In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo welcomes a special guest, Dr. Noreen Vail, a licensed psychologist with expertise in behavioral change, to discuss the psychological aspects of making lifestyle changes for managing fatty liver disease. Building on last week's episode about natural treatments for fatty liver, Dr. Gandolfo and Dr. Vail dive into why some patients struggle to make essential changes and how clinicians can better support them.

Topics covered in this episode: - Recap of last week's episode on fatty liver disease and natural treatments. - Common excuses patients give for not making lifestyle changes. - The Transtheoretical Model: Understanding the five stages of change. - Effective strategies for clinicians to assess and support patients in making behavioral changes. - Practical advice for patients on how to foster positive changes at home. - The role of family support and how loved ones can help without nagging. - The importance of a multi-specialty approach to treating fatty liver disease.

Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

Referenced in today's show- Episode 10: The Natural Way to Treat Fatty Liver Disease at Home

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In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo delves into fatty liver disease, affecting over 30% of Americans. Dr. Gandolfo explains what fatty liver disease is, how it develops, and most importantly, how to manage and treat it naturally at home with minimal cost.

He introduces a patient case to illustrate common scenarios and provides actionable advice on diet and lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference.

Topics covered in this episode: - Defining Fatty Liver Disease: What it is and how it happens. - Patient Case: A 48-year-old man with prediabetes, mild hypertension, and elevated liver enzymes. - Terminology Updates: Understanding MASLD, MASH, and MetALD. - Risk Factors: How diet, lifestyle, and genetics contribute to fatty liver disease. - Natural Treatment: Effective weight loss strategies and exercise routines. - Diet Recommendations: Sustainable eating plans and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. - Exercise Benefits: How regular physical activity can improve liver health and overall well-being.

Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

References cited in this episode: - AASLD Practice Guideline on Fatty Liver Disease

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In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo will address a common clinical question: What should you do if you have a stool test positive for blood but recently had a colonoscopy?

Dr. Gandolfo explores the purposes of stool tests in colorectal cancer prevention, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to colonoscopy. He reviews a patient case and discusses the utility of performing stool guaiac tests after a recent colonoscopy.

Topics covered in this episode:

- Stool Tests: Understanding their role in colorectal cancer prevention.

- Colonoscopy vs. Stool Tests: Strengths and weaknesses.

- Patient Case: A 52-year-old woman with a positive guaiac test two years after colonoscopy.

- Quality of Colonoscopy: Key factors to ensure a protective exam.

- Practical Advice: When to consider a repeat colonoscopy and when it might be unnecessary.

Be sure to subscribe to The Real GI Doc Show for more insights, and reach out with your questions on social media @realgidoc or leave an audio question for Dr. Gandolfo here.

References cited in this episode:

• VA study on fecal occult blood testing
• Australian study "To scope or not..."

Find The Real GI Doc Show on social media, join the newsletter, read Dr. Gandolfo's bio, or ask a question using this link.