Gastroenterology Blog

Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Stomach acid can wear away the lining of the esophagus over time, leading to worse and worse symptoms if GERD is not...

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a common condition whereby stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus. If this happens frequently, it can damage the esophagus and cause other symptoms. Check out these symptoms if you think you have GERD : Heartburn GERD...

About 4 million Americans are affected by constipation. In fact, it's the most common gastrointestinal complaint. Yet, despite how commonplace this condition is, most of us know very little about it. While constipation isn't usually serious, it can be painful and...

If you think having kidney stones isn't something to worry about, think again. Kidney stones are painful and can lead to bigger health problems if you let them linger too long. According to research, at least 11% of men and 6% of women develop kidney stones at some...

Your bowel movements are great indicators of your overall health. You may prefer to leave what happens in the bathroom in the bathroom, but there are times when you need to discuss those activities with a medical professional. That means a visit to a...

There are many different people throughout the world who experience heartburn on a daily basis. Heartburn is a burning sensation that begins in the chest and then works its way up your throat. While many people deal with it with over-the-counter remedies, you should...

Even though colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in America, if found and treated early, it has a 90% survival rate. Many screenings methods are available, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard. Our BlogsCall to ScheduleOur office is...

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Indigestion and gallstones are two very different things. However, they both cause severe abdominal pain and discomfort after you have eaten. This is especially true after eating certain foods. Unfortunately, it is far too easy to get these two conditions confused...

Learn the difference between a healthy and inflamed gallbladder with this graphic. Gallbladder inflammation, also called cholecystitis, is a serious issue that usually requires surgery and a hospital stay. If you experience severe pain and bloating in your upper right...

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria can infect your stomach and cause symptoms such as pain, nausea, heartburn, and decreased appetite. Over half of people in the world may be infected, though infection doesn't always cause symptoms. Our BlogsCall to ScheduleOur...

Gallstones and indigestion are two entirely different gastrointestinal conditions. However, both often cause abdominal discomfort after eating. This is especially true when it comes to certain foods. It is very easy to get both of these conditions confused with one...

Pylori, also known as Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterium that infects both the small intestines and the stomach. It is also quite common. In fact, over 50% of the world’s population is believed to have it.  However, most people are unaware that they have it. You can...

Learn more about hemorrhoids from the infographic below. Hemorrhoids are painful and uncomfortable, but they are also easily treatable, and you can prevent their formation by maintaining good hydration, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Most people will develop...

Your gallbladder is the tiny sac located underneath your liver. Its purpose is to store bile that the liver produces. The gallbladder releases bile during the digestion process to aid it.  This process is very much necessary for fat digestion. In some cases, your...

Your gallbladder is an organ in your body that sits in the right upper abdomen just below your liver. The job of your gallbladder is to store bile, also known as gall, that is produced by the liver. Bile is used to digest the fat from food.  Bile is made up of...

Did you know that there are several tips that can help you prevent gallstones and reduce the risks? Perhaps you have a family history of them or have dealt with them in the past, they can be irritating, to say the least. While the tips in this article certainly aren’t...

We’ve all felt that uncomfortable sensation in our belly – gassiness, nausea, burning, or just too full. That feeling is indigestion. Most of the time, the discomfort goes away on its own or with help from over-the-counter remedies like antacids. If it’s happening too...

Many people deal with diarrhea from time to time. It could be brought on by stress or poor food choices. However, what if a case of diarrhea never goes away and continues for weeks at a time? If this happens, it means you are dealing with chronic diarrhea.  In many...

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so it’s important to get screened for certain issues even if you feel like you’re in good health. A colonoscopy is an effective form of early detection as well as a diagnostic tool for several kinds...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, affects one out of every five people in the United States. While there are several prescription medications to manage symptoms, the best way to reduce GERD is to make smart lifestyle changes. Keep...

Before we dive into the reasons why you should get screened for colorectal cancer (as well as the different ways you can get screened), it’s helpful to consider what screening is and how it works. Screening is an approach that looks for cancer or pre-cancer in...

Hemorrhoids probably aren’t a topic you discuss very often, so you may only know the basics: it’s a painful condition affecting the rear end and that can make visiting the bathroom agony.  However, it’s important to shed light on this common condition. Here are three...

It’s always a little tricky getting patients to talk about their bowel movements. The embarrassment factor often leads people to stay quiet and hope that any problem they may be experiencing will resolve on its own.  I’m here to tell you that there is no need to...

Ulcerative Colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects your digestive tract. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon (large intestine) and rectum. As one of the most common GI conditions, Ulcerative Colitis can cause some pretty serious...

The list of symptoms of COVID-19 has been growing and changing since the outbreak began. This leaves many wondering whether the symptoms they’re experiencing could mean they have COVID or something else entirely.  Some of these symptoms are associated with...

You've experienced constipation, and it's slowed you down. For some it's a sporadic, if inconvenient, symptom of poor diet and stress. For others among us, it's a chronic condition that affects every aspect of our lives. Bloating, gas, pain, nausea and even bleeding...

For heartburn sufferers, the elimination of certain foods always seems to be the first course of therapy. Most of us find it disappointing and sometimes difficult to eliminate favorite foods, but there is good news -- those foods can be replaced with new favorites...

Here at the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health, we specialize in diagnosing and treating gut issues with state-of-the-art technology and a personalized approach.    But as a gastroenterologist who has treated thousands of patients, we know there is much you can...

Studies indicate that about 16 percent of Americans suffer from constipation, with the issue being particularly prevalent in people over the age of 60. If left untreated, constipation can result in hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, anal fissures, and even fecal impaction....

The body is wired to react to stress. When you feel stressed and anxious, your nervous system responds by releasing adrenaline and cortisol (a stress hormone), stimulating your body for action. Your blood pressure increases, you feel more alert, and your senses become...

According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, about half of all COVID-19 patients have had some digestive symptoms. It is also common that these digestive symptoms last up to 15 days. If you, or anyone you know is experiencing something similar, please take...

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is reminding both patients and doctors that increasing scientific data indicates the presence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in stool (feces), with these findings, it is more important than ever for people with diarrhea –...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the gastroenterology community is learning more about this virus every day. In addition, we are learning the best ways to prevent virus transmission and protect GI endoscopy and clinic practices. Signs and Symptoms of...

Dear Patients, I’m sure many of you are wondering how to keep up with your regular doctor visits while still maintaining social distancing. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, I am proud to announce that we are offering telemedicine consults using audio/video...

Your digestive system is at the epicenter of the overall well-being of your body. Food is broken down in it and the nutrients are absorbed during the process - however, there are times when this system starts to malfunction. One such condition is known as ‘leaky gut.’...

There’s a reason why everyone wants you to ‘do what your gut tells you to do’. Life choices aside, your gut does play a significant role in how your body functions and your overall health. Which is why it is important to understand its functionality and the...

You probably think a Colonoscopy is something older people do. Can't blame you. Those TV commercials advertising take-home colonoscopy test kits show nothing but grey hair. But here’s the thing… Waiting until you’re old or a medical emergency happens to get a...

Gallbladder disease is one of the most common medical conditions affecting the abdomen and may include infection and inflammation of the gallbladder, the presence of gallstones, or the blockage of bile excreted by the gallbladder. Symptoms and infection caused by...

Celiac disease is a digestive condition that usually damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat,...

Do you experience unpleasant symptoms on your skin, in your digestive tract, or in your mouth or throat but can’t pinpoint their cause? It could be food allergies. Food allergies are more common than you may think. Fortunately, you can easily get tested for them....

When your digestive system is healthy, so is the rest of your body. Since our intestines filter the excess of our food, it’s important to make sure we’re providing them with the vitamins they need to function properly. While taking care of your health can seem like a...

If you take your spread seriously when it comes to big time athletic events like March Madness (or the resulting Final Four and NCAA Championship Game for that matter) then it’s a good idea to include some gut-friendly snacks that won’t have you in discomfort or...

Getting diagnosed with cancer is usually something that happens as a result of genetics, things that run in your family, and how you live your life. These are factors such as the dietary choices you make for yourself, how many times a week you exercise, and how often...

That’s right, Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health’s own Mark M. Davidson, MD has been voted as one of the Best Gastroenterologists in Los Angeles for 2019! The award and honor was conducted as Three Best Rated® hand-picked their Top 3 Gastroenterologists in Los...

At Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health we spend a lot of time providing education to our patients that works as preventive medicine. Preventive medicine is just as paramount in your everyday health as is receiving treatment for health problems that occur along...

When we make new year’s resolutions they often consist of gym memberships, learning a new skill, or perhaps saving more money or cutting down credit card debt. Health is another popular subject when it comes to new year’s resolutions, which is why Beverly Hills Center...

Gallstones are small, hard crystalline masses that are formed in abnormal instances occurring in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Gallstones can be made from cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium salts. Gallstones are synonymous with severe pain because they cause...

Patients will often seek advice and treatment from a gastroenterologist if they are suffering from digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or abdominal pain related to digestion. A gastroenterologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of...

Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the U.S. Each year, over 2.5 million patients seek medical attention for constipation-related complaints. But what is constipation and how can you recognize the symptoms? Causes The American...

H. Pylori is a bacteria known to cause numerous GI problems and it’s responsible for over 80% of stomach ulcers people experience. H. Pylori is also associated with high risks of gastric cancer. The shocking fact is that nearly 50% of patients have H. Pylori in their...

Colonoscopies are an incredibly important procedure that can help you spot and prevent colon cancer, an incredibly dangerous form of cancer. However, many people who should get regular colonoscopies don’t, in part because they can be daunting and even scary. At...

We’re used to thinking about bacteria as something that gets us sick, but often the bacteria living inside you plays a huge role in keeping your healthy. This is especially true in your digestive system, where most of the bacteria in your body is concentrated. At...

Yep, nobody really wants to talk about constipation, and whenever the topic comes up, people shrink down in their seats because people think there’s some sort of shame involved. There’s not. Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health isn’t afraid to talk about the...

Colorectal cancer isn’t spoken about a lot, due to what it is and where it happens. It’s natural for human beings to take their digestive system for granted, to do their business, so to speak, and then forget about it. Until problems start happening, nobody is really...

It’s no secret that your stomach and its inner workings have a great deal to do with mental health, not to mention your overall wellness. The truth is, the gastrointestinal tract is highly sensitive to emotion. You’ve heard those old expressions, like "butterflies in...

Heartburn (acid reflux) can be a painful, inconvenient condition. Heartburn can keep you up at night, occurring in the chest and abdomen. This condition can often be brought on by dietary and lifestyle choices -- it’s the result of stomach acid splashing back up into...

Your anal health is probably a topic that doesn’t come up much. Maybe it’s even taboo, but Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health would like to stress the fact that many people are at increased risk for anal cancer. Did you know that those who have HIV, men who...

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) occurs during August every year. This National Health Observances holiday is recognized across the country, serving as a reminder of the crucial importance of vaccination -- for people of all ages. NIAM encourages patients...

An endoscopy is a conservative procedure that allows surgeons to view the intricacies of your internal organs and the vessels within your body without having to make large incisions. A doctor utilizes specialized instruments which view and identify problems and...

With the gluten-free product market expected to surpass $6.2 billion worldwide by 2018, dropping gluten is all the rage these days. But there’s a distinct difference between those who are allergic to gluten and those who are only insensitive to it. We here at the...

You hear it all the time. High levels of stress are bad for you. Whether it’s relationship issues, problems at work, financial struggles, or anything in between, stress can build up in a hurry, and that can cause any number of problems, including ones in your...

There are a lot of bogus health suggestions out there. Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow, who was recently blasted by NASA experts when she claimed her expensive sticker packs were made with the same carbon material found in space suits uses and would “rebalance the energy...

While we at the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health are always happy to see our patients, we know that a trip to see us isn't always convenient. While some people may require medication to combat acid reflux disease, everyone can benefit from knowing what foods...

We know you’re probably asking yourself, “how is it that March is colon cancer month? When did this happen?” We know, it’s strange that March would be double-booked with Women’s History Month and Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but we do think it’s important for our...

Diets have and will always be a big topic of discussion because the truth of the matter is, no one diet works for everyone. We here at the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health want to educate you on the science and facts behind each diet so that you can make a...

Nothing ruins a good vacation faster than the digestive system problems that can arise from falling into bad eating habits, eating unfamiliar items, and in some cases, exposure to suspect water. People often underestimate the importance of eating habits in correlation...

The dreaded word “colonoscopy” will chime the ears of every man who has the good fortune of advancing in age and engaging in the process of growing older. But it doesn’t need to be a dreadful event. No, even men in their middle age should be considering monitoring the...

At Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health, we are not afraid to tackle the tough issues. We realize that nobody probably wants to talk about constipation, so we’ll lend our expertise in the form of this blog post so you don’t have to talk about it. Though many...

You’ve probably heard the term float around before. Grown men might have told you it’s their most painful experience as whichever women occupying the room who’ve experienced pregnancy will then proceed to laugh said men out of the room. But what are gallstones? What...

The Paleo Diet is based on the idea that many of the gastrointestinal and health issues so common in modern day society are creations of the modern diet. While man’s diet quickly shifted to grains and processed foods, man’s evolution couldn’t keep up. Thus, the Paleo...

Do you get concerned when your stomach growls insistently? You’re not alone. But today we’re here to talk about what might cause this inconvenient situation and maybe clarify some questions you might have had in the past when it’s happened to you. Generally, your...

If you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) then you’re probably living with debilitating abdominal pain. You probably have to worry about diarrhea and even rectal bleeding. These conditions can wane, coming in and out of your life. This condition works at...

You may have heard that an aspirin a day can reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Newer studies suggests it can reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, colon and prostate cancer, or help keep existing cancer in check, and it may even help ward off...

Thinking about going vegan? It’s an admirable choice for those looking to live their lives without inflicting harm on others. However, while it may seem that entirely avoiding animal products should be a healthy dietary choice, it is important to know what kinds of...

The gastrointestinal tract is a unique system. Despite using it every day, most people only have a basic understanding of what it is and how it works. Food goes in the mouth, gets digested and used for energy and nutrients, and what cannot be used is passed out of the...

Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the rectum and anus. They can make it difficult to sit, and may bring on severe itching and fecal leaking, and bleeding along with the pain. By the time they are 50, almost half of all adults will have experienced hemorrhoid...

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. It can happen to anyone. Constipation, diarrhea, aging, and childbirth can all cause this embarrassing condition. A sudden and uncontrollable need to go can happen without warning. Sometimes you don’t...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common afflictions seen by doctors today. At least 1 in 10 people are affected by this problem. There is no test to diagnose the issue. In fact, it appears that there is nothing wrong with the bowel upon examination....

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. They are often called “stomach ulcers,” although they can appear almost anywhere throughout the upper digestive tract. They can be extremely uncomfortable, and may take months to...

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and by extension in any foods made from these products. While most people have no trouble eating these foods, some people follow a gluten-free diet. These three grains are a staple in Western foods, so it can be a...

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the United States? it is the second most deadly cancer, estimated to kill over 50,000 people in this country every year. In 2016 alone, it is estimated there will be approximately 134,490 new cases...

An upper endoscopy, or an EGD, is a diagnostic test in which a thin tube (called an endoscope) with a light tiny camera at the end is used to examine your upper digestive tract. The examination will analyze the esophagus, stomach, and the uppermost part of the small...

If you suffer from constipation or gas, there may be a simple solution to the problem. The digestive system can be be affected by your daily habits, including diet, and lifestyle. By regularly exercising, you can stimulate your digestive tract and improve its...

Over 600,000 Americans are affected per year by inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. They cover a group of disorders that can lead to chronic inflammation of the intestines, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The inflammation in the digestive tract can...

Hemorrhoids can be large and result in persistent bleeding. In order to provide relief from these symptoms, surgery is a necessary procedure. This procedure can be performed once and patients can be free of the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, leading to an improved...

EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or upper GI endoscopy) is an examination of the entire esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities. An extended and maneuverable tube is inserted into the mouth to view the upper GI tract. During the EGD procedure, once a polyp...

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, consists of a group of disorders that lead to chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.  Of this group, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most frequently reported cases.  Over 2 million Americans are affected by...

A delayed growth rate in children could be due to the presence of an undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).  This is especially a case for Crohn’s disease.  Other symptoms of inflammatory bowel in children include loss of appetite, persistent stomach pains,...

One experimental drug that has been developed may be the answer for patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease that have been unresponsive to current medications. The drug is known as vedolizumab and is being developed to treat two forms of IBD – ulcerative...