The number of people diagnosed with digestive disease and cancer continues to rise. With the largest, most comprehensive digestive health program in Orange County, Hoag is committed to curbing this trend — and, thanks to philanthropy, even envisions a colon cancer-free and esophageal cancer-free Orange County with the leadership of world-renowned gastroenterologist Kenneth Chang , MD, James & Pamela Muzzy Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair in GI Cancer, Digestive Health Institute.
 
What causes digestive disease to begin with? At the Hoag Hospital Foundation’s annual women’s event, H.E.R. Summit, Dr. Elizabeth Raskin, surgical director of Hoag’s Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program, addressed this question, speaking about the effects of persistent inflammation on gut health. While inflammation is a normal immune function that allows a person’s body to respond to foreign material, the environment, food, infection and disease, problems occur when inflammation is hyperactive or dysregulated. When chronic inflammation happens, it doesn’t just reside locally at the site of injury. It can be systemic, affecting multiple systems throughout the body.  
 
Inflammation in the gut can trigger inflammation in the brain. The reverse is also true. The endocrine system is another area commonly disrupted by inflammation. Avoiding chronic inflammation is key to overall health and wellness. Start by keeping it simple — choose whole foods over processed foods that may contain preservatives, chemicals, additives and binders that contribute to inflammation. 
 
Environmental pollutants, such as microplastics in water, herbicides used on foods, and toxins found in cosmetics, can also cause systemic inflammation. Using BPA-free containers, staying hydrated and exercising regularly can help combat these inflammatory triggers. Sleep is also hugely important, as suboptimal sleep can lead to inflammation that affects other body systems. New research even shows that meditation can reduce inflammation.
 
Dr. Raskin said, “When it feels overwhelming, bring it back to basics. Use your instincts about food, exercise and sleep. Our bodies have powerful, innate wisdom.” 

As Hoag expands on the Sun Family Campus in Irvine, philanthropically funded programs like the Margolis Family IBD Program are providing increased access to a multidisciplinary team of experts delivering whole-person care, including mental health and nutrition support for patients struggling with conditions associated with digestive disease. 

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