Diet Archives - Siamak Tabib, MD GASTROENTEROLOGIST AND HEPATOLOGIST SPECIALIST Fri, 02 Oct 2020 09:30:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.tabibmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-logo-foot-32x32.png Diet Archives - Siamak Tabib, MD 32 32 Is Food Making You Sick Or Could It Be Something Else? https://www.tabibmd.com/blog/is-food-making-you-sick-or-could-it-be-something-else/ Tue, 15 Oct 2019 07:01:33 +0000 http://intactinfo.org/tabibmd/wp/?p=3410 The post Is Food Making You Sick Or Could It Be Something Else? appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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For some, getting sick from food is a rare occurrence, but for others, it’s more common. Looking into the food we consume may point to reasons why you may feel chronically nauseous. As a top Los Angeles Gastroenterologist, Dr. Tabib cares about your quality of life and how your diet may be negatively affecting you every day. How is food making you sick?

Common Reasons for Food Making You Sick

There are a few common conditions that may be attributed to your nausea after eating.

The most infamous is foodborne illness, which is due to improper handling of food. Whether it sits out too long, wasn’t cooked properly, or wasn’t stored correctly, the symptoms are all the same. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur because of the bacteria and parasites that form on neglected food items.

Food allergies have become a more popular term in recent decades now that studies have shown the link between this and nausea. We’ve all heard about the fatal consequences of eating food you are allergic too, but not all food allergies are that severe. The one thing that all food allergies do have in common is that it makes your immune system erroneously attack the food as it would a harmful invader. Because of the histamines and chemicals that your body uses to fight food that you are allergic too, you could become nauseous, which is not usually attributed to allergies.

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid can move into the esophagus. There are many different levels of severity for acid reflux, but one of the common symptoms is nausea. Spicy or acidic foods could cause someone who is healthy to have an acid reflux response. In any case, it is annoying to feel nauseous a lot. If you think there is a link between your nausea and food, contact Dr. Tabib right away to get a gastroenterologist’s opinion.

Other Things That Make You Nauseous

Before you condemn food as the reason you are always sick, maybe one of these other conditions could be the culprit.

Morning sickness from pregnancy can be easily misinterpreted as food poisoning. If you are feeling an aversion to certain types of food, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test to rule out everything.

The stomach flu is another viral infection that can symptomize the same as food allergies and poisoning. The stomach flu can be extremely contagious, so stay away from anyone you know who has it. Also, if you are in a profession that deals with food handling, be sure to call out sick if you have a stomach virus.

The gallbladder could be the reason you feel nauseous as well. Having gallbladder disease means that it is harder for your body to digest fats. This can lead to nausea after eating a rich meal.

Finally, irritable bowel syndrome has a common symptom of nausea. By eliminating these as potential conditions, you can narrow down what is actually causing your sick feeling.

The foods to stay away from

There is a list of foods that are considered the riskiest when it comes to food poisoning. These types of foods have a higher likelihood of making you sick compared to other foods. If you are worried about food poisoning, then stay away from these food items:

  • Raw eggs can contain salmonella bacteria (usually this is cooked out)
  • Chicken causes more sickness each year than any other meat
  • Leafy greens can be very healthy, but lack of proper washing by consumers leads to a lot of sickness
  • Seafood has a lot of potential for different types of contamination
  • Cheese has a bacteria called listeria that is very bad for pregnant women
  • Vegetables and fruits can be mishandled, so always clean these before eating
  • Raw milk doesn’t go through the pasteurization process to kill bacteria, so it’s very easy to get sick from it

Another big reason for food poisoning is cross-contamination and improper storage. Be cautious of leftovers from restaurants, and promptly get them home to the refrigerator. The FDA suggests putting food in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Also, be aware of the food that may be touching something that could contaminate it. If you aren’t sure how something was prepared or stored, then better to be safe than sorry.

Finally, if you find that you are allergic to a food, then avoid it altogether.

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]]> This is What Causes Constipation and Here is What to do About it https://www.tabibmd.com/blog/what-causes-constipation/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 23:56:22 +0000 https://www.tabibmd.com/?p=2733 The post This is What Causes Constipation and Here is What to do About it appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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Constipation is seldom an easy topic to talk about. However, it’s worth some serious discussion if it is starting to interfere with the overall health and quality of your everyday life. Constipation is something that happens to all of us, and for a variety of different reasons. Specialized gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, Dr. Siamak Tabib, wants you to understand exactly what causes constipation and what you need to do about it when it occurs.

Constipation Definition

Let’s first talk about the definition of constipation. Understanding what it is exactly, and how it comes to be, can help you figure out what you need to do about it. Constipation is a digestive system condition where it is difficult to expel feces from the body. In other words, if you have trouble going to the bathroom when it’s time for a bowel movement, it’s likely that you are constipated.

But what causes constipation, exactly? Why does this happen sometimes and not others?

What Causes Constipation?

The main reason for constipation is because the colon absorbs too much water from the food being digested. This clogs the system process and causes fecal matter to get stuck. This is a painful or uncomfortable experience for most.

Other factors may lead to the development of constipation as well. They include:

  • Diet. Having a certain kind of diet that is low in fiber and heavy in fats can exacerbate the constipation process, and those with poor diets may experience constipation more often.
  • Age. Unfortunately, bodies don’t function as well as they used to as we start to get older. Age can definitely contribute to the complications, although there are treatment methods available.
  • Inactivity. Sitting around too much without exercising your body can cause things to get clogged in your digestive tract. Dr. Tabib recommends a healthy regimen of diet and exercise to avoid making constipation a commonality.
  • Medication. Some medication can cause imbalances in the digestive tract, leading to increased constipation.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you’re known to have IBS, you may get constipated more frequently.

Constipation Treatment Options

Now that you understand what causes constipation, what exactly can be done about it? What are the best ways to treat constipation and ensure that it doesn’t happen again moving forward?

A recent Medical News Today article suggested to let the matter resolve itself on its own, which in most cases can be a good way to treat it. Sometimes, constipation just needs time to go away, and soon you will go back to having regular bowel movements.

However, if you are constipated due to a poor diet or physical inactivity, a better action plan might be needed. You can visit with Dr. Tabib to develop a new plan and a lifestyle change, helping you consume fiber-rich foods and exercise so your system is able to function a lot more smoothly.

You can also try alternative treatment methods such as consuming more water and fiber. Set aside more time to go to the bathroom. Surprisingly, most adults in the U.S. do not dedicate enough time to defecation. Sometimes, it can be a slow process. Make sure you do yourself the favor of scheduling some bathroom time.

Gastroenterology Los Angeles

If your constipation issues are bothering you, and you’re in need of some immediate assistance or relief, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We may be able to start you on a proactive plan to ensure your symptoms don’t return. Laxatives might be prescribed, as well as a healthier exercise regimen. To learn more, please reach out to us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to make an appointment!

The post This is What Causes Constipation and Here is What to do About it appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

]]> What is the Best Food for an Upset Stomach? https://www.tabibmd.com/blog/what-is-the-best-food-for-an-upset-stomach/ Wed, 17 Jul 2019 17:36:27 +0000 https://www.tabibmd.com/?p=2710 The post What is the Best Food for an Upset Stomach? appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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When you have an upset stomach, all you want is the right remedy to make it go away. Fortunately, there are some effective, and fast, actions you can take to ease the pain of an upset stomach. One proven method is to carefully consider the foods you ingest. Always keep in mind the best food for an upset stomach. However, if you frequently experience an upset stomach, it may be time to visit a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles. To get more information on Dr. Tabib’s experience and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, contact him today.

Ginger

If the upset feeling you are experiencing is in the form of nausea, then ginger is a great place to start. Not only is ginger known for its anti-nausea properties, but it also can be eaten raw or cooked. It is a very healthy option if you are working on your nutrition.

BRAT diet

When your stomach is upset, the last thing you want to do is pack it with greasy, heavy foods. The BRAT diet opposes that experience by ingesting bland, but nourishing foods that can aid the body’s digestion. BRAT stands for:

  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Toast

These are all easily digestible and can likely be found in your kitchen already.

Soup

When looking for the best food for an upset stomach, soup is a classic. This is an especially good option if you are having difficulty keeping solid foods in your stomach. However, it is important that you consider picking a soup that is low in sodium, which will reduce that uncomfortable bloating feeling, and avoid anything too creamy. Soups with a heavy creamy texture, spicy flavoring, or lots of solid foods added may only upset your stomach more.

Dry Crackers or Toast

When symptoms of an upset stomach hit, it may be due to building gastric acid in your stomach. This can cause an uncomfortable or slight burning feeling that is entirely unpleasant at times. To combat the acid build-up, eating something with a lot of starch, like dry crackers or toast, can bring relief to an upset stomach.

Sweet Potatoes

This item in the search of the best food for an upset stomach may surprise you- sweet potatoes! While they are known for their healthy properties and delicious taste, they serve as a great way to balance the sodium in your body. Plus, it also can reduce the bloating that can come with an upset stomach, so sweet potatoes are a win all around.

Liquids

The best food for an upset stomach may not be food at all! Before, during, and after your upset stomach, it is important to prioritize liquids as well by staying hydrated. Sipping on water can be extremely helpful in cleansing the inside of your body for toxins, but if that does not seem to be working fast enough, then there are other options to consider.

For example, a cup of warm tea can work wonders on an upset stomach. Also, carbonated drinks like ginger ale can be a fast-acting liquid relief. Or if your upset stomach steams from constipation, then coffee may be the option to try since it can keep you regular.

Upset stomachs can ruin your day, especially when they come on randomly or have been occurring frequently. Fortunately, having the best foods ready can help you get fast-acting and lasting relief.

If holistic remedies are no longer working, or you feel that your symptoms warrant input from a professional, then contact Dr. Tabib today. With extensive experience, glowing reviews, and a variety of treatment options, they can help diagnosis where the issue is stemming from and implement a treatment option that is right for you.

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]]> Why is Fiber Good For You? https://www.tabibmd.com/blog/why-is-fiber-good-for-you/ Wed, 15 May 2019 17:23:15 +0000 https://www.tabibmd.com/?p=2584 The post Why is Fiber Good For You? appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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In order to sustain a healthy and well-balanced body, it’s important to maintain a rounded diet. This includes consuming vitamins and nutrients that can provide you with what you need. From potassium to calcium, there are a lot of ingredients that help you to feel good, and fiber is one of them. But what exactly is dietary fiber? Why is fiber good for you?

It’s time to shed some light on dietary fiber and help you understand why it’s essential to ensure you’re getting enough. To speak with a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, get in touch with Dr. Tabib today!

About Dietary Fiber

Fiber isn’t just a microscopic thing that makes up fabric; it’s also an ingredient in many healthy food items. Mayo Clinic recommends that you eat enough fiber to regulate your digestive system.

Fiber isn’t absorbed in the body like other nutrients. When you consume vitamins, fats, and minerals, the body knows how to break it down and use it for energy and strength. However, fiber is not digestible. It merely passes through your system and isn’t absorbed into your body.

How is something you can’t digest good for you?

Essential Plant Matter

Have you ever had a parent or a relative talk about how you need to eat more “roughage” or “bulk foods”? What they’re really talking about is fiber. Fiber comes from plants and contains the thick parts of plants that you don’t normally consume or digest. There are actually many reasons why fiber is good for you. It acts as a natural cleanser, helping to rid the body of toxins and make it easier for you to digest other foods.

Some of the biggest benefits of fiber include:

  • Fiber scrubs your intestines as it moves through them, ridding them of wasteful substances and clearing the way for more food to be digested later.
  • Sugary foods absorb more slowly after eating fiber. Fiber makes it more difficult for sugar crystals to latch on, which can help you to regulate your glucose. This is important because you do not want your levels of glucose to rise or fall too rapidly.
  • Fiber keeps your bowel movements regular and normal. Nobody likes to think about going to the bathroom, but it is something that you must do regularly in order to have a healthy body.

Plus, fiber can help you lose or maintain weight. It’s nature’s scrub brush, acting as a plant-based filtration system to help regulate everything else that goes on with your body’s digestive system.

But there are different types of fiber. Research from Healthline warns against the over-consumption of “bad” fiber versus “good” fiber. How can we tell whether the fiber we’re eating is good for you or not?

The Different Types of Dietary Fiber

There are many different types of fiber that you can come across in an average diet. Let’s break down these types to determine which fiber is healthy, and which can be done without.

Soluble fiber is a type of fiber that naturally dissolves in water. This fiber includes grains, citrus, fruits, carrots, and beans. It creates a gel-textured coating in the body, helping to reduce the absorption of sugar and ensures that glucose and metabolism levels remain healthy.

Insoluble fiber, by definition, does not dissolve in water. This type of fiber cannot break down. Find insoluble fiber in whole wheat, nuts, vegetables, green beans, and potatoes. Its function is to pass through your digestive system to make it easier for other waste to pass more smoothly.

Soluble fiber is recommended for those who are looking to regulate their diets, control their sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight. However, if you are constipated or having trouble passing waste, insoluble fiber is your best bet.

Both types of fiber can have some serious benefits to your body. Reach out to Dr. Tabib and start your fiber-filled journey towards health and well-being.

Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

Have you been staying away from fiber? Are you not sure which foods have the kind of fiber that would help you the most? Make an appointment with your gastrointestinal doctor, Dr. Tabib, and we can help you find the perfect dietary plan. Please contact us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to make an appointment. Begin the path to good health today!

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]]> What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults? https://www.tabibmd.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-celiac-disease-in-adults/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 17:14:45 +0000 http://www.tabibmd.com/?p=2133 The post What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults? appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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Many patients with Celiac Disease are diagnosed at a young age, especially during childhood. However, there are still those who do not discover the disease until much later in life, which can lead to dietary restrictions and nutritional concerns. Dr. Tabib and his team of experts want to make sure patients know everything about Celiac Disease and what it entails. In order to best diagnose your symptoms before you end up in a dangerous situation, take a look at the following signs of Celiac Disease and contact Dr. Tabib to schedule an appointment right away.

What Exactly Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease drastically affects the digestive system. You may have heard of friends, neighbors, or family members who are going “gluten-free” due to this disease. And that’s exactly what exacerbates the symptoms. Gluten is a type of protein found in many wheat products, including rye and barley. It’s very easy to find food products that contain gluten, from the bread you buy at the store to the pizza you enjoy with your friends.

But for those with Celiac Disease, gluten is intolerable. The digestive system cannot break it down, causing the immune system to respond negatively. This can cause malnourishment and a steady decline in health and hygiene all throughout.

The Biggest Symptoms of Celiac Disease

In adults, sometimes the symptoms are far more powerful than in children. Another issue with Celiac Disease is that there are many, many symptoms that can cause a diagnosis. Some symptoms are common amongst other diseases as well, making it sometimes difficult to accurately diagnose. Be sure to give Dr. Tabib a call if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Chronic gas or diarrhea
  • Consistent abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Extreme weight loss or weight gain
  • Anemia
  • Pain in the joints or bones
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Missed menstrual periods
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fatty or foul-smelling stool
  • Multiple seizures
  • Sores or ulcers in the mouth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Loss of tooth enamel
  • Lack of physical growth
  • Cramps
  • Tiredness and fatigue

There are even cases where Celiac disease displays no symptoms at all. Therefore it is very individualized on a case by case basis, making it difficult to formulate the correct diagnosis. When this disease is diagnosed, a personalized treatment plan is created immediately to help patients get their nutrition and health back on track.

Dr. Tabib’s Treatment Plans

After Celiac Disease has been diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment plans that are prescribed in order to help you stem the symptoms. Thankfully, it can be very easy to live with Celiac Disease, as long as you remember to stick with a strict gluten-free diet.

By entertaining a gluten-free diet, you will see the symptoms disappear almost immediately. This means that you can go back to living your life, performing your daily activities with ease. No more abdominal pain, no more cramps, and no more problems with the bones. But if you let Celiac Disease carry on for too long without getting it diagnosed, it can lead to more serious issues down the line, such as osteoporosis, birth defects in children, miscarriage, lymphoma, and other deadly conditions.

Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

At the office of Dr. Tabib, we take great care in coming up with a personalized payment plan that works best for you. Whether you’re experiencing several symptoms or no symptoms at all, the status of your Celiac Disease can be quite severe. In order to perform an accurate diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan, you can schedule a consultation with us right away. To get started, simply contact us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to speak with us!

Many patients with Celiac Disease are diagnosed at a young age, especially during childhood. However, there are still those who do not discover the disease until much later in life, which can lead to dietary restrictions and nutritional concerns. Dr. Tabib and his team of experts want to make sure patients know everything about Celiac Disease and what it entails. In order to best diagnose your symptoms before you end up in a dangerous situation, take a look at the following signs of Celiac Disease and contact Dr. Tabib to schedule an appointment right away.

What Exactly Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease drastically affects the digestive system. You may have heard of friends, neighbors, or family members who are going “gluten-free” due to this disease. And that’s exactly what exacerbates the symptoms. Gluten is a type of protein found in many wheat products, including rye and barley. It’s very easy to find food products that contain gluten, from the bread you buy at the store to the pizza you enjoy with your friends.

But for those with Celiac Disease, gluten is intolerable. The digestive system cannot break it down, causing the immune system to respond negatively. This can cause malnourishment and a steady decline in health and hygiene all throughout.

The Biggest Symptoms of Celiac Disease

In adults, sometimes the symptoms are far more powerful than in children. Another issue with Celiac Disease is that there are many, many symptoms that can cause a diagnosis. Some symptoms are common amongst other diseases as well, making it sometimes difficult to accurately diagnose. Be sure to give Dr. Tabib a call if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Chronic gas or diarrhea
  • Consistent abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Extreme weight loss or weight gain
  • Anemia
  • Pain in the joints or bones
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Missed menstrual periods
  • Osteoporosis
  • Fatty or foul-smelling stool
  • Multiple seizures
  • Sores or ulcers in the mouth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Loss of tooth enamel
  • Lack of physical growth
  • Cramps
  • Tiredness and fatigue

There are even cases where Celiac disease displays no symptoms at all. Therefore it is very individualized on a case by case basis, making it difficult to formulate the correct diagnosis. When this disease is diagnosed, a personalized treatment plan is created immediately to help patients get their nutrition and health back on track.

Dr. Tabib’s Treatment Plans

After Celiac Disease has been diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment plans that are prescribed in order to help you stem the symptoms. Thankfully, it can be very easy to live with Celiac Disease, as long as you remember to stick with a strict gluten-free diet.

By entertaining a gluten-free diet, you will see the symptoms disappear almost immediately. This means that you can go back to living your life, performing your daily activities with ease. No more abdominal pain, no more cramps, and no more problems with the bones. But if you let Celiac Disease carry on for too long without getting it diagnosed, it can lead to more serious issues down the line, such as osteoporosis, birth defects in children, miscarriage, lymphoma, and other deadly conditions.

Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

At the office of Dr. Tabib, we take great care in coming up with a personalized payment plan that works best for you. Whether you’re experiencing several symptoms or no symptoms at all, the status of your Celiac Disease can be quite severe. In order to perform an accurate diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan, you can schedule a consultation with us right away. To get started, simply contact us online or give us a call at (310) 683-4911 to speak with us!

The post What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Adults? appeared first on Siamak Tabib, MD.

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