Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2016 - 5

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Q&A
Q

Specialists at UM BWMC's Digestive
Health Center answer common questions
so you can step into spring feeling good

WHICH FOODS SHOULD I EAT
FOR BETTER DIGESTIVE HEALTH?
"The gastrointestinal system not only gives your

body energy by digesting and absorbing food, but it also
plays an important role in your body's regulatory, metabolic
and disease-fighting functions. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, soy,
lean proteins, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and
healthy fats are all good foods for healthy
digestion. Slowly increasing your intake of
fiber-rich foods along with drinking 8 to
10 cups of water a day will help prevent
bloating and gas. Also, eating small, reguLise Sanchez,
RDN, LDN

lar meals can lead to better digestion."
- Lise Sanchez, RDN,

DO DIGESTIVE DISEASES RUN IN FAMILIES?

"Pinpointing the cause of any disease is difficult.

esophageal sphincter, the bottom portion of the food pipe,

Many, including digestive diseases, are caused by a

is weak and stomach acid can travel up into the esophagus,

LDN, outpatient dietitian

combination of genetic and environmental factors. That being

I EXPERIENCE HEARTBURN FREQUENTLY.
IS SURGERY A VIABLE TREATMENT OPTION?
"Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, could

be the cause of your heartburn. GERD occurs when the lower

leading to inflammation over time.

said, studies have shown that some genes that contribute to

"The first line for treatment is medication and lifestyle

the development of disease can be inherited. For instance,

changes, like weight loss. If those fail to control symptoms,

digestive cancers in the stomach, pancreas,

then surgery is a viable option-especially

colon and rectum have all been found to

if you have something called a hiatal her-

have genetic components. Similarly, heart-

nia. If your gastroenterologist thinks it's

burn has been shown to be likely in fami-

appropriate, you may be a candidate for a

lies, suggesting a tendency for inheritance."

laparoscopic fundoplication, a minimally
invasive surgical treatment that reinforces

- Cherif Boutros, MD, chair of surgical

the weakened esophagus by wrapping

oncology at UM BWMC, medical director
Cherif
Boutros, MD

of the Tate Cancer Center and associate
professor of surgery at the University of
Maryland School of Medicine

Marie C.
Ziesat, MD

it with the top part of the stomach, and
possible hiatal hernia repair."
- Marie C. Ziesat, MD, general surgeon

mybwmc.org | Spring 2016

http://www.mybwmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2016