Managing Inflammation

Unresolved inflammation is associated with several widely occurring chronic diseases including arthritis, autoimmune disease, cancer, obesity, dementia, periodontal disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. These chronic diseases affect 125 million Americans. The presence of inflammation is what makes most people aware that something is wrong in their body. Anyone who has had a rash, sore throat or… Read more »

Happy Bugs, Happy Body

Happy Bugs, Healthy Body

“What are you writing about next?” This frequently asked question is inspiring and always met with great enthusiasm. But leading up to this issue when I proudly proclaimed “body bugs,” the most frequent response was “eww!” So in the name of science (and in hopes of getting you through this article), let’s address our subject… Read more »

The “Leaky Gut” Link to Autoimmunity

Autoimmune disease is an emerging health concern for millions of people. Autoimmunity results when components of the body’s immune system target one or more of a person’s own bodily tissues instead of attacking foreign bacteria or viruses. More than 40 autoimmune conditions have been identified, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimotos… Read more »

The General Surgeon

The General Surgeon

Dr. Johnson, I have had GERD for twenty years and have taken PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) for many of those years. However, last year my symptoms returned and my physician doubled my dose. I’m still having issues today and think it might be time to consider surgery on my valve. I would really like to… Read more »

Men Are Stubborn

Over and over again I see men, typically over 55, complaining of symptoms that frighten them: difficulty swallowing, food sticking in their throat, feeling as if they are suffocating due to regurgitation. They often confess to ten or more years of increasingly severe symptoms, typically starting with heartburn and/or chest pain. These are symptoms of… Read more »

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An MD’s Perspective Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition in this country, estimated at 10-15 % of the population, with a 2:1 female predominance. IBS is a group of symptoms without a known cause. The current medical criteria are chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, lasting at least three months, without a… Read more »