 million people in the U.S. have irritable bowel syndrome, which is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation or both. If you are experiencing any digestive issues, it's always best to see your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist who can help you get to the bottom of why it's happening and put an end to your symptoms. But everyone can benefit from eating in a way that supports their gut health, even if they have no digestive symptoms whatsoever. Gut health is connected to brain health, immunity and heart health; it's impossible to understate the importance of a healthy gut. One way to do that: up your fruit gut health experts explain exactly why fruit is so beneficial for gut health and reveal the one fruit they wish people ate more of.🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 To support your gut, a gastroenterologist with Manhattan Gastroenterology, recommends eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This, he says, will increase the diversity of the good bacteria in the gut, which is needed for it to fully thrive. Dr. Jiying Ling, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor at Michigan State University College of Nursing who specializes in food and lifestyle health interventions, agrees. 'To support a healthy gut, it is important to eat a colorful mix of fruits every day,' she says. 'Each color often represents different nutrients and fibers that help keep the gut bacteria balanced and thriving. For example, berries are rich in antioxidants, while bananas provide prebiotic fibers that specifically feed good bacteria."Related: Like Dr. Yoon, Dr. Ling says that different fruits contain unique types of fiber and natural plant compounds that nourish various good bacteria. 'There's no single 'superfruit' for gut health—our gut thrives on variety,' Dr. Ling emphasizes. While different fruits bring their own unique nutrient profiles to the table, there is something both experts say they have in common: fiber and antioxidants. Fiber ups the growth of good bacteria in the gut, prevents constipation and supports healthy bowel movements. Antioxidants support gut health by supporting good bacteria growth, reducing oxidative stress and preventing or lowering inflammation. If you want to incorporate more fruit into your diet to support your gut, Dr. Ling recommends eating them whole or incorporating them into a smoothie versus consuming them in juice form. While fruit juices still have the antioxidants found in fruit, they don't have the fiber that's so crucial for gut It bears repeating that the best way to support your gut is to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods (including fruit). That said, Dr. Yoon explains there is one fruit that's good for gut health that many people don't often eat: kiwi. 'Kiwi can help relieve constipation and improve bowel regularity because it has both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber,' he explains. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, creating a gel-like substance that slows digestion. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps food pass through the digestive system. They work together and both are important for healthy bowel movements. In addition to having both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, Dr. Yoon says that kiwi contains a natural enzyme called actinidin, which can improve protein breakdown and help with digestion. Besides kiwi, actinidin is also found in papaya, pineapple, banana, mango and If you're not used to eating a lot of fiber, Dr. Yoon says that incorporating more fruit into your diet could initially cause some bloating. To avoid this, try increasing your fiber intake slowly. Dr. Yoon says that drinking plenty of water can also help prevent this. Over time, Dr. Yoon says you can expect your bowel habits to improve. Your gut will also be supporting your body in other ways beyond better digestion; you may not notice it, but rest assured that it's happening behind the scenes. Especially if you regularly experience constipation, incorporating kiwi into your diet can help support your digestive system. It's certainly tastier (and more gentle) than taking a laxative! Up Next:Dr. Eric Yoon, MD, gastroenterologist with Manhattan Gastroenterology Dr. Jiying Ling, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor at Michigan State University College of Nursing The One Fruit a Gastroenterologist Is Begging People To Eat More Of first appeared on Parade on Jul 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time Magazine
02-07-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
Is Taking a 'Fart Walk' Good for Your Health?
What you once knew as an after-dinner stroll has been rebranded a 'fart walk' on social media—and the trend is having a moment. Fans of the so-called fart walk—a short stroll taken up to about an hour after eating a meal—claim it aids digestion and relieves GI symptoms like gas and bloating. But what do doctors think? New name, old concept 'Feeling bloated after a meal is common,' says Dr. David D. Clarke, a clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University and president of the Association of the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. That's because people eat too much, or they eat too quickly and swallow excess air, or they drink beverages with dissolved gas in them like soda or beer. To counter symptoms like these and help relieve gas naturally, walking after dinner can help, doctors agree. Walking can enhance the muscle contractions of the gastrointestinal tract—a wave-like movement called peristalsis—which can help pass the gas as belches or flatulence, explains Clarke. Research has also long supported taking a postprandial walk for a different reason: it helps reduce blood sugar levels. The varied benefits of a fart walk This is one social media trend physicians can get behind. A fart walk helps relieve symptoms of bloating and gas and promotes motility of the bowels, says Dr. Shawn Khodadadian of Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York City. Clarke agrees; mild-to-moderate exercise, such as walking, helps the stomach empty more quickly, improving transit through the intestinal tract and clearing out gas and waste through the digestive system, all of which can help alleviate issues like bloating and constipation, he says. 'Walking promotes muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines that can lead to belching and farting,' he says. That quicker emptying will also 'decrease the time that acid is present in the stomach,' which relieves heartburn in most people, Clarke says. (However, some people with poor tone in the sphincter muscle—at the junction of the esophagus and stomach—might experience more acid reflux when stomach contractions are stimulated by walking, he warns.) Read More: What Doctors Really Think of Sleepmaxxing Fart walking may be particularly beneficial for those with medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and metabolic syndrome. 'There have been studies that show that mobility in general can lead to decreased sensation of gas and bloating in patients with IBS symptoms,' says Khodadadian. Plus, a post-meal stroll's ability to better regulate blood sugar is especially helpful for people with metabolic syndrome, he says. Short walks after eating can also benefit the heart: helping to stave off weight gain, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, support overall cardiovascular fitness, says Khodadadian. Other perks of fart walking might include reducing the risk of diabetes, Clarke says. 'Walking after a meal facilitates removal of blood sugar by the muscles and thereby reduces the need for insulin secretion by the pancreas,' Clarke says, which may reduce the risk for the future development of diabetes. A postprandial amble can also brighten your mood. 'The addition of aerobic exercise has been shown to improve stress, anxiety, and mild depression,' says Khodadadian. 'This can happen by reducing baseline cortisol levels over time, by improving sleep quality, and by increasing levels of chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin in the body.' How to get the most out of your fart walk Fart walks don't have to be long to be effective. Aim for at least four to five minutes of light-to-moderate paced walking within about an hour of finishing a meal. (More is better: for more sustained GI benefits, shoot for 30–60 minutes of moderate-paced walking on most days of the week, Clarke says.) Walking is generally healthy for everyone, and it should not be strenuous—but if you have had recent surgery, motility issues, abdominal distress, arthritis, or heart or lung issues, you should check with your doctor first before proceeding, adds Khodadadian. Based on your medical history, recommendations may vary for precisely how long you walk, he says, but the goal is ultimately to be able to engage in an appropriate level of exercise—including fart walking—for you.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health. What's more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. You may also be surprised to learn that ultra-processed foods also include some surprising items labelled as health foods — it's not just junk food like candy and chips. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Of course, risks associated with ultra-processed foods aren't limited to one age group, body type or socioeconomic demographic. But if you're over 50, you may want to be especially mindful of how much of these all-too-common staples you consume. Read on for more information on the risks — and which foods to avoid on your next grocery run. 'It's important to avoid ultra-processed foods, as there is mounting evidence that they negatively impact the diversity of bacteria in your gut,' said Dr. Michael Schopis, MD, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York. 'Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may increase the growth of pro-inflammatory organisms and decrease the growth of protective bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may impair intestinal barrier function which may ultimately lead to an inflammatory state.' Inflammation isn't all bad — it's your body's response to injury, disease and infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and it aids in healing. But when inflammation persists, it can cause numerous health issues. Aging leads to persistent inflammation, which has been dubbed 'inflammaging." This chronic, low-grade inflammation can impact brain health and lead to frailty. Researchers believe it's also the reason our risk of certain diseases increases with age, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. To boot, ultra-processed foods are now known to be responsible for more than a third of heart and stroke deaths in Canada. 'Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be difficult to identify,' says Schopis. 'The simplest way of knowing what's ultra-processed is by reading the nutritional label and looking for the presence of cosmetic or preservative additives that either improve the taste of the foods or extend its shelf-life.' Common ultra-processed ingredients to look for are things like: Additive colours Flavour enhancers Emulsifiers Artificial sweeteners A good rule of thumb is to look for the inclusion of ingredients you don't find in your kitchen. While all processed foods contain additives like these, ultra-processed foods typically contain many more added ingredients. 'Typical foods that fall into this category are sugar-sweetened beverages — think energy drinks or sodas, candies, savoury or sweet packaged snacks — think flavoured chips or cookies, instant noodles, ready-to-heat pizzas or pastas or processed meats,' says Schopis. These are typically considered the worst ultra-processed foods because they tend to be highest in sugar, sodium and saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and lead to obesity. But, if you're over 50, there are several seemingly-healthy staples to also be aware of, including those found in the health food aisle. Research shows that many older adults consume ultra-processed foods regularly for several reasons, ranging from their affordability and convenience, to simply being foods that they've consumed throughout their lives. And, with many Canadians over 50 reporting that they actively try to eat healthy, some may be turning to ultra-processed foods labelled as being natural, healthy or organic without even realizing it. Keep in mind that while the original ingredients in a product may well be natural or organic, the process by which the food was made is what makes it ultra-processed, and in turn, less healthy. Packaged breads Margarines and spreads Cereals Fruit-flavoured yogurt Ready-to-eat meat, seafood and poultry products Plant-based meat Protein bars Protein and energy shakes Meal replacement shakes and powders Instant soups (powdered and packaged) Boxed pasta Availability and affordability may make it difficult to completely avoid ultra-processed food — and some ultra-processed foods are fortified with important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for good health. And, let's face it, some of these are just so darn tasty that you can't imagine saying goodbye to them forever. If you're looking to cut back, here are some ways to help you eat better and cut back on ultra-processed foods: Read nutritional labels and avoid foods with lots of additives Limit ultra-processed foods to those with a higher nutritional value Look for healthier substitutes, like plain yogurt over flavoured options Cook yourself more often using whole foods as much as possible
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
11 sneaky ultra-processed foods you should avoid if you're over 50, according to doctor
The health risks associated with ultra-processed foods have been getting a lot of attention recently. Not only have they been associated with higher risk of obesity and several other chronic conditions, but new research is shedding even more light on the negative impact they can have on your health. What's more is that Canadians are consuming more ultra-processed foods than ever, with these products making up 43.4 percent of the daily energy intake of adults 20 and older, according to a recent study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. You may also be surprised to learn that ultra-processed foods also include some surprising items labelled as health foods — it's not just junk food like candy and chips. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Of course, risks associated with ultra-processed foods aren't limited to one age group, body type or socioeconomic demographic. But if you're over 50, you may want to be especially mindful of how much of these all-too-common staples you consume. Read on for more information on the risks — and which foods to avoid on your next grocery run. 'It's important to avoid ultra-processed foods, as there is mounting evidence that they negatively impact the diversity of bacteria in your gut,' said Dr. Michael Schopis, MD, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology in New York. 'Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may increase the growth of pro-inflammatory organisms and decrease the growth of protective bacteria in the intestine. Moreover, some studies suggest that ultra-processed foods may impair intestinal barrier function which may ultimately lead to an inflammatory state.' Inflammation isn't all bad — it's your body's response to injury, disease and infection-causing bacteria and viruses, and it aids in healing. But when inflammation persists, it can cause numerous health issues. Aging leads to persistent inflammation, which has been dubbed 'inflammaging." This chronic, low-grade inflammation can impact brain health and lead to frailty. Researchers believe it's also the reason our risk of certain diseases increases with age, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. To boot, ultra-processed foods are now known to be responsible for more than a third of heart and stroke deaths in Canada. 'Ultra-processed foods can sometimes be difficult to identify,' says Schopis. 'The simplest way of knowing what's ultra-processed is by reading the nutritional label and looking for the presence of cosmetic or preservative additives that either improve the taste of the foods or extend its shelf-life.' Common ultra-processed ingredients to look for are things like: Additive colours Flavour enhancers Emulsifiers Artificial sweeteners A good rule of thumb is to look for the inclusion of ingredients you don't find in your kitchen. While all processed foods contain additives like these, ultra-processed foods typically contain many more added ingredients. 'Typical foods that fall into this category are sugar-sweetened beverages — think energy drinks or sodas, candies, savoury or sweet packaged snacks — think flavoured chips or cookies, instant noodles, ready-to-heat pizzas or pastas or processed meats,' says Schopis. These are typically considered the worst ultra-processed foods because they tend to be highest in sugar, sodium and saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and lead to obesity. But, if you're over 50, there are several seemingly-healthy staples to also be aware of, including those found in the health food aisle. Research shows that many older adults consume ultra-processed foods regularly for several reasons, ranging from their affordability and convenience, to simply being foods that they've consumed throughout their lives. And, with many Canadians over 50 reporting that they actively try to eat healthy, some may be turning to ultra-processed foods labelled as being natural, healthy or organic without even realizing it. Keep in mind that while the original ingredients in a product may well be natural or organic, the process by which the food was made is what makes it ultra-processed, and in turn, less healthy. Packaged breads Margarines and spreads Cereals Fruit-flavoured yogurt Ready-to-eat meat, seafood and poultry products Plant-based meat Protein bars Protein and energy shakes Meal replacement shakes and powders Instant soups (powdered and packaged) Boxed pasta Availability and affordability may make it difficult to completely avoid ultra-processed food — and some ultra-processed foods are fortified with important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and iron, which are crucial for good health. And, let's face it, some of these are just so darn tasty that you can't imagine saying goodbye to them forever. If you're looking to cut back, here are some ways to help you eat better and cut back on ultra-processed foods: Read nutritional labels and avoid foods with lots of additives Limit ultra-processed foods to those with a higher nutritional value Look for healthier substitutes, like plain yogurt over flavoured options Cook yourself more often using whole foods as much as possible
