Miami Gastro at the Keys

11/22/2023

Fatty liver disease without significant alcohol consumption was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This has now changed to “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease” (MASLD). As the name implies, fatty liver in MASLD is related to metabolic dysfunction. This is a chronic liver disease that may be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. The estimated worldwide prevalence of fatty liver not associated with alcohol is around 38% in adults and 10% among children and adolescents. Fatty liver is a manifestation of this metabolic dysfunction and people affected are more likely to be affected by cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and more likely to be pre-diabetic or have diabetes. The main treatment is a healthy lifestyle with consumption of a diet rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and fish. The foods to avoid include ultra-processed food, red meat, sugar sweetened drinks, and fried foods. A 3-month vegetarian diet has been shown to reduce fatty liver. Similarly, a freshwater fish diet has been shown to improve fatty liver as compared with patients who consumed a combination of freshwater fish-based and red meat-based diets. Overall, both studies have shown that red meat should be minimized or avoided. Physical activity 3-5x per week for at least 30 minutes can help reverse this condition. Our clinic is now offering Fibroscan which is a non-invasive modality which can help assess for liver fat content and fibrosis.

1. Younossi, Z.M. et al. Lifestyle interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 20, 708–722 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-023-00800-4

2. Garousi N. et al. Effects of lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet vs. standard-weight-loss diet on obese and overweight adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised clinical trial. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2023 Dec;129(4):975-983. doi: 10.1080/13813455.2021.1890128.

11/22/2023

"Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease"
There is growing evidence that the Western Diet is partially responsible for being a "trigger" for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease). This may occur in genetically susceptible individuals. The western diet impairs the immune response at the epithelial layer in the digestive tract. The "epithelial layer" is the lining in the digestive tract that has immune functions. A Western Diet which is often enriched with simple carbohydrates, fats (saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol) and food additives (e.g, emulsifiers, food colorants, processed carbohydrates). These compounds can lead to compositional and functional alterations of the gut microbiota. Limiting "fast foods", red meat, and artificially sweetened beverages can decrease this risk.

10/14/2023

Colon cancer is a preventable disease. It is the 3rd most common cancer in the U.S. and the 2nd cause of cancer-related mortality. Our practice provides access to colonoscopy at Mariners Hospital and our affiliated hospitals and surgical centers in Miami. We offer all of our consultations from our Key Largo office, either in person or via telemedicine. If you are a self-pay patient, ask us about the SELF-PAYMENT OPTION, where you can have a colonoscopy at one of our affiliated hospitals in Miami.

This is a gastroenterology practice providing consultation in digestive and liver diseases.

08/23/2023

Our Key Largo office will be in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield starting 9/1/23.

07/04/2023

Meet our team!

07/04/2023

We welcome you to Miami Gastro at the Keys, a gastroenterology and hepatology practice located in Key Largo, FL. Our mission is to provide compassionate care to our communities and guide our patients on their journey to well-being. Whether you are living with a chronic digestive or liver-related health condition, or want to take preventative action against colorectal cancer, we are here for you!