Your GI Tract: Common Issues & Treatments

Most people have experienced a stomach issue at some point - abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Sometimes these symptoms go away in a few hours or days. But many times, people live with these issues for weeks, months, or even years and require medical intervention. The great news about issues related to your GI tract is that many symptoms can be alleviated with lifestyle modifications including changes in your diet and exercise.Today we chat with Dr. Megha Kothari, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist, on 3 of the most common abdominal issues she sees in her clinic daily: GERD, IBS, and Fatty Liver Disease. Her first line of defense with all patients is educating them and providing advice on changes in their daily habits to manage symptoms. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) presents in nearly 20% of the population. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a more female-dominant issue that can present as a collection of symptoms. Dr. Kothari discusses the mind-gut connection and how stress and hormonal changes for females can contribute to IBS. Finally, we end with Fatty Liver Disease, which is usually unrecognized and can lead to more serious complications such as cirrhosis. Dr. Kothari educates us on the importance of weight loss for patients with this disease and how losing 10% of body mass is key to alleviating symptoms.Dr. Megha Kothari is a clinical instructor at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell and an attending physician at New York Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where she is the Assistant Director of Hepatology and Director of Women’s Health. Dr. Kothari is board certified in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Obesity medicine, and Internal Medicine. Dr. Kothari is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.Connect with her at https://meghakotharimd.com/