If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight or have a healthier you, Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates can help.
Making, and keeping, healthy resolutions can be challenging, but is even more important for people who are coping with preexisting digestive conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fortunately, with a few lifestyle changes, you can keep your gut healthy all year long.
Manage stress.
It’s near impossible to eliminate stress from our lives: From busy work schedules, to family obligations, to financial worries; sources of stress and anxiety are everywhere. There’s a strong connection between stress and illness: Stress promotes higher cortisol levels, which has been linked to weight gain. Also, stress can play a huge role in many digestive problems, particularly GERD and IBS. Research shows that anxiety, depression and stress provoke symptoms in up to 60 percent of people with IBS! Stress management tools such as deep breathing, relaxation and hypnosis can be extremely helpful.
Eat in moderation.
Keep balance, variety and moderation in your eating habits. Take your time and try not to eat too fast: Slowing down and eating more mindfully helps prevent overeating. You will feel full much sooner than if you will if you race through your meals. Remember, it takes your brain 20 minutes to realize that your stomach is full.
Exercise.
Getting physical activity will not only help shed pounds, but it can also help moderate stress and boost your mood, which in turn will help combat IBS and GERD. Wintertime activities include skating, sledding, skiing, walking in the mall or outdoors, dancing and working out in a gym or at an exercise class. Bundle up and take a walk around the neighborhood and you’ll burn 324 calories in an hour. Try to maintain a set schedule for exercise to help boost your metabolism, mood and energy.
Non-surgical weight loss.
Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates is proud to offer the Orbera® Balloon; a non-surgical, short term weight loss device. The balloon is inserted into your stomach through an upper endoscopy for 6 months. Orbera® reduces the amount of food you can eat while also retraining your brain to anticipate when you are full. Typical results are 20-50-pound weight loss with patient compliance.
Whatever route you choose to take, Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates is here to help.
Cheers to a happy, healthy 2020!!
For more information on getting healthy and losing weight in the New Year call Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates at 908-483-4000.
