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.

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.

Volvulus

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Volvulus is a condition that occurs when the intestine twists on itself, obstructing the flow of material through the bowel. This can cut off the blood supply to the intestine. Volvulus is commonly due to a birth defect called malrotation. This complication can cause the intestinal tissue to die, and can lead to the following symptoms:

Yellow or green vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling or distention
Rapid heart rate
Rapid breathing
Bloody stools
Constipation
Shock

Volvulus of the small intestine usually occurs in infants and children. Children with volvulus may not have long-term problems if the condition is treated promptly. However, surgery is required within hours of the onset of symptoms for this to occur.

Volvulus in adults typically forms in the colon. This is known as sigmoid volvulus.

Some factors that may increase the risk of volvulus include:

Chronic constipation
A high-fiber diet
Past abdominal surgery

Volvulus is diagnosed based on its symptoms, which include abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distention, constipation, and inability to pass gas. A healthcare provider may suspect volvulus based on the symptoms and begin looking for a possible cause. This can be done by performing a physical exam and ordering:

Lab tests
CT scan
X-rays
Contrast enema

Volvulus treatment focuses on two goals, fixing the twisted intestine and preventing future episodes. The process of untwisting the intestines is called “reducing” the volvulus. This requires a flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure, which uses a flexible, tube-like instrument equipped with a light and camera. Inserting and advancing the instrument can help untwist a sigmoid volvulus and restore blood supply while allowing the gastroenterologist to see and assess any tissue damage. This may help determine if surgery is necessary.

If you or your child is suffering from symptoms of volvulus, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles or motility in your stomach.

There are many signs and symptoms of gastroparesis which include:

Vomiting
Nausea
Abdominal bloating
A feeling of fullness after eating a few bites
Vomiting undigested food that was eaten a few hours earlier
Acid reflux
Changes in blood sugar levels
Lack of appetite
Weight loss and malnutrition

Many people with gastroparesis don’t have any noticeable signs or symptoms of the condition.

The cause of gastroparesis is unclear, however, some cases have been caused by damage to the vagus nerve which controls the stomach muscles. The vagus nerve helps manage the complex processes in the digestive tract like signaling the muscles in your stomach to contract and push food into the small intestine.

The vagus nerve can also be damaged by diseases such as diabetes, as well as complications from stomach, or abdominal surgeries.

Other factors that can increase your risk of gastroparesis include:

Esophageal surgery
Infection, usually from a virus
Certain medications that slow the rate of stomach emptying, such as narcotic pain medications
Scleroderma- a connective tissue disease
Nervous system diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or MS
An underactive thyroid

Women are more likely to develop gastroparesis than men. The condition can lead to several complications, including:

Severe dehydration
Malnutrition
Undigested food that hardens and remains in your stomach
Unpredictable blood sugar changes
Decreased quality of life

Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis so they can rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms. These tests include:

Gastric emptying tests
Scintigraphy
Breath tests
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Ultrasound

The treatment for gastroparesis begins with identifying and treating the underlying condition. For example, if diabetes is the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor can work with you to help control it.

Other treatments may include:

Changes to your diet
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Eating well-cooked fruits and vegetables instead of raw
- Avoiding fibrous fruits and vegetables
- Choosing mostly low-fat foods
- Eating soups and pureed foods if liquids are easier to swallow
- Drinking about 34-51 ounces of water a day
- Avoiding carbonated drinks, alcohol, and smoking
- Waiting for at least two hours to lie down after a meal
- Taking a daily multivitamin
Medications
- To stimulate the stomach muscles
- To control nausea and vomiting
Surgical treatment

If you are suffering from symptoms of gastroparesis, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

This month, we’re shedding light on a health condition you may be at risk of developing if you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Gastroparesis (also referred to as “delayed gastric emptying”) is a disorder that disrupts the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

Out of 100,000 people, about 10 men and 40 women may suffer from gastroparesis, adding up to about 5 million people throughout the United States. Although gastroparesis is rare, you may be more likely to develop it based on certain factors.

Diabetes, certain cancer treatments, and any surgery that may have injured your vagas nerve may contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. Out of these factors, diabetes is the most commonly-identified cause.

A few different symptoms may indicate signs of gastroparesis, including a feeling of fullness in your stomach before or after finishing a normal-sized meal, stomach pain or discomfort, or nausea.

The first doctor you may see when you start to present symptoms of gastroparesis is your primary care physician. This doctor may then refer you to a gastroenterologist if they believe those symptoms may indicate gastroparesis.

When diagnosing you with gastroparesis, a doctor conducts a physical exam, measures stomach emptying, and takes your medical history into consideration. These factors, in addition to your symptoms, complications, and most likely cause help determine the best course of treatment for you. If diabetes is determined to be the cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will focus on helping you control your blood glucose levels.

You can also tackle your symptoms from a dietary angle by reducing fat and fiber intake, avoiding tough-to-chew foods as well as carbonated and alcoholic beverages, and increasing your intake of water and liquids containing glucose and electrolytes. Light physical activity after each meal can also be helpful for stimulating your digestive processes, relieving feelings of fullness and allowing you to process food more easily.

Are you suffering from symptoms that may be signs of gastroparesis? Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Difficulty Swallowing Food? Learn the Facts About Dysphagia

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Michael Hinck

Swallowing is a function of our body that we do every day and give very little thought as to how it is achieved. We consider it to be a simple accomplishment, but in fact, it is very complex and involves the coordination of the brain, nerves, and muscles in mouth, pharynx and esophagus.

For some however, swallowing can become difficult or even impossible. This may be due to a range of diseases, commonly referred to as dysphagia. This category of health conditions can become a serious problem that requires medical attention.

There are generally two different types of dysphagia.

Esophageal dysphagia – This refers to the sensation of food getting stuck in the base of your throat or chest after you’ve started to swallow. This type of dysphagia can be caused by a number of issues, including a narrowing of the esophagus due to tumors or scarring, poorly coordinated contractions or spasms in the esophagus, or the lower esophageal muscle not allowing food to enter the stomach.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia – This focuses on swallowing issues that involve the process of moving food from the mouth to the throat when you begin to swallow. Causes for this type of dysphagia are often related to neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or Parkinson’s disease. It can also occur after sudden neurological damage from a stroke or spinal cord injury.

Swallowing problems can occur at any age, but they are more common in older adults. Symptoms include:

Having pain while swallowing
Drooling
Being hoarse
Regurgitating food
Having frequent heartburn
Having food or stomach acid back up into your throat
Losing weight without explanation
Coughing or gagging when swallowing

In addition to the constant risk of choking, dysphagia can also introduce bacteria into the lungs when food enters the airway, leading to aspiration pneumonia. Other complications from dysphagia include malnutrition, weight loss and dehydration.

Treatment for dysphagia depends on the underlying cause. On some occasions the condition can be managed easily while complex swallowing problems may require treatment by a specialist.

Those with swallowing problems can do many things to manage their condition, including sitting upright or standing while eating and for 15 minutes after eating, cutting up food into small pieces, eating slowly, and drinking plenty of fluids while eating.

To make an an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Gastroenterology, please call 718-206-7001.

Pancreatitis

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

The pancreas is a large gland located in the upper abdomen, behind our stomachs. Our pancreas produces enzymes that aid with digestion as well as the release of hormones that regulate blood sugar. If these enzymes are activated while they are still in the pancreas (before they are released into the small intestine) they can lead to inflammation. This inflammation is known as pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis can be acute (lasting for a short time) or chronic (long-lasting). Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that can result in symptoms such as:

Fever
Rapid pulse
Vomiting
Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back
Tenderness when touching the abdomen
Abdominal pain that worsens after eating

Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation that does not improve or heal over time. It can lead to permanent damage and impair an individual’s ability to digest food and make pancreatic hormones. This damage can lead to symptoms that include:

Weight loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Oily or fatty stools
Pale or clay-colored stools
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

There are several factors and conditions believed to increase the risk of pancreatitis. Risk factors include:

Family history of pancreatitis
Excessive alcohol consumption
Gallstones
Cystic fibrosis
Lupus
Smoking
Injury to the abdomen

Serious complications such as pancreatic cancer, diabetes or kidney failure can develop as a result of pancreatitis. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms associated with the disease it is recommended that you see your doctor right away. Your doctor can order a series of tests and procedures to check for abnormalities of the pancreas. Treatment of pancreatitis varies with each individual and can include pancreatic enzyme supplements, treatment for alcohol dependence, smoking cessation, dietary changes, pain management or surgery.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic bowel disease that affects the large intestine, or colon. People with UC experience inflammation of the colon, which is typically marked by swelling and irritation that eventually leads to the development of ulcers (open sores) that produce blood, pus, and mucus. There is currently no cure for UC so those with the disease usually have symptom flare-ups off and on for life.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune mistakenly identifies food, good gut bacteria, and the cells that line your colon as intruders. When this happens, the white blood cells that usually protect us, attack the lining of our colon instead, which causes inflammation and ulcers.

While doctors don’t know definitively what causes UC, some believe that both genetics and environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease for some. While other factors such as food and stress don’t cause UC, they can trigger a flare-up of symptoms.

The main symptom of u ulcerative colitis is bloody diarrhea. Other problems may include:

Crampy belly pain
Sudden urges to empty your colon right away
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Feeling tired
Fever
Dehydration
Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your colon after you use the bathroom
Not being able to hold your stools in

Your doctor will use different tests to determine if you have UC or another type of gut disease. Tests typically include stool and blood samples, x-rays, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy where tubes containing cameras are used to view the inside of the colon and take a biopsy of its lining.

If UC is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to address your symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. This may include altering your diet and prescribing certain medications to reduce inflammation and stop your immune system from attacking your colon. In severe cases, a surgical procedure to remove your colon (colectomy) may be required.

If you are experiencing symptoms of colitis, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you do not have one, Jamaica Hospital has qualified physicians that can diagnose and help you manage this condition. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

What is a Peptic Ulcer and How do they Develop?

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in certain parts of your digestive tract. They occur when the protective layer of mucus that lines those areas erodes due to the buildup of acids. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to internal bleeding and other complications.

There are two types of peptic ulcer disease that are classified based on where they develop. When an ulcer forms on the stomach lining, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is the name for an ulcer that appears at the top end of the small intestine. You can have ulcers at any age, but your chances of having one increases with age.

Peptic ulcers generally develop for two reasons:

Bacteria – One common type of bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) is a main cause for peptic ulcers. While as many as 50% of us carry this type of bacteria, most people infected with H. pylori do not get ulcers. For some however, it can raise the amount of acid produced, break down the protective mucus layer, and irritate the digestive tract.
Pain Relievers – Another cause for ulcers is prolonged use of pain relievers, such aspirin or medications that contain ibuprofen or naproxen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications block your body from making a chemical that help protect the inner walls of your stomach and small intestine from stomach acid.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are also contributing factors in the development of ulcers. It is a common misnomer is that stress and spicy foods can a lead to this condition. The fact is that while they are not factors in the formation of ulcers, they can make an existing condition worse.

Some people can have a peptic ulcer and not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, the most common is a burning pain or discomfort between the naval and breastbone. The pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours, and may come and go for many days or weeks.

Other symptoms may include:

Bloated feeling
Burping
Difficulty breathing
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Feeling faint
Nausea
Bloody or dark stool
Vomiting

See a doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms or if your pain does not go away with over the counter antacids. Your physician can diagnose a peptic ulcer by conducting an endoscopy. During this test, a thin, flexible tube is inserted down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine. The tube has a camera at the end to check the lining for ulcers.

Once confirmed, your doctor can prescribe certain medications designed to help protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine so the ulcer can heal.

To schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Want to Quit Smoking? We Can Help!

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Tobacco is the single greatest cause of multiple diseases and premature deaths in the USA today. It kills more Americans each year than alcohol, crack, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined. There are an estimated 480,000 deaths in the United States annually that are due to tobacco use. It is the only legal consumer product that is lethal when used exactly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Smoking cigarettes affects many aspects of health. Tobacco smoke contains about 7000 chemicals, including low concentrations of such strong poisons as ammonia, cyanide, arsenic and formaldehyde. It also contains 69 carcinogens – substances that are known to cause cancers in humans. Direct association has been established between smoking and cancers of the lung, mouth, nose, throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, stomach, pancreas, cervix, bladder, kidney and blood.
In the United States, Illnesses caused by smoking cost more than 300 billion dollars per year in direct medical care and lost productivity. Smokers pay twice as much for life insurance and will die on average of 13-14 years earlier than non-smokers. It costs tobacco companies approximately 5 cents to produce a pack of cigarettes.

Many lung conditions are either caused or aggravated by cigarette smoke. It irritates bronchial airways and stimulates mucous production leading eventually to decreased elasticity and functional failure. Patients suffering from COPD, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema have a much higher risk of dying when repeatedly exposed to smoke.
Smokers are also at greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages blood vessels making them stiff and narrow, obstructing blood flow which results with elevated blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure or chronic skin changes.

Pregnant women exposed to tobacco smoke have increased risk of complications like miscarriage, premature birth, and brain and lung damage in developing baby. Sudden infant death syndrome is three times more likely if mother smoked during pregnancy.
Secondhand smoke is the smoke exhaled by smokers or given off by a burning cigarette or pipe. Inhaling secondhand smoke is as hazardous as smoking a cigarette. There is no safe level for secondhand smoke exposure established. People can inhale it at work, homes, cars or public spaces and have all the complications mentioned above.

Smoking tobacco is an addiction similar to heroin and cocaine. It can be successfully treated but the majority of cases require three or more attempts. Quitting smoking offers a chance of feeling better and living longer. Studies have shown that five, common sense steps, provide the best chance for quitting smoking for good:

1. Get ready: set a quit date and throw out all cigarettes and ashtrays from your home.

2. Get support: tell your family, friends and doctor about quitting plans; search the internet for advice.

3. Learn new behaviors: distract yourself from the urge to smoke; exercise or go for a walk.

4. Get medication: combining medication like nicotine patches or Zyban with behavioral adaptation and family support quadruples your chances of success.

5. Be prepared for relapse and difficult situations- most people try to quit a few times before succeeding.

If you would like to learn more about quitting smoking, please call 718-206-8494.