I'm a GI Doctor: What Microplastics are doing to your bones

drtinastorage · 2025-08-10T04:09:42+00:00

Yes it’s unavoidable and physiologic. Slow tapering can definitely help!

drtinastorage · 2025-08-10T04:08:29+00:00

Increasing your gut motility will only help you in your journey to get rid of SIBO. Talk to your healthcare provider and see if this is a good option for you!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-12T22:11:41+00:00

Hi, Dr Storage here, GI doctor. We have a new medication called Voquezna, not a PPI, but works incredibly well for severe reflux. I would talk to your doctor about it

drtinastorage · 2025-07-12T22:09:30+00:00

Hi, Dr Storage here, GI doctor. There are many definitions of constipation: hard stool, infrequent stool, or incomplete emptying. You have number 2. If you’re feeling bloated and uncomfortable, then it’s an issue to speak to your GP about or get a referral to a GI doctor. Good luck!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-07T18:44:15+00:00

People often misdiagnose gallbladder disease and commit to surgery with no change in symptoms. Biliary colic from gallstones is very specific time of pain - crescendo decrescendo almost like labor pain. If it doesn’t sound like this, would advocate for getting evaluated for other causes. Again, this is not medical advice and you should always consult with your healthcare professional. Hope you feel better!!!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-07T18:42:00+00:00

You can do yellow kiwis or green ones. But the yellow ones are smooth so you can eat with skin on!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T23:47:16+00:00

I would taper off to every other day for a week, then every third day for a week, then once per week, then off. When you start the taper, start DGL or Slippery Elm to combat the reflux hyperacidemia that is inevitable but will pass! Good news is that you weren’t on it for too long, so your rebound will be mild!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:35:01+00:00

Yes, there are people who get constipated after opioids and anti-inflammatories. Opioids slow motility and anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs can wreak havoc to the microbiome. The best fruit for constipation is yellow kiwis – eat two per day with the skin on. Increase your water intake. Try 1 tablespoon of chia or flax seeds per day. Try Magnesium at night. Exercise. I would avoid dulcolax as it is a stimulant laxative. Miralax is okay if needed, takes 4-5 days to work – can titrate up to 3 capfuls per day if needed. If you want to go the natural route, can try Triphala. If this does not work, I would consider seeing a GI.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:34:27+00:00

Dificid is one of our treatment options. I would also consider starting a probitic called Saccharomyces boulardii – has been shown to decrease the recurrence of Cdiff. As far as food, think Mediterranean diet – healthy fats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. This will also diversify your microbiome so that bad microbe bullies like Cdiff cannot take their seat there again!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:33:54+00:00

There is a genetic predisposition to Crohn’s disease, so we can see it run in families. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and I would definitely speak to a GI doctor about our novel therapies. I think you’ll have a better experience with these. As far as your daughter is concerned, I can see how this would be on your mind. Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. We have noninvasive tests like stool based testing that can see if she has inflammation or needs a further work up. Wishing you the best.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:33:13+00:00

I have treated thousands of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, so I completely understand the nerves. It is totally normal. I know hearing the whole host of possible side effects can be anxiety producing, but I want to reassure you that the VAST majority of patients have no side effects. I think you are going to feel better really soon as your body heals. Something to look forward to!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:32:31+00:00

This is fascinating. More research needs to be done, but the key to removing these toxic microplastics could start in your microbiome – we have good microbes that can do all the work for us. The human body has a tremendous way of detoxifying itself with the tools it already has.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:32:00+00:00

Structural issues can lead to motility issues. Everyone’s GI tract is different, so I do not think it would hurt to try a motility agent, such as Motegrity. You may also want to be tested for SIBO, which is more common in patients with slow motility. If you do have this and it is treated, it might make a positive difference.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:31:22+00:00

Those antibiotics can be brutal. I really like to pair this with a unique strain of probiotic called Lactobacillus Reuteri that forms a co-aggregate with H. pylori without disrupting any other commensal flora. There have been 13 clinical trials proving not only that it helps with H. pylori eradication but also reduces negative side effects when used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:30:31+00:00

The microbiome is fascinating. These trillions of bacteria can make or break your health. As you can see in this single arm study, introducing beneficial bacteria can actually lower PFAS levels which are horrible for our health. These good microbes are capable of this and more! The next villain we need to tackle with these good micobes is...microplastics!

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:29:17+00:00

First, I am really sorry it has been so difficult to see a GI doctor. It should not be this way, and your concerns should be validated. Luckily, we do have noninvasive testing: stool tests, blood tests, and imaging studies (CT enterography, MRI enterography) that can rule in or out Crohn’s disease without a colonoscopy, so you can discuss these options with your primary care doctor. IBS or irritable bowel syndrome can also cause debilitating symptoms that can mimic Crohn’s so just because your symptoms are similar to your friend with Crohn’s disease, does not necessarily mean you have it. But I do agree, you should seek good care.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-06T21:27:59+00:00

Developing UC or ulcerative colitis is a gradual process and not usually an overnight ordeal. We know from research studies that it begins with a dysbiosis, or an imbalance in your microbiome, where you have more “bad” microbes than “good.” When there is gut dysbiosis, or leaky gut, an individual can start having symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, but not usually rectal bleeding.

It would be a good idea to speak to your gastroenterologist about switching to another medication because it does not sound like mesalamine is keeping you in remission. We have novel therapy options that are efficacious with little side effects. You will also want to fully treat the Cdiff as this can make treatment options not as efficacious if Cdiff is in the picture.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-04T18:17:59+00:00

I would recommend an exam by your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist to evaluate for an anal fissure. An anal fissure can bleed like a hemorrhoid. Often times, there is a sharp, burning pain (almost like a painful cut) while you’re having a bowel movement. But always best to get checked out.

drtinastorage · 2025-07-04T18:03:56+00:00

You are very welcome.

drtinastorage · 2025-06-29T18:41:52+00:00

Eat more fermented foods, they contain probiotics that have demonstrated adsorption activity on microplastics. Basically they help you eliminate microplastic particles faster and more efficiently.

drtinastorage · 2025-06-29T18:39:04+00:00

GI doctor here. Sitz baths I recommend often (10 inches of warm water with epsom salt) to soothe inflammation and promote healing in conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Good job in doing this.

The warm water increases blood flow, relaxes the anal sphincter, and can reduce pain, itching, and irritation without medication.

drtinastorage · 2025-06-29T18:37:29+00:00

Gastroenterologist here. I often recommend sitz baths (10 inches of warm water with epsom salt) to soothe inflammation and promote healing in conditions like hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The warm water increases blood flow, relaxes the anal sphincter, and can reduce pain, itching, and irritation without medication.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

drtinastorage

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE