The Flush

In this episode of The Flush, we're talking about one of the most common digestive conditions affecting millions of Americans: GERD, also known as acid reflux.Hosted by Julianna Hallman and Dr. Chris Shaver of Birmingham Gastroenterology, we're joined by special guest Dr. Raj Parikh to discuss GERD, what causes it, and why so many people struggle with symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, throat clearing, and chest discomfort. We also explore when occasional heartburn becomes something more serious and why medication isn't always the complete solution.Plus, we get into:Hot on the Pot: Alabama lawmakers pushing to expand access to colorectal cancer screening, the surprising connection between GLP-1 medications and increased mint and gum sales, and why advocates are encouraging more "poop talk" to help catch colorectal cancer earlier.Acid reflux is incredibly common, but living with frequent symptoms doesn't have to be. Our goal is to make digestive health easier to understand, easier to talk about, and easier to navigate with confidence.Have a question or story? Submit it on social and don't hold it in.Follow us and message us:Instagram: @birminghamgastroTikTok: @birminghamgastroFacebook: Birmingham GastroenterologyFor more information on Birmingham Gastroenterology, visit bgapc.com.

In Episode 2 of The Flush, we’re diving into one of the internet’s favorite health topics right now: “leaky gut” and the explosion of gut health advice all over TikTok.Hosted by Julianna Hallman and Dr. Chris Shaver of Birmingham Gastroenterology, we break down what people actually mean when they say they have leaky gut, whether it’s a real medical diagnosis, and what symptoms should actually prompt you to see a GI specialist.We also take on some of the biggest gut health trends online and separate what’s medically supported from what’s mostly hype.Plus, we get into:Hot on the Pot: trending GI headlines including NASA’s Artemis 2 “space toilet,” a Chick-fil-A employee finding nearly $10,000 in a restaurant bathroom, and smart underwear designed to track farts for scienceShaver Says: rating viral gut health trends from psyllium husk and probiotics to celery juice, castor oil packs, aloe vera juice, liver cleanses, olive oil shots, and apple cider vinegar for heartburnWhether supplements, cleanses, bone broth, fermented foods, and digestive products actually “heal your gut”Digestive health is confusing enough without social media making it harder to know what’s real. Our goal is to make these conversations easier to understand, easier to talk about, and easier to navigate with confidence.Have a question or story? Submit it on social and don’t hold it in.Follow us and message us:Instagram: @birminghamgastroTikTok: @birminghamgastroFacebook: Birmingham GastroenterologyFor more information on Birmingham Gastroenterology, visit bgapc.com.

At just 25 years old, John Michael Pierce lost his life to esophageal cancer.In this episode, Dr. Chris Shaver and Julianna Hallman are joined by Michelle Jenkins, who shares her brother’s story and the mission behind the John Michael Pierce Foundation. Dr. Shaver also provides expert insight, answering common questions about esophageal cancer, including symptoms that are often overlooked and why early detection matters.This conversation goes beyond awareness. It’s about recognizing the signs and understanding what could save a life.For more information on the John Michael Pierce Foundation, visit jmpfoundation.org.Don’t ignore the signs. If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit bgapc.com to connect with Birmingham Gastroenterology.

In our first episode of The Flush, we’re diving into one of the most important conversations happening in healthcare right now: colon cancer is rising in younger adults.Hosted by Julianna Hallman and Dr. Chris Shaver of Birmingham Gastroenterology, we break down what’s driving the increase, the symptoms you should never ignore, and what you actually need to know about screening, including the growing conversation around stool and blood-based tests.We also introduce what to expect from the show, including:Hot on the Pot: trending GI headlinesShaver Says: myth busting the internet’s biggest misconceptionsDon’t Hold It In: real questions and stories from listenersPlus, we get into:The role of diet and ultra-processed foodsA viral “poop spray” news storyPrebiotic sodas and whether they’re actually good for youReal listener questions you’ve probably wondered yourself but never askedDigestive health can feel uncomfortable to talk about, but it doesn’t have to be. Our goal is to make it easier to understand, easier to discuss, and easier to take action.Have a question or story? Submit it on social and don’t hold it in.Follow us and message us:Instagram: @birminghamgastroTikTok: @birminghamgastro Facebook: Birmingham GastroenterologyIf you’re 45 or older, or experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening. It could save your life.For more information on Birmingham Gastroenterology, visit bgapc.com.