Stuart Akerman, MD Digestive Health Blog

Learn why Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, & Mounjaro cause digestive side effects like nausea and how to manage them. Expert advice from Plano gastroenterologist Dr. Akerman.

April is IBS Awareness Month, and irritable bowel syndrome affects 25-45 million Americans. Dr. Stuart Akerman explains why IBS is so challenging to treat: it doesn't have a single cause. From atypical food allergies affecting over 50% of patients to the gut-brain axis connection with anxiety, IBS involves multiple underlying drivers. Learn why better evaluation matters, how to partner with your doctor for targeted treatment, and what recent research reveals about this comple

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50, climbing from fifth place in the 1990s. Following James Van Der Beek's death at 48, Dr. Akerman explains why screening at 45 is critical and compares colonoscopy to newer blood and stool tests. While Cologuard and Shield offer convenience, colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it prevents cancer by removing polyps. Learn when you should get screened, especially if you have a family history

Bloating after meals is common, but when does it signal a problem? Learn the difference between normal post-meal bloating and symptoms that require a gastroenterologist visit. Discover common causes like food intolerances, SIBO, and IBS, plus practical tips to reduce discomfort. If bloating occurs 3-4+ times weekly or comes with red flags like weight loss, severe pain, or blood in stool, it's time to seek expert care in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

If you've ever experienced that gnawing, burning sensation in your upper abdomen that makes you regret every life decision leading up to that moment, you might be familiar with peptic ulcers.

I'm excited to share the latest developments in GLP-1 agonists and their impact on obesity-related gastrointestinal complications. These med

Have you noticed more gluten-free options in grocery stores lately? You're not alone.

Hey there! Today, we're diving into a topic that many people find uncomfortable to discuss but is actually super common: internal hemorrhoid

Your liver is like the hardworking janitor of your body - it tirelessly filters out toxins and keeps things running smoothly.

A quick and relatable article about when you should make an appointment with a gastroenterology (GI) doctor