Time for a gut check. Did you know that gut health can affect your brain, heart, joints, and even your skin? Dr. Radha Tamerisa is a board certified gastroenterologist and founder of Katy Integrative Gastroenterology (KIG). She explained that gut healthiness could make the difference in many seemingly unrelated issues.
“Oftentimes, inflammatory conditions of the intestine lead to inflammation elsewhere. If we can improve the gut microbiome, we may positively impact other conditions, including immune, heart, and brain health. “Even skin conditions can be a manifestation of poor gut health. So much of what happens in our body is connected to a healthy gut.” Dr. Tamerisa didn’t stop there. She told us about what may be contributing to the uptick in certain issues she’s seen lately.
Under the Radar
Autoimmune conditions and colon cancer are both on the rise in younger populations. Autoimmune conditions by almost 2-3 fold and colon cancer by 15%, said the doctor. “Although we are not entirely sure of the cause, we believe environmental problems, lack of exercise, and obesity as major health challenges. Studies show ultra-processed foods, and ingredients such as preservatives or additives affect the gut microbiome and create inflammation in the body,” said Dr. T, as her patients know her. “For example, sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup can lead to increased fat deposition in the liver and metabolic issues…and affect metabolism and eventually the ability of the liver to function…We also see that reflected in the cardiovascular conditions.”
Even environmental pollutants like microplastics “can be found in the foods that we consume and can disrupt hormonal activity in the body. Hormonal dysregulation can in turn affect metabolism,” she said.
Precise Tools, Experienced Hands
Luckily, new strides are being made in both knowledge of safe foods and our ability to detect issues in the body. “There’s a great utilization of AI in gastroenterology in particular,” said the Houston doctor. “We are using different tools to help increase detection rates of polyps in the colon which are precursors to cancer.” She explained that there’s also been an increase in using AI in prognosticating for patients at risk of certain types of cancer like esophageal cancer.
Decades of Experience
A Houston-area native, Dr. Tamerisa has practiced in the community for nearly two decades. As the founder and lead provider at KIG, established nearly a decade ago, she has dedicated her life to service.
KIG specializes in traditional medicine, wellness, and functional medicine. Their primary aim is to address the root cause of your digestive conditions such as GERD, irritable bowel syndromes, H-Pylori, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, SIBO, fatty liver, and other illnesses.
Taking a holistic approach, they work with a nutritionist to support patients in dietary modification and lifestyle. “We have a wide range of expertise in the office and interests in terms of what we deal with,” explained Dr. Tamerisa. For patients eager to optimize their gut health, KIG may be just what they are looking for.
