They are giving the poop scoop.
A group of gastroenterologists in Alabama are sharing the mistakes they wouldn’t make — from parasite and bowel cleanses to relying on Google for medical instructions and coffee enemas.
The first tip on TikTok came from Dr. Charles A. Dasher, Jr., who encouraged “proper colon cancer screening.”
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that average-risk adults begin colon cancer screening at age 45. The USPSTF lowered the recommended age from 50 in 2021, amid an alarming increase in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50.
If you have a parent or sibling who has had colorectal cancer, experts suggest getting your first colonoscopy at 40 or 10 years before the age at which the family member was diagnosed — whichever is earlier.
Dasher’s colleagues at Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates warned against smoking, which can increase the risk of various cancers, particularly colon and esophageal cancer, and ignoring gastrointestinal symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits and unintentional weight loss, which may be signs of colon cancer. .
Dr. J. Stewart Herndon, meanwhile, offered a cheeky answer to the question, “What’s one thing you would never do as a gastroenterologist?”
“I wouldn’t eat Taco Bell before a long drive,” he said.
Other recommendations include avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and high-dose NSAIDs — such as ibuprofen, which can carry the risk of ulcers — and seeking medical help for swallowing problems.
“If things feel like they’re getting stuck in the esophagus, we can help that,” said Dr. David T. Steele.
In a subsequent video, Dr. Carrie Rothermel explained that she is against parasite cleanses because they are often herbal remedies, which do not face the same rigorous regulations as prescription treatments.
“Herbal remedies, even with parasite clearance, can often interact with medications [and] cause additional symptoms that you may not be aware of,” continued Rothermel. “Ultimately, if you have any symptoms that worry you about having a parasite, you should see your local GI doctor and get checked out.”
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