‘The holidays can be an intense time for many of us, with parties, travel and house guests, shopping, cooking, and more …. making it quite easy to get overwhelmed. So I would encourage you to try to slow down if you can – doing so really can help make the holidays more joyful and less stressful! Here are 5 ways that you can try to take it easier on yourself at this time of year:
Don’t over-schedule! Every day has exactly 24 hours in it — be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish each day.
Let go of expectations. Be fair to yourself and to others. If you allow expectations to determine your happiness you will often feel let down. Yes, it is hard, but in the end, your efforts will be worth it.
Be present in the moment. Meditating twenty minutes per day can help reset your body’s autonomic stress response. Over time, it can change your perspective on life for the better.
Exercise. The endorphins released in aerobic exercise are the body’s own natural anti-depressants. Not only does exercise lift our spirits, it boosts our immune system as well.
Keep smiling. Research shows the simple act of smiling can lift your mood, help lower stress and boost your immune system. What’s more? Smiling is also contagious!
As always, you have our best wishes for your optimal health,
Q: I am 70 years old, and have been fit and active all of my life. Now, I have “functional dyspepsia” resulting in early satiety, upper GI bloating, and belching, with unwanted 30-pound weight loss over 4 years. I’m also weak, exhausted, and sensitive to gluten and dairy. I would appreciate any suggestions. I especially need help in gaining weight. Thank you!
A: Dyspepsia is a common term that is used to characterize abdominal pain in the upper abdomen and chest. If you have been told you have functional dyspepsia, this indicates that there is no identifiable cause of your abdominal pain, a difficult and frustrating situation for a patient.
What you are describing may be a condition called SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Normally, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria, as most intestinal bacteria are confined to the large intestine. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, and bloating after eating due to the overproduction of methane and hydrogen gas. It also interferes with normal digestion and absorption of food and can cause inflammation to the lining of the small intestine.
Situations that promote the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can be low pancreatic enzymes, low hydrochloride acid, or other conditions.
I would recommend getting tested for SIBO. The diagnostic test is a breath test. At the Kaplan Center, when called for, the breath test is ordered for our patients and results are normally ready in 3 weeks. If you test positive, treatment includes supplements specific to SIBO, dietary modifications, probiotics, and in many cases a specific antibiotic for SIBO.
5 Steps to Happier Holidays
/in Lifestyle/by Gary Kaplan, DOGreetings & Happy Holidays!
‘The holidays can be an intense time for many of us, with parties, travel and house guests, shopping, cooking, and more …. making it quite easy to get overwhelmed. So I would encourage you to try to slow down if you can – doing so really can help make the holidays more joyful and less stressful! Here are 5 ways that you can try to take it easier on yourself at this time of year:
As always, you have our best wishes for your optimal health,
Gary Kaplan, DO & the Kaplan Center Staff
I take Tylenol or Advil every day. Am I killing myself?
/in Featured Press/by Website AdministratorIs SIBO Causing Abdominal Pain And Weight Loss?
/in Conditions, Digestive Issues, Inflammation/by Lisa Lilienfield, MDQ: I am 70 years old, and have been fit and active all of my life. Now, I have “functional dyspepsia” resulting in early satiety, upper GI bloating, and belching, with unwanted 30-pound weight loss over 4 years. I’m also weak, exhausted, and sensitive to gluten and dairy. I would appreciate any suggestions. I especially need help in gaining weight. Thank you!
A: Dyspepsia is a common term that is used to characterize abdominal pain in the upper abdomen and chest. If you have been told you have functional dyspepsia, this indicates that there is no identifiable cause of your abdominal pain, a difficult and frustrating situation for a patient.
What you are describing may be a condition called SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Normally, the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria, as most intestinal bacteria are confined to the large intestine. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, and bloating after eating due to the overproduction of methane and hydrogen gas. It also interferes with normal digestion and absorption of food and can cause inflammation to the lining of the small intestine.
Situations that promote the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can be low pancreatic enzymes, low hydrochloride acid, or other conditions.
I would recommend getting tested for SIBO. The diagnostic test is a breath test. At the Kaplan Center, when called for, the breath test is ordered for our patients and results are normally ready in 3 weeks. If you test positive, treatment includes supplements specific to SIBO, dietary modifications, probiotics, and in many cases a specific antibiotic for SIBO.
I truly hope this is helpful.
– Dr. Lisa Lilienfield
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