Let’s Talk About Your Gut Health
Digestive diseases affect over 60 million Americans, making gut health a critical issue. To shed light on this, we spoke with Dr. Hiroshi Mashimo, a gastroenterologist and a member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board. Dr. Mashimo is dedicated to advancing patient care and research in gastroenterology. He took time out of his busy schedule to share insights on gut health and his field.
What Are Common Misconceptions About GI Medicine?
One of the biggest challenges in gastrointestinal (GI) medicine is that many people are reluctant to discuss issues like fecal incontinence, constipation, and diarrhea with their doctors. For instance, heartburn is often normalized, leading people to self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs without seeking professional advice. This can delay the diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer, which are more treatable when caught early.
Why Is Gut Health So Crucial?
A healthy gut is home to beneficial bacteria that provide essential nutrients and help recycle bile. Disruptions in gut bacteria, such as overgrowth or reduced diversity, can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or pain. The gut-brain connection is also significant. Stress can cause ulcers, and chronic irritation of the stomach or colon can lead to anxiety or depression. Interestingly, low doses of antidepressants can alleviate gut issues by addressing these shared neurotransmitters.
What Brings Patients to Your Clinic Most Often?
Patients often seek our expertise for general GI problems, but our center also specializes in motility and esophageal issues. As the New England Motility and Esophagus Center, we provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options for those struggling with digestive disorders and reflux.
How Do You Spend Your Time Outside of Patient Care?
While I see many patients, my work extends beyond the clinic. I’m involved in numerous research projects, particularly in esophageal imaging. With the rising incidence of esophageal cancer, our focus is on developing non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography. This technique, similar to ultrasound but using laser light, helps us detect early-stage cancer, assess treatment suitability, and monitor post-treatment progress.
What’s Your Best Advice for Gut Health?
Lifestyle habits are fundamental to maintaining a healthy gut. While medications can help, a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper posture, and sufficient sleep are key. I also recommend diaphragmatic breathing and mindful meditation. To maintain overall health, consider the quality of your daily life: quit smoking, get active, and prioritize good sleep.
