In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo tackles listener questions in a candid Q&A session, providing valuable insights into genetic conditions and colonoscopy procedures. Key discussions include: - An exploration of the MUTYH gene mutation, its implications for colon cancer risk, and the importance of regular screenings for thos…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo reviews current concerns surrounding heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their potential risks with a focus on the risk of dementia. Key discussions include: - An in-depth look at PPIs, including their mechanism of action, common uses, and the historical context of thei…

Dr. Fred Gandolfo dives into a rapid-fire Q&A session, addressing a backlog of listener questions that cover a variety of gastrointestinal topics. Key highlights include: - The pros and cons of capsule endoscopy versus traditional endoscopy and colonoscopy, particularly regarding the visualization of the small intestine. - A listener who appreciate…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Gandolfo takes a moment to highlight an important guest appearance he made on The Positive Gene Podcast, hosted by cancer previvor and cancer prevention advocate Sara Kavanaugh, in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. What is a "previvor" you may ask? A previvor is a survivor of a predisposition f…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo welcomes back Clinical Psychologist Dr. Noreen Vail to delve into the complex relationship between anxiety and medical conditions. The discussion is sparked by a heartfelt letter from a listener named David, who struggles with severe anxiety and challenges related to preparing for a colonos…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo shares key tips for patients to enhance their doctor visits. Building on the previous episode, he highlights the importance of preparation and communication for productive appointments. Dr. Gandolfo opens with a current events story about Dodgers pitcher Dustin May, who experienced a life-t…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Gandolfo discusses the critical dynamics between patients and physicians, highlighting common pitfalls in healthcare experiences. He shares a cautionary tale involving a 62-year-old man who insisted on having a colonoscopy in an office setting, despite Dr. Gandolfo's strong recommendation for a hospital …

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo tackles the intricacies of colonoscopy experiences, inspired by a detailed message from listener Michael. Dr. Gandolfo shares Michael's insights and tips on preparing for a colonoscopy, addressing common concerns and misconceptions about the procedure. From selecting the right endoscopist t…

In this New Year's episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo shares his personal mantra for 2025: Simplify. As a gastroenterologist with a busy practice in New York, Dr. Gandolfo reflects on the pressures of balancing professional growth and personal well-being. He candidly discusses his tendency to overcomplicate life and the mental and p…

In this year-end episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Gandolfo takes a candid look back at the events of 2024, offering insights into both the personal and professional challenges faced throughout the year. As his medical practice experienced significant growth, Dr. Gandolfo shares the impact of increased patient visits and procedure volumes on his…

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo delves into the perplexing condition known as a tortuous colon, a common yet challenging issue that often leads to chronic constipation. Dr. Gandolfo explains the anatomy and terminology behind this condition, including its synonyms like redundant colon and dolichocolon, and addresses the frustration faced by both…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo introduces the concept of direct access colonoscopy, a streamlined approach allowing patients to undergo a colonoscopy without a pre-procedure visit. This initiative is particularly beneficial for healthy individuals aged 45 to 75 who require routine screenings. Dr. Gandolfo discusses the e…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo addresses a compelling question from a listener who is curious about the use of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Gandolfo provides a comprehensive overview of GLP-1 drugs, explaining how they function as agonists to stimulat…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo delves into a complex patient case submitted by a listener, showcasing the often difficult process of diagnosing and treating chronic gastrointestinal issues. The episode features a 59-year-old woman who has been experiencing chronic epigastric fullness, bloating, and dependency on laxative…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo takes on a challenging listener question from David in San Diego, who struggles with anxiety and nausea related to colonoscopy prep. David's query opens up a broader discussion on the importance of colonoscopy in preventing colon cancer, and the unfortunate lack of an IV alternative for bow…

This is a replay of my first guest episode: "The Psychology Behind Healthy Habits: Expert Tips for Real Change With Noreen Vail, PhD." I spent my podcasting time this week working on my new studio space...excited to start recording there soon! See you next week with new content! -- In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo welcomes a special guest, Dr. No…

In this unique episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo takes a moment to reflect on the journey of the podcast and shares exciting future plans. With 25 episodes under his belt, Dr. Gandolfo opens up about the challenges of podcasting, including the importance of listener feedback in shaping the content. He shares his vision for the show…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Gandolfo dives into the lesser-known topic of sucrose intolerance, just in time for the candy-filled festivities of Halloween. Many individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates, including sucrose, commonly known as table sugar. Dr. Gandolfo explore…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo delves into the common yet often misunderstood issue of rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding is a frequent cause for visits to healthcare providers and can affect individuals of any age. Dr. Gandolfo uses a real patient case to highlight the importance of understanding and evaluating rectal ble…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo explores a lesser-known side effect of heavy marijuana use: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Although marijuana use is becoming even more prevalent, awareness of this severe vomiting illness still remains low. Dr. Gandolfo shares a compelling case study of a young patient suffering from CHS, detailing the sympto…

In this episode of The Real GI Doc Show, Dr. Fred Gandolfo answers a listener's question about the connection between stress and diverticular disease. Dr. Gandolfo explores the potential impact of chronic stress on the development and exacerbation of diverticular conditions. He explains the difference between acute and chronic stress, and how these…

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo addresses a listener's concern about the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in the context of family history. Dr. Gandolfo dives deep into understanding pancreatic cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. He explains who should consider screening, the methods used for screening, and the …

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo tackles a pressing question: Is your doctor's time valued in today's fast-paced, on-demand world? Drawing from a recent patient case involving a bad review, Dr. Gandolfo delves into the complexities of managing patient expectations, the pressures of private practice, and the true cost of follow-up phone calls. Dr.…

In this episode, we cover the relationship between food and gut inflammation. Using a case of diverticular disease, Dr. Gandolfo and guest Stephanie Schiff, RDN discuss the best way to start eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Registered Dietitian Stephanie Schiff explores how dietary choices can influence the onset and recurrence of diverticulitis, …

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo covers the essential yet often dreaded topic of colonoscopy preparation, aka cleaning out your colon. With a mix of humor and expert advice, Dr. Gandolfo demystifies the process, emphasizing the importance of a thorough prep to ensure a successful colonoscopy. He shares practical tips and personal anecdotes to help you…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo dives into a recent and rather sensational news story about a colonoscopy that took a troubling turn. The case involves an 84-year-old doctor in Florida who allegedly performed a colonoscopy without wearing his hearing aids, resulting in the patient screaming in pain without the doctor's knowledge. Dr. Gandolfo provide…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo explores the latest advancements in non-invasive colorectal cancer screening, including the new FDA-approved "Shield" blood test and the updated Cologuard stool test. With only 60% of eligible individuals getting screened in the US, these new tests offer alternatives for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo a c…

Dr. Gandolfo dives deep into the common yet often misunderstood issues of constipation and bloating. Drawing from real-life clinical experiences, Dr. Gandolfo provides valuable insights and practical advice for managing these prevalent gastrointestinal concerns. Topics covered in this episode: - A detailed case study of a 34-year-old woman with chr…

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo explores the importance of taking action when faced with complicated health issues, drawing parallels between medical treatment and business management. Dr. Gandolfo emphasizes the need to start somewhere, even if everything isn't perfectly understood or optimized, and discusses how to avoid the pitfalls of over-r…

In this unique episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo steps away from the usual format to share a recent patient interaction that highlights the complexities of finding the "root cause" of health problems during a crisis. Through an engaging analogy, Dr. Gandolfo illustrates the importance of addressing immediate health emergencies before diving into the root …

In this episode, Dr. Fred Gandolfo welcomes a special guest, Dr. Noreen Vail, a licensed psychologist with expertise in behavioral change, to discuss the psychological aspects of making lifestyle changes for managing fatty liver disease. Building on last week's episode about natural treatments for fatty liver, Dr. Gandolfo and Dr. Vail dive into wh…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo delves into fatty liver disease, affecting over 30% of Americans. Dr. Gandolfo explains what fatty liver disease is, how it develops, and most importantly, how to manage and treat it naturally at home with minimal cost. He introduces a patient case to illustrate common scenarios and provides actionable advice on diet a…

In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo will address a common clinical question: What should you do if you have a stool test positive for blood but recently had a colonoscopy? Dr. Gandolfo explores the purposes of stool tests in colorectal cancer prevention, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to colonoscopy. He reviews a patient case and discusses the …

Join Gastroenterologist Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into a common and often deadly liver disease related to excessive alcohol consumption called alcoholic hepatitis. In this episode, Dr. Gandolfo reviews a tragic patient case to discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for alcoholic hepatitis. Learn about the amount of alcohol i…

Join Dr. Gandolfo as he delves into the pervasive and often devastating impacts of alcohol consumption on our health. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Gandolfo discusses the definitions of light, moderate, and heavy alcohol use, and reviews the myriad ways that alcohol can harm your body. Learn about the signs of alcohol use disorder and discover s…

Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo in this engaging Q & A session where he tackles some of the most intriguing questions submitted by listeners. From the intricacies of colostomies to the potential benefits of acupuncture, and even the curious reason why poop is brown, Dr. Gandolfo provides insightful answers with his signature blend of expertise and humor. Pl…

Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints: acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this insightful episode, Dr. Gandolfo discusses a real patient case, shedding light on the presentation, workup, and management of GERD. Discover effective strategies for treating acid reflux throug…

What do psychiatric patients, gastroenterologists, Queen Elizabeth I, and prisoners all have in common? If you guessed bezoars, you're correct! Join Dr. Fred Gandolfo as he delves into two odd and uncommon conditions that gastroenterologists sometimes encounter: Pica, the eating of non-food substances, and bezoars, masses of non-digestible material…

Dive into this episode of The Real GI Doc Show where Dr. Fred Gandolfo unpacks the case of a 51-year-old complaining of abdominal pain and fatigue. Discover the pivotal role of the differential diagnosis and the power of second opinions in medical practice. Dr. Gandolfo emphasizes the necessity of patient advocacy and the dangers of common diagnost…

Explore the secrets of stomach acid with board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Fred Gandolfo. Learn about the critical role of acid in digestion and how medications affect stomach acid. Discover when to schedule your next colonoscopy, and get expert advice on increasing dietary fiber without unwanted gas. Dr. Gandolfo covers the following topics o…

Why do we need another gut health podcast? In this introductory episode you will get to know more about Dr. Gandolfo and his journey to becoming a gastroenterologist. He will cover his training from college to fellowship, and discuss his career path to becoming a private practitioner. We also discuss the purpose of "The Real GI Doc Show" and why we…