‘Listen to your gut’ is now more than just tapping into your intuition; with the rise in incidence of gut-related diseases in Singapore, such as stomach cancers, particularly colorectal cancers, maintaining gastrointestinal care/gut health is crucial. While there are many ways you can manage your stomach health at home, more complicated conditions will require the input of a medical professional—this is where a gastroenterologist plays an important role.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of maintaining gut health, how you can manage it, and when you should absolutely visit a gastro specialist in Singapore. We will also delve into what conditions a gastroenterologist is able to treat and their various specialisations.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Gut: How Can A Gastroenterologist Help?
As mentioned above, there has been a rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore, to the point that it’s considered Singapore’s top killer. It affects more than 1865 individuals per year. The people at risk were notably:
- Women and men above the age of 50
- Individuals with a personal or family history of colon or rectal cancer
- Individuals with a history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis
So, what does this have to do with gut health? Research suggests that bad gut health is linked to gastrointestinal cancer. Moreover, it is also linked with other conditions such as Alzheimer's and depression. Let’s explore the functions of the gut to better understand how an unhealthy gut can bring about these conditions.
The Functions of the Gut
The stomach is a muscular organ that digests food, which is a part of your gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). When food enters your stomach, it begins to contract and release acids and enzymes to aid in digestion. Once the food is broken down, it is then passed on to the small intestine for further processing.
Our stomachs play a critical role in the functionality of our bodies, from maintaining digestion, boosting our immune system, aiding in weight regulation, and stabilising our blood sugar. Recent research has revealed how it can also be related to mental health. This is because a majority of serotonin (a chemical responsible for managing mood, sleep, libido, digestion, etc.) is produced in the gut. Therefore, if your gut is not healthy, your immune system and hormones may be compromised.
So, how can you improve your gastrointestinal health?
Improving Gastrointestinal Health: At-Home Care Vs. Gastro Specialist in Singapore
Gut health can be defined as the health of our gut microbiome and the healthy function of organs, tissues, and membranes that comprise our gastrointestinal system. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Ideally, we would want a gut where the microbes work in harmony, wherein the gut bacteria communicate with the other cells in our internal tract to help digest food and prevent harmful bacteria from over-proliferating.
There are many ways to treat gastrointestinal conditions at home; for the most part, they consist of eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and taking home-made remedies. However, if the symptoms persist and if your stomach issue is complicated, we would certainly advise seeking a gastro specialist in Singapore for proper care.
When To Visit A Gastroenterologist?
Firstly, let’s try to understand what a gastroenterologist is and the conditions they treat. Gastro specialists are medical doctors who specialise in conditions affecting your digestive system. Generally, they undergo 3 years of medical residency training after medical school and 3 additional years of study to receive a specialist certification. This additional certification confirms their expertise in treating gastrointestinal diseases.
They commonly treat conditions such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Celiac Disease
- Stomach Cancers
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
We recommend that you visit a gastroenterologist if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Gastritis symptoms (burning sensation in upper belly, nausea, vomiting)
- Bloated stomach
- Indigestion
- Gas and pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Unexpected weight loss or weight gain
A gastro/liver specialist will treat these symptoms after determining the cause. Your doctor will first conduct a physical examination, and if more information is required, they will conduct the following procedures:
- Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy, also known as an Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD), is a widely performed procedure in Singapore used to examine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract—including the oesophagus, stomach, and the upper section of the small intestine—using a medical device called a gastroscope or endoscope. It is useful for diagnosing conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.
- Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure carried out by gastroenterologists to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract—specifically the colon and rectum—for abnormalities and to treat certain conditions.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
An Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the digestive tract, including the lining of both the upper (oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and lower (colon and rectum) gastrointestinal tract. It also enables the gastroenterologist to view nearby structures such as the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile duct, as well as lymph nodes, fluid collections, and tumours.
- GASTROClear
GASTROClear is the world’s first molecular blood test for the early detection of stomach (gastric) cancer, developed in Singapore. It can identify all stages of stomach cancer with up to 86% sensitivity and up to 89% specificity in individuals with average risk who show no symptoms. This non-invasive method is effective in detecting stomach cancer early, even before symptoms appear. It offers a useful alternative for patients who are hesitant to undergo a gastroscopy and helps the gastroenterologist assess cancer risk and decide if a gastroscopy is necessary for further evaluation.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that uses a combination of an endoscope and X-ray imaging to examine and manage conditions affecting the bile duct, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder.
Apart from these, there are many other procedures that a gastro specialist may conduct depending on the type of gastrointestinal issue you have. All these diagnostic methods give a detailed view of the inside of your body and aid in determining the cause of your symptoms and the appropriate treatment.
If you believe that you require comprehensive treatment from a gastroenterologist in Singapore, our consultant gastroenterologist & hepatologist, Dr Benjamin Yip, is here to help!
Improve Your Gastrointestinal Health With Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre
If you're looking to take charge of your digestive health, trust the care and treatment solutions available at Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre. Helmed by Dr Benjamin Yip, a gastroenterologist with a strong passion for endoscopy, the Centre offers a full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures tailored to your needs. Dr Yip performs routine gastroscopies and colonoscopies, with a specialised focus on Advanced Endoscopy procedures such as ERCP, EUS, Spyglass™ Cholangioscopy, single balloon Enteroscopy, and Enteral Dilation/Stenting.
Whether you're seeking early detection, accurate diagnosis, or advanced treatment, Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre provides compassionate, expert care backed by cutting-edge technology. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward improving your gastrointestinal health with confidence.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Stomach: Anatomy, Function, Diagram, Parts Of, Structure. Cleveland Clinic. Published September 10, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21758-stomach
- Colorectal Cancer | NCIS. NCIS. Published 2024. https://www.ncis.com.sg/cancer-information/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer
- What is a Gastroenterologist? When to See One & What They Treat. Cleveland Clinic. Published September 14, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24198-gastroenterologist
- Mayo Clinic. Gastritis - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published March 15, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355807
