We’re sitting down with Dr. Kelly Teagle—Ridgefield resident, mom of three boys, and board-certified gastroenterologist for Nuvance Healthcare—to talk about keeping your gut in check.
Dr. Teagle, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I grew up in Hudson Valley, New York, and from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a physician. I enjoyed school and learning. And ultimately, I wanted to have a career focused on helping others.
I completed my Gastroenterology Fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital. Following my training, I moved to upstate New York to work in an underserved area, which was a very gratifying experience. In 2022, we relocated to Ridgefield to be closer to family. We’ve loved becoming part of this community.
There has been a rise in colorectal cancer among 30 and 40 year olds. Does that track with what you’re seeing? Can you offer any insight as to why?
Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and the third among men. I have seen an increased amount of patients with either colon cancer or very aggressive pre-cancerous colon polyps. Many of these patients are well under 50 years old.
I wish we knew completely why we’re seeing a rise in colon cancer among this younger population—unfortunately, we don’t. Like many things in medicine, the answer is multi-factorial, and studies show that the risk for colon cancer increases with things we can’t control (like family history), and things we can (like diet and exercise, alcohol use, and tobacco use).
I tell my patients to avoid eating fats, sugar, salt, and processed foods in excess, and to keep active with regular physical activity. Even moderate alcohol use can increase colorectal cancer risk, so cutting back can control a key risk factor. And avoid tobacco—past smokers have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, so regular screenings are essential.
What is the gut microbiome? What are some things people can do to prioritize it and improve it?
The gut microbiome is a diverse population of living microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in our gastrointestinal tract. It plays a critical role in our health, affecting all aspects—eating, digesting, producing essential nutrients, and supporting immune function. A healthier gut microbiome is generally associated with a higher diversity of beneficial bacteria, which contributes to a stable environment that resists pathogen overgrowth and reduces inflammation.
We can support a healthy and diverse gut microbiome by maintaining a diet that is high in fiber, which you can achieve by consuming diverse foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. We should avoid a diet high in red meat. I generally advise my patients to limit intake to 1-2 times per month.
Alright, the time has come to talk about colonoscopies. Can you tell us what to expect?
I recommend the first time screening colonoscopy at the age of 45 for all average risk patients. Patients may be above average risk if they have a certain family history. The American College of Gastroenterology states that increased risk for colon cancer is with one first-degree relative, or two second-degree relatives diagnosed before the age of 60 with either colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps with high-risk features. So it’s very important to understand your family history.
Ultimately, all patients should listen to their body. If you notice any changes in your bowel habits, abdominal pain, or bleeding, a colonoscopy should be considered.
A colonoscopy is one of the most effective preventative procedures, and the only test where your gastroenterologist can find precancerous cells and remove them. It’s a same-day procedure where patients are sedated. While asleep, a camera is used to thoroughly evaluate the inside of your colon, and possibly a small part of your small intestine. We look for polyps or anything that looks abnormal and needs to be removed or biopsied. On average, the total procedure time is 20 minutes. Many patients tell me it’s the best nap they’ve had in years. It can also be the most important!
Dr. Teagle is part of Nuvance Health and performs colonoscopies at both their Danbury and New Milford locations. Call or visit nuvancehealth.org to schedule your appointment today!
A colonoscopy is one of the most effective preventative procedures, and the only test where your gastroenterologist can find precancerous cells and remove them.
I tell my patients to avoid eating fats, sugar, salt, and processed foods in excess, and to keep active with regular physical activity. Even moderate alcohol use can increase colorectal cancer risk, so cutting back can control a key risk factor. And avoid tobacco.