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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

GastroNorth, Suite 1, 7 Ormond Boulevard, Bundoora (2026)

17/03/2026

Did you know that our gut bacteria produces over 90% of the body’s supply of serotonin?

Serotonin helps regulate your anxiety, happiness and mood. When you have normal levels of this hormone, you feel calmer, more focused, more stable and happier. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Ways to increase your serotonin (happy hormone) levels naturally include, sunshine, daily exercise, practising mindfulness, and maintaining a healthy balanced diet.

Eggs, salmon, tofu, turkey, nuts and seeds are foods that are good sources of tryptophan, an amino acid essential for serotonin production.

16/03/2026

Over the weekend, we had a long overdue team photo session. Our last one was back in 2022, and the team has grown since then. It was definitely time for some updated photos and we captured some behind the scenes moments along the way!

11/03/2026

Bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger Australians, and this trend is concerning. It is now the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25–54.

Many young people diagnosed with bowel cancer are found to have the disease at a later stage, which can make treatment more difficult.

Bowel cancer is no longer just a disease of older people. Taking steps to reduce your risk is important. Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, eat fresh foods, limit red and processed meats, drink alcohol in moderation and avoid smoking.

Just as importantly, listen to your body. If you notice a persistent change in your bowel habits, speak with your doctor. If you have a family history of bowel cancer, make sure your doctor knows.

Being aware of your body and acting early can make a real difference.

05/03/2026

A coffee between colleagues. Moments like this reflect the collaboration, mutual respect and shared commitment of our team.

Our doctors work closely together, supporting one another and sharing knowledge to ensure every patient receives the best possible care.

Here’s 3 of our 11 doctors, Dr Shamilah Lachal, Dr Alvin Chung and Dr Joshua Butt.

03/03/2026

A positive result does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It means blood was detected in your stool and your doctor will usually recommend a colonoscopy to investigate further.

Around 6-8% of tests return a positive result. Of those positive tests, only about 3–4% will identify a cancer. However, many positive tests detect pre-cancerous polyps that can be removed during colonoscopy, often preventing cancer from developing.

A colonoscopy is a safe and commonly performed procedure that allows a specialist to examine the bowel. Pre-cancerous polyps can often be removed during the procedure. If cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable and in some cases may be managed endoscopically, avoiding major surgery.

If you have symptoms such as blood in your stool, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss, see your GP. In these situations, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy rather than a screening test.

At GastroNorth, we work closely with local GPs and provide a high-quality endoscopy service. If your GP has recommended a colonoscopy for bowel cancer screening, an appointment with one of our experienced gastroenterologists can be arranged by calling 9468 9700 or emailing reception@gastronorth.com.au.

Early detection saves lives. If your test is positive, please make sure you follow it up.

22/02/2026

If you’re taking part in Febfast, your gut will thank you.

Why?

🍷 Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve that prevents acidic stomach contents from rising into the oesophagus.
When this valve relaxes, reflux and heartburn are more likely. Cutting back can mean fewer uncomfortable burning symptoms.

🍷 Alcohol can reduce the production of the protective mucus that lines your stomach.
Without this layer, the stomach lining can become irritated and inflamed. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Giving your body a break allows this lining time to recover.

🍷 Alcohol can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut.
This imbalance may contribute to bloating and digestive discomfort. An alcohol-free month helps restore a healthier microbiome.

🚨 It’s also important to remember that excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease and bowel cancer.

Campaigns like Febfast, Dry July and Ocsober are great reminders to reflect on our drinking habits and give our bodies a reset.

17/02/2026

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your gut health 💧

When you don’t drink enough fluids, your body pulls water from the large intestine. The result? Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation.

Adequate water intake also helps maintain a healthy intestinal lining and supports a balanced gut microbiome, both essential for optimal digestive function.

Remember, if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

12/02/2026

Did you know your gut and brain are constantly communicating?

Research into the gut–brain connection shows that your digestive system is highly sensitive to emotions. Feelings of stress or anxiety don’t just stay in your head, they can trigger real, physical symptoms in your gut.

When you’re stressed, your body activates the “fight or flight” response. This releases the hormone cortisol, preparing you to respond to a perceived threat. While helpful in true emergencies, this response can disrupt digestion and lead to symptoms such as:

• Oesophageal spasms
• Increased stomach acid and indigestion
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea

The good news? Managing stress can make a real difference. Deep breathing, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices can help calm your nervous system and support healthier digestion.

If gastrointestinal symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Sometimes reassurance and a clear plan can significantly reduce stress, and in turn, ease gut symptoms too.

guthealth digestivehealth

12/02/2026

Did you know your gut and brain are constantly communicating?

Research into the gut–brain connection shows that your digestive system is highly sensitive to emotions. Feelings of stress or anxiety don’t just stay in your head, they can trigger real, physical symptoms in your gut.

When you’re stressed, your body activates the “fight or flight” response. This releases the hormone cortisol, preparing you to respond to a perceived threat. While helpful in true emergencies, this response can disrupt digestion and lead to symptoms such as:

• Oesophageal spasms
• Increased stomach acid and indigestion
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea

The good news? Managing stress can make a real difference. Deep breathing, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices can help calm your nervous system and support healthier digestion.

If gastrointestinal symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Sometimes reassurance and a clear plan can significantly reduce stress, and in turn, ease gut symptoms too.

06/02/2026

Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance are often confused because they can cause similar symptoms, but they are very different medical conditions.

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine. This damages the villi (the tiny structures that absorb nutrients), leading to poor nutrient absorption and potential complications such as chronic diarrhoea or constipation, iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility and even neurological issues. Ongoing exposure to gluten can cause long-term intestinal damage.

Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), sometimes referred to as gluten intolerance, does not involve an autoimmune response and does not cause damage to the small intestine. People may still experience symptoms such as bloating, headaches, fatigue and brain fog, but there is no permanent harm to the gut.

Around 1 in 70 Australians have coeliac disease, and up to 80% remain undiagnosed. Because coeliac disease requires strict, lifelong gluten avoidance, it is important not to self-diagnose or assume symptoms are due to intolerance.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to be tested for coeliac disease, speak with your GP before removing gluten from your diet.

03/02/2026

New research shows that just 60 minutes of light exercise or 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week may help reduce liver fat in people with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as fatty liver disease.

In a recent meta-analysis of 24 studies, researchers found that a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training is most effective. Benefits increase with activity up to a point, with optimal results at ~2.5 hours of moderate exercise or 1.5 hours of vigorous exercise per week. In some instances more exercise may not be better when considering injury risk.

MASLD, often driven by obesity and poor diet, affects millions and frequently has no early symptoms. When caught early, lifestyle changes like exercise can reverse the condition, reducing the risk of liver failure, diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.

Even small, regular amounts of mixed exercise can improve liver health especially when started early.

Tan, X., et al. (2026). Dose‒response relationship between exercise and hepatic steatosis: A systematic review with Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Sport and Health Science.

28/01/2026

At GastroNorth, patients benefit from the strength of a coordinated specialist team.

✔️ 11 experienced gastroenterologists with public hospital appointments
✔️ Active involvement in research and medical education
✔️Comprehensive & individualised care
✔️ Short wait times for consultations and procedures, with urgent appointments available
✔️ Advanced and interventional endoscopy expertise
✔️ A diverse team including female gastroenterologists
✔️ Multiple convenient locations across Melbourne
✔️Excellent patient follow up and high service standards

We provide high quality gastroenterology care at every step. 💚

A referral from your doctor is required prior to making an appointment. Call our friendly team on 9468 9700 for any queries, or to make an appointment. 🩺

GastroNorth

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm