Cirrhosis Explained: How to Stay Healthy and Prevent Complications
The Gastro Girl Podcast
09/15/26
•30m
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A diagnosis of cirrhosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding what's happening in your liver—and knowing what you can do to protect your health—can make a meaningful difference.
In this episode, Gastro Girl host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, a hepatologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), for a practical conversation about living with cirrhosis and reducing the risk of complications.
Dr. Lai explains what cirrhosis is, why ongoing monitoring and regular medical care are so important, and how nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining muscle can play an important role in overall health. She also discusses complications people with cirrhosis should be aware of, warning signs that may require medical attention, and how patients can work with their healthcare team to stay as healthy as possible.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• What cirrhosis is and what it means for your liver • Why regular monitoring and follow-up care matter • How nutrition and muscle health can affect people with cirrhosis • Common complications of cirrhosis and what to watch for • Practical steps you can take to protect your health • How to stay actively involved in your care
Whether you've recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis, have been living with chronic liver disease for some time, or are caring for someone with cirrhosis, this conversation will help you better understand the condition, know what to expect, and feel more prepared to talk with your healthcare team.
This patient education episode was produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.
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Living With IBD: What Remission Looks Like
Tuesday
•25m
For many people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), understanding what remission actually means can be confusing. If your symptoms improve, does that mean your IBD is under control? And if you're in remission, is the disease gone for good?
In Part 2 of our conversation with IBD expert Dr. Jessica Allegretti, we explore what remission means in IBD and why feeling better is only one part of the picture.
We discuss:
- Clinical remission versus endoscopic remission
- What mucosal healing means
- The treat-to-target approach in IBD care
- Why modern treatment goals focus on long-term disease control
- How controlling inflammation may help reduce the risk of future complications
Understanding both how you feel and what may be happening inside your body can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare team and take an active role in managing your IBD.
Subscribe to Gastro Girl for more expert-led conversations designed to help you navigate digestive health with confidence.
This educational initiative is sponsored by Merck.
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