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..."

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Join Gastroenterologist Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into a common and often deadly liver disease related to excessive alcohol consumption called alcoholic hepatitis. In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo reviews a tragic patient case to discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for alcoholic hepatitis. Learn about the amount of alcohol it takes to develop this severe condition, the impact of nutritional status and other risk factors, and the importance of alcohol abstinence and proper nutrition in managing the disease.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Understanding Alcoholic Hepatitis: What is it and how does it develop?
• Risk Factors: How much alcohol is too much?
• Symptoms: What to watch out for?
• Treatment Options: From alcohol abstinence, to medications, to liver transplant.
• Case Study: A detailed look at a tragic patient case of a young woman with alcohol-related hepatitis.

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:

• Resources to get help with alcohol problems
• Alcohol-related hepatitis: A review article

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Join Dr. Gandolfo as he delves into the pervasive and often devastating impacts of alcohol consumption on our health. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Gandolfo discusses the definitions of light, moderate, and heavy alcohol use, and reviews the myriad ways that alcohol can harm your body. Learn about the signs of alcohol use disorder and discover simple questions you can answer to assess whether you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol.

Dr. Gandolfo shares a poignant case study of a patient with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis, illustrating the severe consequences of long-term heavy drinking. He also explores the broader societal impact of alcohol, including its role in accidents, violence, and various cancers.

Whether you drink occasionally, socially, or heavily, this episode provides crucial insights into the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Tune in to understand how alcohol can affect your heart, liver, brain, and overall health, and learn why it's important to address alcohol use issues early.

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:

• Resources to get help with alcohol problems
• Estimated Deaths Attributed to Excess Alcohol Use Among U.S. Adults

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

Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo in this engaging Q & A session where he tackles some of the most intriguing questions submitted by listeners. From the intricacies of colostomies to the potential benefits of acupuncture, and even the curious reason why poop is brown, Dr. Gandolfo provides insightful answers with his signature blend of expertise and humor. Plus, learn about his personal journey into the field of gastroenterology.

• Colostomies and Colonoscopies: Can you still get a colonoscopy if you have a colostomy?
• Acupuncture: What does the evidence say about its effectiveness for gastrointestinal issues?
• The Color of Poop: Why is poop brown, and what do different colors indicate?
• Career Path: How did Dr. Gandolfo decide to become a gastroenterologist?

Have a question for Dr. Gandolfo? Reach out on social media @realgidoc or visit realgidoc.com to leave a voice message question.

References cited in this episode:

Acupuncture fMRI review article

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

Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints: acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In this insightful episode, Dr. Gandolfo discusses a real patient case, shedding light on the presentation, workup, and management of GERD. Discover effective strategies for treating acid reflux through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.

Learn about the importance of recognizing alarm signs, the role of endoscopy in diagnosing conditions like Barrett's esophagus, and the potential complications of untreated GERD. Dr. Gandolfo explains the nuances of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and offers practical tips for managing this uncomfortable condition.

Whether you or someone you know suffers from acid reflux, this episode provides valuable information and actionable advice to improve quality of life and prevent serious complications.

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 at realgidoc.com.

References cited in this episode:

American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: GERD Management 2022

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What do psychiatric patients, gastroenterologists, Queen Elizabeth I, and prisoners all have in common? If you guessed bezoars, you're correct!

Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into two odd and uncommon conditions that gastroenterologists sometimes encounter: Pica, the eating of non-food substances, and bezoars, masses of non-digestible material stuck in the GI tract.

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo shares a fascinating case study, discusses the treatment of these rare conditions, and explores the blurred lines between psychiatric and medical issues.

Tune in for an informative and entertaining discussion on these medical curiosities!

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Link to My Strange Addition episode discussed in this episode.

Dr. Gandolfo's Bio The Real GI Doc Show Monthly Newsletter Stay updated with the latest episodes and exclusive content by subscribing to our monthly newsletter!