How to Improve Your Gut Health and Balance Your Gut Microbiome

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

There are trillions of beneficial bacteria living in your gut, or gut microbiome, that are essential to your health and well-being. The gut microbiome plays an important role in strengthening your immune system and regulating daily bodily functions, including hunger signals and mood fluctuations.

The gut contains 95 percent of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, which means what you eat can impact your ability to respond to stress, reduce anxiety, and help the body fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria that could make you sick.

When you have an unhealthy gut, it can cause several diseases and conditions, including:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Obesity

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Insulin resistance and other endocrine disorders

Mental health conditions and neurological disorders

Asthma

Various cancers

There can be several signs of an unhealthy and imbalanced gut, including:

Intolerance to certain foods

A frequent upset stomach

Intense cravings

Skin irritations

Autoimmune disorders

Intense cravings

Migraines and frequent headaches

Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue

Irritability or other mood changes

Changes in bathroom habits

The most direct and effective way to improve your gut health is through your diet by getting enough dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is the key nutrient for maintaining the diversity of gut microbiota. Having low gut microbiota diversity is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as:

Obesity

Diabetes

Irritable bowel disease (IBD)

Several foods are high in fiber, including:

Fruits

Vegetables

Nuts

Whole grains, such as:

Barley

Bran

Quinoa

Oatmeal

Brown rice

Seeds

Legumes, including peas, beans, and lentils

Other recommendations for improved gut health include:

Increasing consumption of whole foods by adopting the Mediterranean diet

Limiting processed foods

Eating smaller meals

Eating more slowly and chewing food thoroughly

Managing stress

Exercising more

Setting a gut bedtime

Gut health can also be improved by taking probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the gut and are believed to support a healthy immune system and good digestion. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, including:

Yogurt

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Kombucha

Pickles that are salt-based

Tempeh

Kimchi

Miso

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that probiotics feed on. They can be found in several high-fiber foods, including:

Leeks

Asparagus

Garlic

Onions

Bananas

Chicory root

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams per day.

If you would like to improve your gut health and balance your gut microbiome, you can consult a physician by visiting Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Glucose Tolerance Test

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

A glucose tolerance test is a medical lab test used to measure how effectively our bodies process sugar after a meal. It helps healthcare providers screen for or diagnose conditions such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes.

The most common and standard glucose tolerance test is an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, other screening methods can include a glucose challenge test, used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes, or an intravenous glucose tolerance test, primarily used in research and rarely used as an alternative to OGTT when a patient is unable to process oral glucose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that a typical oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) involves measuring your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a sweet liquid that contains glucose. You will need to fast overnight before the test, after which your blood will be drawn to measure your fasting blood sugar level. Then, you will drink the glucose solution, and your blood sugar levels will be checked again. These measurements typically occur at the 1-hour, 2-hour, and possibly 3-hour marks after drinking the solution.

After testing, you may resume your normal daily activities. Your physician or healthcare provider should receive your lab results in the next few days. Your test results may fall within the following ranges.

Normal – where blood sugar returns to an expected normal range after drinking the glucose solution
Prediabetes – where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to determine a diabetes diagnosis
Diabetes -where blood sugar levels remain highly elevated

If your results show that you have diabetes, your doctor may determine next steps based on how high your blood sugar levels are. They may want to test again to confirm their findings, request additional testing to check for related conditions, or create a treatment plan that may involve lifestyle changes or medications.

Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems that affect men and boys.

Statistics show men are less likely than women to seek medical attention when something affects their health. Men are also less likely to have preventative screenings and checkups with their healthcare providers. This is a problem as early detection of a medical condition is the best way to effectively treat and manage it.

Additionally, avoiding or delaying checkups or screenings could result in a treatable condition becoming severe and/or fatal.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended, age-specific screening guidelines for men to help them manage their health:

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 18-39 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colon cancer screenings

Dental examinations

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screenings

Eye examinations

Immunizations

Skin examinations

Infectious disease screenings

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 40-64 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings

Prostate cancer screenings

Osteoporosis screening

Lung cancer screening

Infectious disease screening

Immunizations

Eye examinations

Dental examinations

Skin examinations

It is important to visit your healthcare providers regularly, even if you are feeling healthy. These visits can help:

Screen for any medical issues

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Assess your risk for any future medical problems

Update vaccinations and other preventative care services

Help you get to know your healthcare provider in case of an illness

If you are experiencing any medical problems or would like to receive health screenings, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling (718) 206-7001.

Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a month that recognizes the importance of educating the public on an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the world’s leading cause of blindness.

Most cataracts occur when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lens, and proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing it to become cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb eyesight early on, but with time, they will eventually affect a person’s vision.

There are several symptoms of cataracts, including:

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision

Trouble seeing at night

Sensitivity to bright light and glare

The need for brighter light for reading and other activities

Seeing “halos” or streaks that form around lights

Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Fading or yellowing of colors

Double vision in one eye

There are many types of cataracts, including:

Nuclear cataracts

Cortical cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Congenital cataracts

Several factors can increase the risk of cataracts, including:

Increasing age

Diabetes

Getting too much sunlight

Smoking

Obesity

Family history of cataracts

Previous eye injury or inflammation

Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye exam. A healthcare provider will closely examine your eyes for signs of cataracts and assess their severity. They will also ask about your vision, medical history, and if you’re having trouble with everyday tasks because you can’t see as well as before. Tests used to diagnose cataracts include:

Slit lamp exam

Visual acuity test

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision. During this surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently stays in the eye.

No studies have proven how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. However, healthcare professionals think several strategies may be helpful, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Quitting smoking

Managing other health problems

Choosing a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

Wearing sunglasses

Reducing alcohol use

If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center by calling (718) 206-5900.

American Diabetes Alert Day

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

American Diabetes Alert Day is observed each year on the fourth Tuesday in March. The observance was created by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and highlight the importance of understanding your risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, the CDC reports that, “More than 40 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels are too high. This happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to help regulate the amount of sugar that enters the body’s cells. As a result, excess sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.

If diabetes is not managed properly or is left untreated, it can lead to complications and increase the risk of serious health problems. Diabetes complications include:

Damage to the nerves in the body
Kidney problems
Skin problems
Bladder problems
Eye diseases that can lead to blindness
Gum disease
Foot complications that can lead to limb loss
Cardiovascular disease, potentially increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke

Some people are more at risk of developing diabetes than others. You may have an increased risk if you:

Are overweight or obese
Are physically inactive
Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
Have ever had gestational diabetes
Are age 45 and older
Are a Hispanic or Latino, African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. (The CDC states that some Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk.)

Diabetes Alert Day serves as a “wake up call” to pay attention to these risk factors and properly manage your health. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about ways to improve your health and lower the chances of complications occurring. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Type 2 diabetes has long been identified as an incurable chronic disease based on traditional means of treatment. However, losing weight and making other lifestyle changes may help manage diabetes and prevent long-term health complications.

Having excess weight or obesity is the leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Almost 90% of the 37 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes are classified as having excess weight or obesity. If you have excess weight, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is about 2.4 times higher than those at a healthy weight. For those with obesity, the risk is about six times higher.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is directly linked to excess body weight and lack of physical activity. Nearly half of new diabetes cases in the United States each year are caused by obesity.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar or glucose levels. It occurs when the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired. The pancreas releases insulin after we eat, as it is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy. With Type 2 diabetes, the cells don’t use insulin effectively. This is known as insulin resistance.

There is research that shows that extra fat around the liver and visceral fat, the fat that surrounds the internal organs, plays a role in blocking insulin, which prevents glucose from entering the cells. The higher a person’s body fat percentage, the harder it is for their cells to respond properly to insulin.

While carrying extra weight anywhere in the body can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, there is evidence that suggests that people who carry excess belly fat are at a greater risk of the disease.

Studies have shown that substantial weight loss through healthy lifestyle habits, medication, or surgery can prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss is proven to help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Research shows that losing even as little as 3% to 5% of your body weight through healthy lifestyle changes can help control diabetes. Losing extra weight can help control blood sugar levels, boost energy levels, and improve overall health and well-being.

Some strategies for weight loss include:

Setting a weight loss goal
Eating smaller portions
Focusing on nutrient-dense foods
Increasing water intake
Exercising regularly

One study found that people who have obesity and Type 2 diabetes and followed a six-month diet plan lost an average of 30 pounds, and nearly half achieved remission of diabetes. This means that they have sustained their blood glucose levels within a normal range for three months or more without taking diabetes medication.

Remission is most likely to occur in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. Studies show that losing just 10% to 15% of body weight within two years of diagnosis is enough to achieve remission. In later stages of diabetes, the body may lose its ability to make insulin, making remission less likely. However, some people with advanced type 2 diabetes may achieve remission by losing 20% to 25% of their body weight.

There are many medications that can help with weight loss. Liraglutide and semaglutide are two injectable diabetes medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity. These GLP-1 receptor antagonists are a class of medications that mainly manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. They not only improve blood sugar control, but they can also promote weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying. Another injectable option is tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP agonist that also lowers weight and improves blood sugar.

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, can also treat obesity and promote weight loss. This procedure is designed to reduce food intake and decrease hunger to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends bariatric surgery as a treatment option for people with diabetes who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or greater. Various bariatric surgeries can be performed. They include:

Gastric sleeve
Gastric bypass
Adjustable gastric band

A research review found that bariatric surgery can effectively help manage Type 2 diabetes in up to 80% of people, and quickly. For some people, blood sugar levels may return to healthy levels within days or weeks after the procedure.

For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

How Stress Affects Diabetes #StressAwarenessMonth

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

When we are under stress, the body releases hormones that increase blood glucose levels. This can cause adverse symptoms in people with diabetes.

If you experience stress or feel threatened, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response. During this response, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream increasing respiratory rates. This can also increase blood glucose levels if the body can’t adequately process it.

Stress affects people differently. The type of stress that people experience can impact their body’s physical response.

When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they can experience an increase in their blood glucose levels. People who have type 1 diabetes may have a more varied response as they experience either an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels.

Mental symptoms of stress include:

Feeling unmotivated
Feeling irritable
Feeling depressed
Feeling restless
Feeling anxious

When you are under physical stress, your blood sugar can also increase. This can happen due to sickness or injury. This affects people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Physical symptoms of stress include:

Headaches
Muscle pain or tension
Sleeping too much or too little
General feelings of illness
Fatigue

There are several ways to manage the effects of different forms of stress which could help lessen or limit the stressors in your life, including:

Exercising regularly
Practicing relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation
Avoiding known stressors, such as high-stress social situations
Reducing caffeine intake
Spending time with loved ones

If you are feeling stressed, you can also connect with people online or in your community for solidarity and support by:

Joining an online support group
Joining an in-person support group
Seeking therapy

If mental or physical stress symptoms are affecting your diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted on March 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it produces effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar names, however, they are different diseases with distinctive causes.

A key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes develops over several years and is related to lifestyle factors such as being inactive and carrying excess weight, and is usually diagnosed in adults.

Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, mistaking them for foreign invaders. After the beta cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.

Researchers are unsure why the immune system attacks the body’s cells. They believe it may be due to genetic and environmental factors, such as being exposed to viruses.

People who have type 2 diabetes have an insulin resistance. The body can still produce insulin but is unable to use it effectively.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin-resistant and others don’t, but several lifestyle factors may contribute to it, such as being inactive and carrying excess weight.

Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role. When a person develops type 2 diabetes, the pancreas will overcompensate by producing more insulin. Because the body can’t effectively use the insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The known risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

Family history
Age

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

Having prediabetes or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
Carrying excess weight or having obesity
Having a lot of belly fat
Being physically active less than three times a week
Being over the age of 45
Having had gestational diabetes
Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Being Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural inequities contributing to health disparities
Having an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If not managed properly, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms that can include:

Urinating frequently
Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot of fluids
Feeling very hungry
Feeling very fatigued
Having blurry vision
Having cuts or sores that don’t heal properly
Having very dry skin
Having more infections than usual

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can also experience irritability, mood changes, and unintentional weight loss.

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. However, it is possible to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include:

Maintaining a moderate weight
Working with a healthcare provider to develop a healthy weight-loss plan, if you are overweight
Increasing activity levels
Eating a balanced diet and reducing the intake of sugary foods and overly processed foods

If you are experiencing diabetes symptoms, you can call to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 206-7001.

Elevate Her- Gestational Diabetes

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops exclusively in pregnancy when blood sugar levels are too high.

Gestational diabetes develops when hormones from the placenta interfere with your body’s ability to make or use insulin. Insulin breaks down the glucose from food and delivers it to your cells. It keeps the glucose levels in your blood at a healthy level. If insulin doesn’t work right or you don’t have enough of it, sugar builds up in your blood and leads to diabetes.

Anyone can get gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Being obese or overweight before pregnancy
Personal history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
Family history of Type 2 diabetes
Having prediabetes
Having polycystic ovary syndrome
Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds
Being of a certain race or ethnicity, such as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American
Being of an advanced maternal age

There are usually no obvious warning signs of gestational diabetes. Symptoms are too mild and often go unnoticed until your pregnancy care provider tests you for the disease. If you do have symptoms, they can include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Tiredness
Nausea

Gestational diabetes that isn’t carefully managed can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby, including an increased likelihood of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at an increased risk of:

Excessive birth weight
Preterm birth
Serious breathing difficulties at birth
Low blood sugar
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life
Stillbirth

To diagnose gestational diabetes, your healthcare provider will test your blood sugar during pregnancy with a blood test. Often the first test is a screening. If you don’t pass the screening, a provider will order a second blood test which is more comprehensive and includes:

Glucose challenge test
Glucose tolerance test

If you have gestational diabetes, you will need more frequent checkups during your pregnancy. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes:

Lifestyle changes
Blood sugar monitoring
Medication, if necessary

Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Close management can also help you avoid complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Gestational diabetes isn’t entirely preventable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Eating balanced and nutritious meals and getting regular exercise before and after your pregnancy are the best ways to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

To learn more about the OB/GYN services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Women’s Health Services or to make an appointment, call 718-291-3276.

Podiatry: What Your Feet Can Tell You about Your Health

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Our bodies present many signs and symptoms to show us that we are sick, such as a runny nose, fever, and body aches. However, your feet can tell us a lot about our health, including:

Dry, flaking, itchy, or peeling skin may be signs of a thyroid condition or a fungal infection.
Foot numbness may be a sign of circulation problems such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes, other neurological problems, arthritis, or long-standing alcoholism.
A foot sore that won’t heal may be a sign of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. In addition to causing nerve damage, high blood sugar might also damage the blood vessels that supply nerves, causing circulation problems that prevent healing.
Swollen ankles and feet may be signs of heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a blood clot. Painless swelling in the feet is gravity in action. If your heart, liver, or kidneys aren’t working properly, you will have excess fluid in the body that leaks into your tissues and drains down to the feet.
A suddenly, intensely painful, and swollen big toe may be a sign of gout, inflammation caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.
Pain in the foot when walking or exercising that goes away when resting may be a sign of a stress fracture or osteoporosis.
Sore toe joints in both feet may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequent foot cramping may be a sign of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, the strain of the ligament that supports the arch in your foot.
Yellow toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot.
Balding or hairless feet and toes may be a sign of circulation problems, such as peripheral artery disease.
Foot or heel pain upon standing or rising in the morning may be a sign of arthritis or plantar fasciitis.
Frequently cold feet may be a sign of hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud’s disease, a condition where blood vessels spasm and constrict when experiencing cold temperatures.

Some ways you can care for your feet include:

Wash and examine your feet daily
Keep the skin on your feet moisturized
Treat any callouses and corns
Trim toenails weekly or as needed
Wear protective clothing on your feet
Maintain blood flow to the feet

If you are experiencing any of these foot ailments, contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Queens Podiatry Center at (718) 206-6713-6712 to make an appointment.