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Ask an Expert
Modern Weng, DO
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What type of treatments options are there for a hiatal hernia? Also, what type of diet should I follow with this condition?
First, let's define what a hiatal hernia is. A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach pushes itself past the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the muscular border that separates the chest cav... continue reading about What type of treatments options are there for a hiatal hernia? Also, what type of diet should I follow with this condition?
Robert Osterhoff, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I've been on a gluten-free diet for a year. Does that mean that the "fingers" in my small intestine are back to normal? I still have problems with eating too much fiber at one time, causing looser and somewhat urgent bowel movements the next morning.
For patients who have a diagnosis of celiac disease, the small intestine will typically heal once exposure to gluten is eliminated. This means that the "fingers" of the intestine, which are known as villi,... continue reading about I've been on a gluten-free diet for a year. Does that mean that the "fingers" in my small intestine are back to normal? I still have problems with eating too much fiber at one time, causing looser and somewhat urgent bowel movements the next morning.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading about I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Lactose is the sugar found in milk. If you have been told you are lactose intolerant, you are unable to digest this sugar. Some people can eat or drink small amounts of lactose, while others can not tolerate an... continue reading about Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
When we're talking about reactions to food, most people think any reaction must be allergic in origin. Not true. There are many reasons why one may have an adverse reaction to a food. A few examples: coffee may... continue reading about How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease two years ago. I recently heard that more harmful bacteria are found in a person with Crohn's than those without this disease. If this is true, is there anything I can do to change the bacteria in my system?
Thank you very much for this question.The intestinal bacteria can play an important role in the development and progression of Crohn's disease. The intestinal microbial community performs a range of useful func... continue reading about I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease two years ago. I recently heard that more harmful bacteria are found in a person with Crohn's than those without this disease. If this is true, is there anything I can do to change the bacteria in my system?
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control! Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a loo... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Vinod K. Kurupath, M.D.
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
In conventional endoscopy, the gastroenterologist can only view the innermost lining of the digestive tract. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows a doctor to look at more than the inner layers of the gastrointest... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and I may be a candidate for an endoscopic ultrasound. What are the benefits of this procedure?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading about My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
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