Answers to what you may be wondering.
What people often wonder about visits, procedures and lifestyle medicine.
Which symptoms warrant seeing a gastroenterologist?
Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, reflux, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, jaundice and elevated liver enzymes are the most common reasons.
Does lifestyle medicine replace medication?
No. Lifestyle interventions support medical treatment and in some cases may reduce the need for medication. Decisions are made individually for each patient.
What happens at the first visit?
A detailed history is taken, an examination is performed and the need for further tests is discussed. Bringing previous reports and test results speeds up the process.
Are endoscopy and colonoscopy painful?
Procedures are usually performed under sedation, with the aim of keeping you comfortable. Detailed information on preparation and the process is given beforehand.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
It is recommended for diagnosis in people with symptoms and for screening in certain age and risk groups. Timing is set individually based on family history and risk factors.
Can fatty liver improve?
In the early stages it can improve substantially with weight loss, dietary changes and regular activity. That is why early diagnosis and lifestyle change are so important.
I suspect celiac disease. Should I start a gluten-free diet?
Starting a gluten-free diet before testing can distort results. It is best to be evaluated first.
How does a lifestyle medicine visit differ from a usual visit?
A patient questionnaire is completed before the visit. The visit includes the usual medical assessment; in addition, your nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, substance use and social life are explored in detail, risk levels are determined with measurements and scales, and a written plan with a few clear goals is prepared. You can ask about scope and process when booking.
What does “root cause” mean in lifestyle medicine?
It means that while symptoms and findings are treated, we also try to understand the habits and conditions that feed them (nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, substance use, relationships, environment).
How should I prepare for a lifestyle medicine visit?
Bring a list of your medications and supplements, previous test reports and, if possible, short notes on your nutrition, sleep and activity over recent weeks.
When and where is the lifestyle medicine symposium?
The 3rd National Lifestyle Medicine Symposium will be held at Biruni University on December 5–6, 2026; the symposium chair is Asst. Prof. Dr. Koray Koçhan. See yasamtarzitibbi2026.com for details.
How can I book an appointment?
You can call the Biruni University Hospital call center (444 8 276) or use the hospital’s online booking system.
Can I get answers to my questions through this website?
This website is for general information only. For personal medical questions, please book an appointment. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Take the first step for your digestive health.
Call the Biruni University Hospital call center or book an appointment online.