EXPERT
Dr. Christian Diaz Stone, MD
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Christian Stone is a gastroenterologist practicing in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Stone specializes in the digestive system and its diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from the mouth to the anus as well as liver disorders. Gastroenterology includes conditions such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, nutritional problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Stone performs colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures and provides accurate and thorough care for patients suffering from digestive issues.
34 years
Experience
Dr. Christian Diaz Stone, MD
- LAS VEGAS, NV
- Unicersity of California Berkeley
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Eating habits
I will assume that you really have celiac disease, which is often mistakenly diagnosed. If you are avoiding all gluten, then the pain you have is unrelated to celiac and it is READ MORE
I will assume that you really have celiac disease, which is often mistakenly diagnosed. If you are avoiding all gluten, then the pain you have is unrelated to celiac and it is certainly also unrelated to absence of a gallbladder.
There is probably another source for pain such as gastritis or dyspepsia. The latter is very common and just means you have a sensitive stomach that reacts sometimes to anything ingested. You might be sensitive to or maldigesting sugars in fruits. Some tests by a GI doctor could help identify one of the above causes.
There is probably another source for pain such as gastritis or dyspepsia. The latter is very common and just means you have a sensitive stomach that reacts sometimes to anything ingested. You might be sensitive to or maldigesting sugars in fruits. Some tests by a GI doctor could help identify one of the above causes.
What could be the reason for my stomach bloating?
Most benign bloating that happens daily and chronically after eating a meal is due to carbohydrate malabsorption. Lowering carbs in the diet usually helps. If you have tenderness, READ MORE
Most benign bloating that happens daily and chronically after eating a meal is due to carbohydrate malabsorption. Lowering carbs in the diet usually helps. If you have tenderness, then it could be something else and an exam by your primary care doctor or a GI doctor would be advised.
After a colonoscopy is soft rust colored stool normal?
Yes, this is normal. The stool will tend to be soft since you just had an oral clean out of the colon. The rust color may be some minimal blood from a biopsy or polyp removal that READ MORE
Yes, this is normal. The stool will tend to be soft since you just had an oral clean out of the colon. The rust color may be some minimal blood from a biopsy or polyp removal that would typically be done during colonoscopy.
help for excessive IBS diarrhea pain
You need to be properly treated for IBS. You have a prominent gastrocolic reflex causing diarrhea after eating. There is treatment available and you should go back to your GI doctor READ MORE
You need to be properly treated for IBS. You have a prominent gastrocolic reflex causing diarrhea after eating. There is treatment available and you should go back to your GI doctor and insist on being treated. If the GI doctor refuses to do anything or doesn't offer anything useful, then find one that will. The sad reality is that a lot of GI docs don't want to be bothered to treat IBS. Don't give up.
REMICADE and weight gain
Patients with Crohn's and UC usually lose weight due to active disease. When they get treatment that reduces the inflammation of the bowel, nearly all patients gain weight. Thus READ MORE
Patients with Crohn's and UC usually lose weight due to active disease. When they get treatment that reduces the inflammation of the bowel, nearly all patients gain weight. Thus it would not be surprising to gain weight after starting Remicade, assuming that it was successful in treating the IBD. Weight gain alone is not a side effect of Remicade, but rather a
consequence of its success.
consequence of its success.
Can you suggest some safe medication to treat heartburn?
Any antacid med can treat heartburn: over-the-counter Zantac, Prilosec, Nexium, or prescription versions of these pills. All are safe, but use the lowest effective dose. Otherwise, READ MORE
Any antacid med can treat heartburn: over-the-counter Zantac, Prilosec, Nexium, or prescription versions of these pills. All are safe, but use the lowest effective dose. Otherwise, can consider GI workup with EGD if not done previously. Surgery to control heartburn is another option.
Are fruits like watermelon and pineapple okay for people suffering from acid reflux?
Yes, it's okay to eat those fruits and others. Won't affect the heartburn significantly.
Does excess protein intake cause acidity?
The amount of acid made is fairly steady from day to day, and it normally increases when a meal is eaten. If you experience more heartburn, this doesn't mean that you are making READ MORE
The amount of acid made is fairly steady from day to day, and it normally increases when a meal is eaten. If you experience more heartburn, this doesn't mean that you are making more acid than usual. It means that the acid being made is going where it shouldn't (i.e., into the esophagus). In general, to reduce acid reflux, eat lighter meals, avoid overeating, don't lie down soon after eating, avoid caffeine, alcohol. There are many factors that can cause more heartburn, but protein-rich foods are not a significant cause. Use pepcid or nexium pills if heartburn is bothering you a lot. If it becomes a chronic issue, then it may help to see a GI doctor.
What could be the reason for anal bleeding?
It is most likely hemorrhoids. Evaluation is recommended by a GI doctor. Have to make sure that you are not anemic. You may need a colonoscopy to make sure there is nothing else READ MORE
It is most likely hemorrhoids. Evaluation is recommended by a GI doctor. Have to make sure that you are not anemic. You may need a colonoscopy to make sure there is nothing else bleeding.
Are probiotics helpful in treating GERD?
No, probiotics do not help GERD. There are no good studies showing this. Anecdotes from individuals or on the internet are not adequate data.
Save your money.
Save your money.
Should children be given probiotics?
There is no evidence whatsoever that healthy adults or children need to take probiotics. No peer-reviewed published studies at all. Don't fall for the sales pitch from probiotic READ MORE
There is no evidence whatsoever that healthy adults or children need to take probiotics. No peer-reviewed published studies at all. Don't fall for the sales pitch from probiotic manufacturers that claim a bunch of health benefits. No proof of this. Save your money and focus on providing a your kids a healthy diet, which I imagine you are already doing.
Are constipation and acidity common while quitting from smoking?
We cannot assume that what you describe as severe acidity is actually from acid. Many upper GI symptoms can feel like they are caused by acid, but often this is not the case. I READ MORE
We cannot assume that what you describe as severe acidity is actually from acid. Many upper GI symptoms can feel like they are caused by acid, but often this is not the case. I would need to hear more specifics about what you are experiencing to help determine if there is acid involved and whether smoking cessation is related. Another approach is to simply block acid production with Prilosec or Nexium and see if things get better.
Constipation can happen as a result of many things including anxiety. If quitting smoking is causing some degree of anxiety then there could be a connection between the two. Otherwise, they are probably not related. Drinking water does not help constipation - this is a myth. Try more fiber like Benefiber three times per day and/or daily Miralax.
Congratulations on cutting down on smoking!!
Constipation can happen as a result of many things including anxiety. If quitting smoking is causing some degree of anxiety then there could be a connection between the two. Otherwise, they are probably not related. Drinking water does not help constipation - this is a myth. Try more fiber like Benefiber three times per day and/or daily Miralax.
Congratulations on cutting down on smoking!!
I end up with loose motions every time I eat spicy food. Please advice what could be the reason for the same?
This sounds like you are experiencing a gastro-colic reflex (GCR): the stomach fills with food/liquid and the colon contracts to empty itself to make room for a meal working its READ MORE
This sounds like you are experiencing a gastro-colic reflex (GCR): the stomach fills with food/liquid and the colon contracts to empty itself to make room for a meal working its way down the small intestine. This is a normal neurological reflex that cannot be easily prevented, and it can be more pronounced in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It tends to
happen more in restaurants because that food is often heavy in salt and fat content (which stimulate a stronger reflex) or we might tend to overeat (which also tends to stimulate a strong reflex). Spice alone may or may not do it, but spicy food that is also rich and heavy in oil, butter, etc., might stimulate a strong GCR. A hypersensitive stomach and colon can hurt after a meal - a classic symptom of dyspepsia and IBS respectively.
What to do? Eat smaller meals, avoid heavy, rich foods, try Imodium before a heavy meal. Another option is to see a GI doc for possible Rx treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
happen more in restaurants because that food is often heavy in salt and fat content (which stimulate a stronger reflex) or we might tend to overeat (which also tends to stimulate a strong reflex). Spice alone may or may not do it, but spicy food that is also rich and heavy in oil, butter, etc., might stimulate a strong GCR. A hypersensitive stomach and colon can hurt after a meal - a classic symptom of dyspepsia and IBS respectively.
What to do? Eat smaller meals, avoid heavy, rich foods, try Imodium before a heavy meal. Another option is to see a GI doc for possible Rx treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
How effective are home remedies in treating acid reflux?
They are only effective inasmuch as they control your heartburn. For some people, they are 100% effective and for others, 0%. If not fully effective - as it seems to be in your READ MORE
They are only effective inasmuch as they control your heartburn. For some people, they are 100% effective and for others, 0%. If not fully effective - as it seems to be in your case - then you can move on to over-the-counter antacids like Zantac or Prilosec. After that, you should see a primary care doctor, who can refer you to a GI if he/she thinks it would be helpful.
What could be the cause of my bloating and nausea?
Whatever caused jaundice could certainly have residual effects of nausea and bloating for days or weeks afterwards. For persistent symptoms, please seek out advice from a primary READ MORE
Whatever caused jaundice could certainly have residual effects of nausea and bloating for days or weeks afterwards. For persistent symptoms, please seek out advice from a primary care doctor or GI doctor.
Are there any tablets recommended for GERD?
What you describe could be GERD. So, you can buy some antacid pills over the counter, for example Zantac or Prilosec. Take the latter before breakfast on an empty stomach. If this READ MORE
What you describe could be GERD. So, you can buy some antacid pills over the counter, for example Zantac or Prilosec. Take the latter before breakfast on an empty stomach. If this helps, then this supports the idea that GERD is the cause of the symptom. See a primary care doc or GI doc for further management if this doesn't help.
How can I heal my digestive system after surgery?
Not sure if "heal" is the right word since there is probably no true damage to your intestines, but you may certainly have experienced a change in gut flora from antibiotics. Use READ MORE
Not sure if "heal" is the right word since there is probably no true damage to your intestines, but you may certainly have experienced a change in gut flora from antibiotics. Use Probiotics daily to help with this. For heartburn then use ranitidine or omeprazole over the counter. For stronger anti-acid meds, then prescriptions may be needed. If diarrhea persists, then see a primary care doctor or gastroenterologist.
Why does my father immediately pass stools and gas immediately after eating?
Most of the time, what you are describing is a fairly benign process known as a gastrocolic reflex: when the stomach fills up with food and/or fluid, this stimulates a contraction READ MORE
Most of the time, what you are describing is a fairly benign process known as a gastrocolic reflex: when the stomach fills up with food and/or fluid, this stimulates a contraction of the colon, which results in passing a stool, oftentimes diarrhea. This a nerve reflex that cannot be controlled - just like a knee jerk reflex that happens when the doctor taps the patellar
tendon.
As long as your father doesn't have any other worrisome symptoms like weight loss, anemia, blood in the stool, then it is probably a benign condition. Make sure he is up to date on colon cancer screening and make sure that this is not a chronic diarrhea. See a PCP or GI doctor for further evaluation if there are any worrisome symptoms. Otherwise, he can try using some Imodium - one pill before a meal or in the morning - to try to reduce intensity of that reflex.
Hope this helps.
tendon.
As long as your father doesn't have any other worrisome symptoms like weight loss, anemia, blood in the stool, then it is probably a benign condition. Make sure he is up to date on colon cancer screening and make sure that this is not a chronic diarrhea. See a PCP or GI doctor for further evaluation if there are any worrisome symptoms. Otherwise, he can try using some Imodium - one pill before a meal or in the morning - to try to reduce intensity of that reflex.
Hope this helps.
Why do I feel bloated around my upper stomach?
Bloating can be a difficult problem. We don't understand it well, but there are several possible causes:
1. Certain foods that we don't digest well can draw fluid into the small READ MORE
Bloating can be a difficult problem. We don't understand it well, but there are several possible causes:
1. Certain foods that we don't digest well can draw fluid into the small bowel lumen causing distention and bloating. Fluid, not gas, is causing the bloating.
2. Upper GI dysmotility (abnormal persistalsis) causes poor handling of foods ingested resulting in bloating.
3. Recent research has shown that some patients actually involuntarily contract their diaphragm and relax the abdominal wall muscles resulting in significant bloating and increased abdominal girth. This is often described as "my stomach looks like I'm 6 months pregnant."
4. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth. In my experience, this is not a common cause of bloating.
#1 is probably the most common cause. Can treat by trying the Low FODMAP
diet to eliminate carbs that are poorly digested. See:
https://rmdietetic.com/the-best-low-fodmap-resources/
#2 and #4 would need GI evaluation for possible prescription therapy.
#3 is still being investigated and treatments with biofeedback are
experimental.
Hope this helps.
1. Certain foods that we don't digest well can draw fluid into the small bowel lumen causing distention and bloating. Fluid, not gas, is causing the bloating.
2. Upper GI dysmotility (abnormal persistalsis) causes poor handling of foods ingested resulting in bloating.
3. Recent research has shown that some patients actually involuntarily contract their diaphragm and relax the abdominal wall muscles resulting in significant bloating and increased abdominal girth. This is often described as "my stomach looks like I'm 6 months pregnant."
4. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth. In my experience, this is not a common cause of bloating.
#1 is probably the most common cause. Can treat by trying the Low FODMAP
diet to eliminate carbs that are poorly digested. See:
https://rmdietetic.com/the-best-low-fodmap-resources/
#2 and #4 would need GI evaluation for possible prescription therapy.
#3 is still being investigated and treatments with biofeedback are
experimental.
Hope this helps.
My appetite is still a problem inspite of my recovery from jaundice. What should I do?
That depends on the underlying cause of the jaundice. There may still be liver derangements in the AST, ALT thought the bilirubin is normal. Need to know if there is any chronic READ MORE
That depends on the underlying cause of the jaundice. There may still be liver derangements in the AST, ALT thought the bilirubin is normal. Need to know if there is any chronic liver disease, which could easily cause poor appetite. Beyond this, poor appetite could be the result of countless other conditions so an extensive evaluation may be necessary. Best to discuss with a primary care doctor or liver specialist.
