Esse Health GI: St. Louis Gastroenterology Consultants

03/07/2026

You can reduce your risk for colon cancer! Just ask the crew at Esse Health. Thanks to Esse Health for sponsoring this video

03/01/2026

If you’re 45 years old (or older), please talk to your doc about colon cancer screening! Colonoscopies save lives!

02/13/2026

🧻 Fun Fact Friday!
The average person produces about 100–200 grams of stool per day — that’s roughly 30–40 pounds per year.

Your colon is doing a lot of work behind the scenes to keep things moving smoothly.

02/06/2026

🥬 Fun Fact Friday!
Fiber isn’t digested by you — it’s eaten by your gut bacteria.

When they ferment fiber, they produce short-chain fatty acids that help protect your colon and reduce inflammation.

You eat the salad… your bacteria throw the party.

02/04/2026

📣 Important Talk: Colore**al Cancer in Younger Adults
Recent research shows a concerning trend: colore**al cancer — once seen mainly in older adults — is rising among younger people in the U.S. and now accounts for a large share of cancer diagnoses and deaths under age 50.
🧠 Key facts you should know:
• Cases of colore**al cancer in adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s have been increasing for decades, with incidence rising about 2% per year in people aged 20–39.
• About 1 in 5 people diagnosed now are under age 55.
• New data show that colore**al cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death among Americans under 50.
• Two-thirds of younger patients are diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III or IV), highlighting delays in recognition or diagnosis.
⚠️ Experts don’t yet fully understand why this is happening. Potential contributors being studied include lifestyle factors like diet and obesity, changes in the gut microbiome, and other environmental influences — but no single cause has been identified.
💡 What you can do:
• Be aware of symptoms — such as persistent changes in bowel habits, re**al bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue — regardless of age.
• Know that screening guidelines have shifted: average-risk adults are now recommended to begin screening at age 45 (or earlier if you have personal or family risk factors).
• Don’t hesitate to talk to your provider if you’re concerned — early detection saves lives. You can contact our office at 314-543-5200 if you're in the greater St. Louis area!
We’re sharing this not to scare anyone, but to empower you with knowledge and encourage attention to symptoms and appropriate screening. 🩺 Here's the full article to learn more:

Research shows many adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with colore**al cancer, with incidence increasing over the last three decades.

12/19/2025

Had a great time at our office holiday party at the Great Big Game Show!

11/21/2025

Fun Fact Friday! Your intestines have more nerve cells than your spinal cord.
That’s why the gut is sometimes called the “second brain.” This communication is disrupted in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the intestinal nerves become hypersensitive to stimuli, leading to pain and change in bowel habits.

11/18/2025

Did you know many colon polyps — the growths that can turn into colon cancer — are linked to lifestyle factors we can actually change?
Here are some avoidable risks that increase your chance of developing polyps:

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• A diet high in red or processed meats
• Low fiber intake
• Obesity or lack of regular exercise
• Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

Small changes can make a big difference for your long-term colon health. Staying active, eating more plants and fiber, and cutting back on to***co, alcohol, and processed meats all help lower risk.

And of course — a screening colonoscopy saves lives by finding and removing polyps before they ever become cancer.

11/14/2025

Fun Fact Friday! You make about 1–2 liters of saliva every DAY! That'll change the way you think about a 2L soda bottle....
Your digestive system starts working before your first bite even hits your tongue.

11/09/2025

This is called melanosis coli. If we see this pattern on the lining of your colon, it typically means you frequently use over the counter laxatives like Senna or Bisacodyl. It’s not harmful but can often be a sign that we need to find a better regiment for your constipation!

11/07/2025

Fun Fact Friday! Your gut bacteria weigh about 3 pounds total.
That’s about the same as your brain! Your gut bacteria are key for maintaining a healthy gut

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! Check out our docs' favorite candy bars and comment below with yours!