FODMAP Reintroduction: Find Your Personal Food Triggers Quick Summary The Goal: The low-FODMAP diet is temporary. Reintroduction helps you identify specific food triggers, find your portion limits, and bring back maximum variety safely. The 3-Day Method: Test one food group at a time over 3 days in increasing portions (Small → Medium → Large), then […]
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What Is the Difference Between SIBO and IBS?
What Is the Difference Between SIBO and IBS? Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common digestive conditions that often cause similar symptoms. Both can lead to bloating, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in bowel habits. Even though they may feel similar, SIBO and IBS are different conditions with […]
What Happens During a SIBO Breath Test
What Happens During a SIBO Breath Test? A SIBO breath test is a simple, noninvasive test used to measure hydrogen and methane gases produced by microorganisms in the digestive tract. Most tests are completed in an outpatient clinic or through an at-home testing kit. The procedure does not require needles, sedation, or invasive procedures. SIBO […]
Introduction to SIBO Breath Testing
Introduction to SIBO Breath Testing Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when too many bacteria are present in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine contains fewer bacteria than the large intestine. Because SIBO symptoms can look similar to other digestive conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), proper […]
IBS vs. IBD vs. Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Differences, and Treatment
Medical Review By: Board-Certified Gastroenterology Team | Last Reviewed & Updated: July 28th, 2026 Key Takeaways IBS alters bowel function without causing physical damage or inflammation. IBD (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) causes chronic destructive inflammation throughout the digestive tract. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that destroys the lining of the small […]
Types of IBS: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medical Review By: Board-Certified Gastroenterology Team | Last Reviewed & Updated: July 28th, 2026 Key Takeaways IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes stomach pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. There are four types of IBS: IBS-C (constipation), IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-M (both), and IBS-U (unclassified). Knowing your IBS type helps guide treatment and […]
How Travel Can Affect Your Digestive Health
Whether you’re taking a weekend road trip or flying overseas for a long-awaited vacation, traveling can take a toll on your digestive system. Changes in your diet, daily routine, sleep schedule, hydration, and stress levels can all contribute to uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, acid reflux, and stomach pain. While occasional digestive issues […]
Can Fatty Liver Disease Be Reversed?
A diagnosis of fatty liver disease can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what it means for your long-term health. One of the most common questions we hear from patients is, “Can fatty liver disease be reversed?” The encouraging news is that, in many cases, the answer is yes. When detected early, certain forms of […]
Why GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Cause Nausea and Constipation
GLP-1 weight loss medications have become increasingly popular for helping patients manage obesity and improve their overall health. While these medications can be highly effective, many people experience gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea and constipation, during treatment. Understanding why these symptoms occur can help you better manage them and recognize when you may need to […]
Sleeping Positions That May Help Acid Reflux
If acid reflux keeps you up at night, you know how frustrating it can be to finally lie down after a long day only to feel heartburn, chest discomfort, or a sour taste in your mouth. Nighttime acid reflux can disrupt your sleep, impact your energy levels, and make symptoms feel worse by morning. Luckily, […]
How Vaping May Be Affecting Your GI Health
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but emerging research suggests it may still have serious effects on your health, including your digestive system. From acid reflux and nausea to stomach pain and inflammation, vaping can contribute to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. At Charleston GI, our team […]
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Screening Guidelines by Age
Colonoscopy screenings are essential for preventing and detecting colorectal cancer, but many people aren’t sure when they should begin or how often they should be screened. Guidelines can vary based on age, personal health history, and individual risk factors, so it’s important to understand what applies to you. Our specialists at Charleston GI in Charleston, […]
How Fiber Supports Digestive Health
Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, yet many people don’t get enough of it in their daily diets. From promoting regular bowel movements to supporting a balanced gut microbiome, fiber is an essential nutrient that helps your digestive tract function at its best. Whether you’re looking to ease discomfort, prevent […]
10 Habits That Support a Healthy Digestive System
Your digestive system plays a vital role in your overall health, helping your body break down food, absorb essential nutrients, and eliminate waste efficiently. When your digestive system is functioning well, it supports energy levels, immune health, and everyday comfort. However, when we neglect a healthy diet, get stressed, or make certain lifestyle choices (such […]
Colon Cancer Screening: Why Early Detection Saves Lives
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and is currently the deadliest cancer among patients under 50. It is also one of the most preventable when detected early. Regular screening plays a critical role in identifying signs of early-stage cancer, like precancerous polyps, before symptoms even appear. With timely […]
What is Celiac Disease? Signs You May Have a Gluten Sensitivity
If you regularly experience bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss after eating foods containing gluten, the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley, you may be wondering whether it’s more than just a sensitive stomach. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system and can lead to long-term […]
What James Van Der Beek’s Colorectal Cancer Battle Teaches Us About Early Detection
When a public figure shares a cancer diagnosis, it sparks important conversations about prevention, screening, and early detection. Since his diagnosis in 2024, James Van Der Beek has helped bring attention to colorectal cancer. A disease that is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is treatable when caught […]
Clear Liquid Diet: What You Can (and Can’t) Eat & Drink
Clear Liquid Diet: What You Can (and Can’t) Eat & Drink A clear liquid diet includes only transparent fluids and foods that leave little to no residue in your digestive tract. It’s often recommended by Charleston GI before procedures, after surgery, or during digestive issues to hydrate while giving your GI system a rest. Why […]
Best Ways to Improve Your Gut Microbiome
Your gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion, immune health, and overall well-being, but many people aren’t sure how to maintain a healthy balance. From the foods you eat to your daily habits, small changes can have a big impact on the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive system. In this blog, the […]
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy: What’s the Difference and When Are They Used?
When your doctor recommends an endoscopy or a colonoscopy as your next step, it’s normal to have questions about the procedures, whether it’s for diagnostic purposes or just a routine screening. The most common questions we hear involve how the procedures differ and why one may be needed over the other. While both tests allow […]
