Stomach and Digestive + Original Articles

You’ve got the symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits. But how do you know if it's actually IBS? The most common irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms-abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, bloating or constipation-are the uncomfortable and inconvenient gastrointestinal (GI) complaints that bring many patients to their doctor, says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications, 2012).

An estimated 10 to 20 percent of the population is living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What may be worse: they may also be living with the mistaken notion that it's all in their head. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has traditionally been difficult-to-define. Usually composed of a cluster of complaints-bloating, abdominal cramping, gas, diarrhea and constipation-that come and go. But new research points to several triggers of the problem (not just a single cause) and an article in the New England Journal of Medicine stated a review of data found that IBS symptoms are definitely not "all in the head.

A byproduct of the wine-making process, this supplement possesses powerful antioxidant power. There's been growing awareness in recent years of the health benefits of vitus vinifera, the seeds of red wine grapes. They contain antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which may offer important health-protective properties, including helping you to maintain better overall cardiovascular health.

A cleanse is purported to remove toxins and impurities from the body, but is it compatible with cancer treatment? Cleansing is a popular trend. From celebrities to our next-door neighbor, it seems like every one has tried a cleanse. Many holistic health practitioners recommend cleansing routines to help purge the body of accumulated toxins, metabolic waste, and dead cells, which they believe contribute to the development of disease.

Although both treatment options may effectively treat GERD, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each. Severe GERD is hard to live with: Heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and long-term complications that include strictures in the esophagus, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal cancer. But talk to a gastroenterologist and he'll say you can effectively control your symptoms and heal damage to your esophagus with medicinal therapy.

The type of treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease depends on your symptoms and its effect on your digestive system. But how do you know if surgery should be considered? Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is very common. In fact, nearly 2 in 10 Americans suffer from this chronic condition. Not as common? People suffering from severe GERD symptoms. But it's those GERD sufferers that experience complications with the chronic condition.

Thought your bread-, pasta-, and pizza-eating days were over? You can join in the fun again with these tasty alternatives. "When people are newly gluten free, they often think the list of things they can't eat is longer than the list of things they can," says Danna Korn, author of Living Gluten Free for Dummies (Wiley 2010). To counter that thinking, she offers this challenge: Write a list of things you can eat.

Do chew your food slowly. Do eat a vinegar-dressed salad after your meal. Plus three more stomach-smart ideas. Though the process is the same, everyone digests food differently. Advice that works for one person doesn't always work for another. But, what about those tips you may have heard over and over. Do they work? We asked Bernadette Armiento, holistic health counselor and founder of ShiningLifeNutrition.

You can still get diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) without having heartburn. Learn the other risk factors. When you think about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you think heartburn. And yes, that's a classic symptom of reflux, but you can have reflux disease without having heartburn symptoms. Reflux can affect the larynx and throat, too, not just the esophagus.

A few shrewd strategies will help you get the nutrients you need without draining your wallet. Eating healthy on a budget is challenging for anyone who has stepped inside a grocery store lately. Pair that with the limits of food shopping when you suffer from a digestive condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease and—well—eating healthy on a budget can seem almost impossible.

Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. And there’s more to know about how these conditions are distinct. Heartburn is a symptom that's a result of acid reflux and the more severe condition gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the lower esophagus gets irritated from the build up of continued acid reflux, explains Frank Gress, MD, chief of the Gastroenterology Division at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center in New York City.

Good night? Not when you have acid reflux. Here's how to take the burn out of sleep time. So you've avoided trigger foods such as chocolate, coffee, and alcohol, reduced portion sizes at dinner, and stopped snacking late at night to avoid a nightly bout of acid reflux. But as you retire to bed it's still there. Now what? These behavior modification approaches help make a lot of people feel better and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Three-time Super Bowl champion, Matt Light faced a nearly unwinnable fight against Crohn’s disease. Find out about his struggle, and how he triumphed with his successful career. Fans only knew Matt Light as a strong, energetic pro-football player who was a three-time Super Bowl champion. But many had no idea that ever since his rookie days with the New England Patriots, he suffered from a debilitating case of Crohn's disease, a digestive disorder affecting more than 700,000 Americans.

If you're looking to get the health benefits of yogurt, taste matters, but other factors do too. Yogurt has been associated with healthy eating for years—and with good reason. One eight ounce serving of yogurt contains 138 calories, 275 mg of calcium, eight grams of protein, vitamin B2 and B12, potassium, and magnesium. But there's more.

On a day when Americans consume nearly three times the recommended amount of daily calories, staying heartburn-free can be tricky, but it's far from impossible. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, a joyous time when families come together to give thanks and celebrate the coming year. But it's also a time when food temptations are at their peak. According to the Calorie Control Council (an organization representing the makers of low-calorie foods), the average American will consume a whopping 4,500 calories—nearly three times the daily amount recommended for most adults—and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day.

Scientists found that gut flora can block your weight loss efforts. Here's how. Scientists from the University of Chicago Medical Center have showed that weight gain is not just due to excessive caloric intake, but also the interaction between intestinal bacteria and the body's immune response. "Diet-induced obesity depends not just on calories ingested but also on the host's microbiome," said the study's senior author Yang-Xin Fu, MD, PhD, professor of pathology at the University of Chicago in a press release.

For every meal and even snacks, investigate the very best choices for the men in your life. Research shows the right diet can help men fight heart disease (the number one killer of men over 35) as well as other top killers including prostate and colon cancer which claim the lives of far too many brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands. Today, thanks to what we know about nutrition, it's possible to extend your life by adding more of the right foods to your diet and eating less of the wrong ones.

By studying how colon cancer cells metastasize, German researchers have uncovered a potential new approach to treating this cancer. German researchers at Technische Universität München's (TUM) Klinikum rechts der Isar and Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen may have uncovered a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The research study was published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Treating a bug the right way depends on knowing what you have. Get the facts. Gastroenteritis—or the stomach flu—is not influenza. It does not affect the stomach, but rather the small intestine. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestinal lining caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Gastroenteritis spreads via contact with someone who has the illness, but it can also be spread through contaminated food, water, or hard surfaces.

There are a bunch of pluses to choosing this gluten-free option. See how it stacks up. The gluten-free food trend is going strong. A quick scan of grocery store shelves' feature gluten alternatives such as brown rice, corn, quinoa, potatoes, and soybeans, but grocers may need to make more room soon—for products made from green bananas.

It's not just heartburn. Here are the real telltale signs of this digestive disorder. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (or GERD) is a fairly common ailment, affecting some 7 million people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45 and 64, both male and female.

When it comes to a quick fix, success on the scale may come at the expense of your digestive health. Many studies have found that if you lose more than two pounds a week, you are setting yourself up for failure. "I realize a lot of people are successful at losing more than that a week and keeping it off, but I can tell you that the healthiest way to lose—and maintain weight—is to lose no more than a pound a week," says Frank P.

If you suffer from Crohn’s, IBS, or acid reflux, you can still get a move on, if you do it right. Exercising with a digestive condition is a catch 22: Physical activity speeds up the transit time to help with elimination. That said, it may make things worse. Exercise is important—whether you have digestive issues or not, and not just for heart health and weight control.

You still need to take your medication, but a holistic approach can help control everyday symptoms and may even bring remission. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many ways to manage the disease—both naturally and with medication. Nutrition There is no evidence that has found a connection with the foods you eat and the development of Crohn's disease. However—as anyone with Crohn's will tell you—certain foods may trigger a flare-up of symptoms.

Soothe your stomach with these simple solutions. "Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.

Health experts suspected bacteria played a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but the research was inconclusive. Until now. A researcher from Cedars-Sinai has used bacterial cultures to link IBS to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. The study, published in the May 2012 issue of Digestive Diseases and Science, supports previous findings from clinical trials that antibiotics are an effective treatment for IBS.

Stress leads to the behaviors that bring on heartburn, but our tips can quell the flames and help you cope. Stress itself does not cause heartburn. There is data that suggests you produce more acid when you're under stress, but reflux is not so much a problem with stomach acid, it's a problem with acid in the wrong place—the esophagus instead of in the stomach.

Heartburn is just heartburn, right? Maybe. Long-term esophagus irritation increases your risk of some serious conditions and diseases. Long-term, untreated heartburn may become a life-threatening condition such as esophageal cancer. Rates of esophageal cancer in the United States have risen in recent decades—does having GERD increase your risk? A recent Danish study found that long-term irritation of the lining of the esophagus may increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

If your stomach disagrees with typical barbecue favorites, try these best bites. Here are eight ways to get your grill on: The Best Beverage: Water If you have acid reflux, the best thing you can drink is bottled water—alkaline water if possible. "Many reflux suffers steer clear from soda because of the acidity, but what many don't realize is bottled iced tea and enhanced waters, are profoundly acidic," says Jamie Koufman, MD, co-author of Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure (www.

For your best digestive health, there are additional nutrients that can help. Foods, nutrients, and lifestyle habits are important factors that keep you and your digestive system healthy. Here's a list of foods and nutrients and their role in the digestive system: Getting Your Fill of Fiber First and foremost, you need to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

On the menu? Exciting ethnic meals that will please the palate and promote healthy digestion. The next time you're heading out for date night, or dinner with friends and family, choose one of these good-for-you cuisines. Here, we've highlighted the healthy qualities of four popular ethnic cuisines. One catch: "Even the healthy foods characteristic of these cuisines can become problems when eaten in excess," says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Get the health benefits without upsetting your stomach. You've heard that a daily aspirin regime has been shown to help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. It has also shown promise in the prevention of reducing pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancer. A study published in the November 2011 issue of The Lancet showed that a daily aspirin regime over the course of two years reduced risk of colorectal cancer by 60 percent in patients with Lynch syndrome, who are at high risk for the disease.

Studies link sodium to heart disease and hypertension. But now, science shows sodium is beneficial. Here's what to believe. The body needs sodium. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume. It's also essential for muscle and nerve functions. The problem? If you consume too much, it can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. And it's easy to consume too much.

Does it seem like everyone's sensitive to gluten these days? Here's why. You've probably noticed a growing selection of gluten-free products on your grocery store shelves over the past few years. An increasing number of people today seem to have trouble tolerating gluten—a substance contained in wheat and other grains.

Here are the dos and don'ts to follow when it comes to working out for and with heartburn. One of the main reasons people exercise is to lose weight, but fitness can also play a role in treating heartburn and acid reflux disease. "It's one of the lifestyle modifications that we stress," says David A. Peura, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.

Supplements like bee pollen can seem like a sure road to health, but user beware. Bee pollen supplements are believed to help relieve asthma, allergies, stomach issues, and rashes, among other health problems, although there isn't much clinical data at the present time to substantiate these benefits. However, there are numerous examples of people without insect allergies who've suffered from an allergic reaction after taking bee pollen supplements.

About two-thirds of carcinoid tumors occur in the GI tract. Learn about symptoms and treatment options. Carcinoid syndrome is a cluster of symptoms—such as flushing, wheezing, and fast heart rate-associated with a rare, slow—growing tumor commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms occur when the tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin as well as other chemicals that cause varied symptoms, such as flushing, wheezing, fast heart rate, and diarrhea.

A strong intestinal barrier may be key to preventing certain cancers and other diseases. Here's how to strengthen yours. A leaky gut may be the cause of some cancers in the body, according to researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. A new study, published online in PLoS ONE, suggests that guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C)—a hormone receptor in the intestinal tract that has tumor-suppressing qualities—also plays a key role in strengthening the intestinal barrier and can possibly prevent cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

QualityHealth talked to Casey Abrams about his new album and a special song he wrote to inspire those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Casey Abrams is interested in more than just singing in his signature smooth and bluesy style. This favorite former American Idol contestant created a unique music video to uplift all those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD, as a part of his continued effort to create awareness about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Is raw dairy a cure-all or a danger to be avoided? When it comes to this heated debate, both sides are passionate. If you've heard anything about raw milk and other kinds of raw dairy products, you may be tempted to try them. Raw milk is milk in its most natural state, straight from the cow or any mammal that produces milk for its young. It does not go through pasteurization, the process of heating food to a particular temperature for a certain length of time to get rid of disease-causing microbes, and it can be used to make cheese, butter, and other dairy foods.

Whether because of IBS, acid reflux, or anxiety, it might be time to put down your cup of joe. Quitting—even if you drink just one small cup of coffee per day—can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person, but may include headache, depression, nausea, and muscle pain. Follow these smart strategies to soften the pain.

Abdominal Distension? Bloating? These IBS symptoms are similar, but there are differences you should know. Bloating is usually described as a feeling of fullness and pressure in the abdomen. More women than men complain of this symptom. For women, the most obvious cause of bloat is water-retention during the menstrual cycle. But bloating may also be caused by gas build-up in the stomach and intestines.

Soothe your stomach with these simple solutions. "Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.

Indigestion is indigestion, right? Wrong. By knowing the origins of your upset stomach you'll have a better shot at treating it successfully. About 1 in 4 people in the U.S. suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Dyspepsia, or acid indigestion, can be due to peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), another underlying issue—organic dyspepsia, or for no obvious cause—functional dyspepsia.

Don't let a lack of space stop you from growing fresh, flavorful, nutritious foods. Here's how to start. Fresh-grown foods have a significant edge over store-bought produce in terms of taste and nutrients, and there's a definite satisfaction in raising and eating your own plants. You can pick them at the height of ripeness when they're bursting with vitamins, and there's no worry about their being contaminated with pesticides or other pollutants.

Popping a piece of chocolate every day may offer protection against colon cancer. Here's why and the best bites for you. Got a sweet tooth? Good. You may be protecting yourself from colon cancer. Researchers from the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN) in Spain have found that cocoa—in addition to playing a role in heart health—may offer protection against intestinal bowel diseases, such as colon cancer.

We separate fact from fiction for these common digestive misconceptions. 1. Spicy foods cause ulcers. Ulcers—open sores located in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or small intestine (duodenal ulcers)—are not caused by certain foods, according to the experts at the American College of Gastroenterology. Though certain foods can irritate an ulcer that is already there, they don't cause the sore.

A new test may save thousands of lives by helping doctors diagnose bowel and pancreatic cancers earlier. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic and 143, 460 Americans will be diagnosed with bowel cancers (colon and rectal cancers) this year. However, a simple test could save thousands of lives each year, according to British researchers.

Many different types of medications can be used to treat heartburn. But what works for one person may not work for another. Many different types of medications can be used to treat heartburn. But what works for one person may not work for another, so you may have to experiment until you find what's best for you. If you constantly take over-the-counter antacids but your heartburn symptoms persist or if your prescription heartburn medication doesn't provide much relief, your doctor may suggest a different type of medicine, or even a combination of drugs, that work in different ways to help control your symptoms.

Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right. When it comes to scheduling doctor visits, some men are notorious procrastinators. But this can be risky. Routine preventive care can find diseases in the early stages when there are more options for treatment and better chances of treating the issue.

Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous, but if it occurs on a frequent basis, it could indicate a more serious health condition. Here's a look at heartburn by the numbers. Heartburn, that burning feeling in your throat or chest and bitter taste in your mouth, is caused when the acid in your stomach backs up into the esophagus and causes irritation. Certain foods, alcoholic beverages, and some medications can cause heartburn, and it's not uncommon to have it while pregnant.

This sneaky bacterium could be the force behind that queasy feeling. Here's how to eliminate it. An H. pylori infection could be the reason behind your upset stomach. Thankfully, it's easy to treat and diagnose these bacteria. There are people who have the H. pylori bacteria without having symptoms. Scientists are not sure why. "The symptoms that are most common among people who have H.

Here are the safest food choices for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Living with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can make meal planning complicated, but it doesn't have to be. There are safe choices to guide your healthy eating decisions. Though there's a lot of debate...

Occasional heartburn is no cause for concern. But chronic bouts can be linked to serious health problems, including cancer. Heartburn is the result of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, a tube in your throat that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn sufferers describe the condition as a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone.

With a wealth of antioxidants, green tea is used for weight loss, skin care, and for anti-aging. Is it too good to be true? Research shows the benefits of green tea may range from rejuvenating older skin to warding off cancer. It contains a cornucopia of antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and K. Green Tea for Weight Loss You are right to be suspicious of the green tea "miracle" weight loss formulas, but there is some truth to the fad.

Hormones are key players to keeping your digestive system running smoothly. Here’s what you can do to maximize their potential. Did you know that hormones play an important role in the digestive system? Here are the key hormones and their roles in digestion, and what you can do to help these hormones do their job: To keep your system running smoothly. Once food enters your stomach, hormones help break down the food.

Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap? On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.

Here's how your doctor will determine if you have an intolerance to substances like lactose or gluten. Only 3 to 4 percent of adults have true food allergies. If you experience bloating after consuming a plate of pasta, or gassiness after enjoying an ice-cream sundae, you most likely have a more common condition: Food intolerance. While it's confusing to tell the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance, the main difference is that an allergy to an offending food is an immune system reaction.

Here's how certain natural scents may help improve your health and overall state of mind. Can you sniff your way to a better mood and better health?  It all depends on what scents you smell. If you surround yourself with these aromas, you might find that the secret to health is all in your nose. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative and complementary medicine based on the use of concentrated oils from flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rinds, or roots of plants with purported healing properties.

Lifestyle changes can lessen your risk of suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. About 1.4 million people in the U.S. suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, ulcerative colitis is a disease of the colon in which the lining of the large intestine gets inflamed.

Why would playing certain music boost a doctor's ability to detect cancer-causing polyps? Doctors who download Mozart while performing colonoscopies have higher chances of detecting adenomas, a polyp that is a precursor to colon cancer. This is according to researchers Catherine Noelle O'Shea, DO, and David Wolf, MD, of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School.

From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions. If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.

Heartburn symptoms are common and often not dangerous, but similar symptoms could signal other, more serious health conditions. For the most part, there are not many things that mimic acid reflux that are not acid reflux, says Richard A. Desi, M.D. of The Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Though heartburn usually is a classic symptom of acid reflux disease, you'll need to see your doctor to determine that's truly the case.

When it comes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which foods are most likely to bring on bouts of belly bloat and gassiness? "Eating should be effortless," says Steven Lamm, M.D., house doctor on ABC's The View and author of the forthcoming book No Guts, No Glory (April 2012). "You shouldn't have to feel bloated or gassy or [experience] any discomfort after you eat. You should be able to eat normally, digest your food, and feel well.

Although there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, these tips may help patients to manage their symptoms. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects an estimated 500,000 Americans. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and symptoms may include frequent diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, anal tears, and bowel obstructions.

This tart, delicious fruit may have protective properties against diseases like colitis, Crohn's, and even cancer. But it's the part of the apple that might surprise you. An apple a day may keep digestive diseases away. That's according to new research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. Apples are a great source of soluble fiber (found to lower cholesterol), quercetin (an antioxidant which plays a role in...

These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your digestive system. Learn how your body can start reaping the benefits. The literal translation of the word probiotics is "for life." But just what are probiotics, how are they helpful in maintaining digestive health, and how can they be included in daily diets? Probiotics Defined The normal human digestive tract contains over 1,000 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system.

Fresh fruits and vegetables help fight disease, but do you know which ones are best to prevent developing bowel cancer? Fruits and vegetables provide some of the most important nutrients you can consume, namely, disease-fighting antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (substances found only in plants that are known to protect your cells from destruction).

Do you suffer from sinus troubles? Dandruff? Sore throat? Diarrhea? Apple cider vinegar could alleviate all of these conditions. Often used in salad dressings, apple cider vinegar could also be of use to you as a natural remedy. It is reported to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.

The symptoms you experience after eating a food containing gluten hold the key to whether it's an allergy or intolerance. Do crackers give you hives? Does your stomach cramp from a slice of pizza? It could be the result of either an allergic reaction or intolerance to gluten. Unfortunately, it's often frustrating. What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein that's contained in a variety of wheat, rye, and barley products.

Suffering from anxiety? Stomach issues? A cold that won’t quit? There’s an herb for you. Herbs and spices are as at-home in your medicine chest as they are in your pantry.  That's because they possess powerful healing properties that have been used as medicinals for thousands of years.  Check out these 10 common herbs you may already have growing in your yard or sitting in your spice rack.

There are menu choices that aggravate ulcerative colitis and some that help to ease the symptoms. See what to avoid and what to add to your plate. If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you know that food is a factor—not in causing a flare-up, but in aggravating symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and loss of appetite. However, with a little trial and error, you can determine the foods that best work for you when you're experiencing a flare.

If you haven't had a good handle on managing diabetes, be careful. It could cause a digestive condition called gastroparesis. It occurs when your stomach nerves are too weak empty the stomach which makes it more likely for you to regurgitate. If you have diabetes and nausea, constipation, and low blood sugar have left you feeling chronically crummy, gastroparesis may be the reason. It's a condition that is found most often in individuals with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes, explains Spyros Mezitis, MD, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

A not-so-new therapy for treating Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may bring relief through a not-so-pleasant-sounding treatment. Fecal microbiota transplants, also called stool transplants, have been around since the late 1950s, but have had a hard time catching on. That may soon change. At the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting, researchers reported that the therapy may successfully treat recurring C.

For many long distance runners and other athletes, diarrhea is an unwanted workout buddy. It affects up to 80 percent of marathoners and other extreme athletes. The symptoms are frequent loose bowel movements during or immediately after a run or other extreme exercise event. Sometimes an attack of "the runs" is so intense and comes on so fast that runners' have a hard time making it to the bathroom. What Causes Runner's Diarrhea? Doctors and scientists who specialize in sports medicine and gastroenterology aren't exactly sure what causes runner's diarrhea, but evidence does point to a couple of causes.

It can be tricky to eliminate gluten from the diet, and when you must simultaneously manage your blood sugar, eating can get downright complicated. Here are the tips to follow. It's not uncommon to have both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, both of which are autoimmune diseases (as are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.) Both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease require an extra measure of dietary vigilance in order to stay healthy and feel good.

Doctors have discovered that the strength of your esophagus may play a major role in why you have gastroesophageal reflux disease. A 2010 study presented at Society of Nuclear Medicine's Annual Meeting found evidence that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be due to a lack of muscle tone, or motility, in the esophageal muscles. Using molecular imaging, 49 participants (known or suspected of having GERD) were scanned while upright and again lying down to gauge ineffective esophageal motility, or poor functioning of the muscles of the esophagus and lower-esophageal sphincter.

Take comfort in knowing that these food favorites are actually healthy for you, just as long as you eat them the right way. If you suffer from heartburn or gastrointestinal distress after eating certain foods, you don't have to be told that fried chicken, burgers, lasagna, and the like are not your friends. But you don't have to de-friend some of those feel-good favorites.

If your love for coffee has diminished thanks to heartburn, there's good news: it's because you're drinking the wrong kind of brew. Can't enjoy a cup of coffee because of heartburn? Here's some news that will cheer you up: Researchers from the University of Vienna in Austria and the Technische Universität München in Germany reported that dark-roasted coffee (such as espresso and French roast) may be easier to stomach.

You've probably heard about the benefits of a colon cleanse, but here's what researchers and scientific evidence have to say about this trend. Considering a colon cleanse? You may want to think twice. According to a report published in the August 2011 issue of The Journal of Family Practice, colon cleansing can do more harm than good. Researchers at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C, analyzed 20 studies and found no evidence to support the purported benefits of colon cleansing.

QualityHealth sat down with American Idol's Casey Abrams to talk about his experience living with ulcerative colitis. Here's what you should know about this chronic, but manageable inflammatory bowel disease. American Idol contestant Casey Abrams was a freshman at a large college who was slowly adjusting from a small high school when he developed worrisome and painful symptoms in his stomach. He was losing weight, running to the bathroom up to a dozen times a day, and was generally feeling unwell.

Discover which parts of your body hold clues to how well your digestive tract is functioning. Feeling sluggish? Stick out your tongue. It holds clues to how efficient your body's digestive tract is running, says Brent Barlow, ND, Okanagan Naturopathic Healthcare in Kelowna, British Columbia. But this isn't the only secret your body has to share.

If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way. The basic rule of weight loss says that if you take in fewer calories than you use, you'll shed pounds. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it seems that the scale just won't budge. If you feel that you've been exercising and no results ensue, it may be time to consider whether digestive problems could be getting in the way.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Your gastrointestinal tract is actually one long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between.

If diet or lifestyle habits are at the root of your bloating or gas overload, there are steps you can take during the day to avoid having problems at night. Everyone produces gas while digesting food and, once formed, and that gas has to go somewhere. Throughout the day and night, normal amounts of gas pass through your body unnoticed, but any build-up of excess gas usually makes itself known. If it passes through your mouth, you burp.

Find out the many reasons why you may experience this digestive discomfort and ways you can adjust your diet and your everyday habits to minimize constipation. It's not considered polite conversation, but constipation is a fact of life for many. For some people, it's an occasional inconvenience, but for others it's a chronic condition. To understand why a person becomes constipated in the first place, it helps to understand how the bowels function.

Fluid retention is a common occurrence. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce or eliminate excess fluids. Your body tries to maintain equilibrium at all times. However, sometimes pregnancy, premenstrual side effects, medications, or an underlying medical condition will disrupt the balance of water and chemicals, causing fluid retention. You may also hear this described as water retention, edema, or dropsy.

If you found out that you can no longer eat gluten, that doesn't mean your diet must be filled with dull food items from now on. Learn about your delicious gluten-free options so that your digestive system can function well again. You've probably seen the proliferation of gluten-free products at your local grocery store and wondered if you should be eating these foods. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. Approximately one in 20 Americans is sensitive to gluten.

Starchy foods are essential for energy, and fatty foods can make you feel fuller. But there are a host of health complications that can ensue if you consume too much of both. Learn how eating the right combination of foods can help your digestive system function at its best. Did you know that your gut contains 500 species of bacteria and that altogether, they weigh about three pounds? These bacteria play a critical role in digestion and other important health-related functions. Eating the wrong foods can throw off the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria and cause a host of digestive (and other) health problems.

Get that overdue good night's rest you need by committing to these essential to-dos. Learn how you should sleep and what foods you should avoid to prevent the burn from ruining your night. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed in the morning, you're not alone. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders and 20 million more have occasional bouts of disrupted sleep.

Although gastric cancer is uncommon in the U.S., this serious condition can sometimes go undiagnosed since the symptoms that come with this cancer can be mistaken for a minor digestive problem. Although gastric cancer (also known as stomach cancer) is very uncommon in the U.S., it's very common in other parts of the world-especially Japan, Chile, and Iceland. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer. It develops in the glandular cells that line the inside of the stomach, which secrete a protective layer of mucus to protect the lining of the stomach from the acidic digestive juices.

You've heard of the digestive and nutritional benefits of flaxseed, now learn how you can incorporate this potent grain into your daily menu. Flaxseed is a grain that is rich in soluble fiber. It's also a plant source of phytochemicals called lignans and omega-3 fatty acids—a powerful antioxidant. Flaxseed has been commonly used as a laxative to improve constipation and promote digestive health.

Research shows that as many as 60 percent of IBS patients also have fibromyalgia and as many as 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients have IBS. So what’s the connection? Get the answer here. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia have a lot in common. Both conditions involve increased sensitivity to pain, can be debilitating and affect more women than men. What's more, research shows that as many as 60 percent of IBS patients also have fibromyalgia and as many as 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients have IBS.

For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to one doctor, the answer is no. For years now, the conventional wisdom has been to drink eight glasses of water a day if you want to maintain good health. But is that really true? According to Heinz Valtin, MD, a retired professor of physiology from Dartmouth Medical School, the answer is no.

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good. There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.

If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar. If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar. Researchers at Princeton University conducted several laboratory studies on rats and found that when the rats were given too much sugar, they suffered from withdrawal.

Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common occurrences among those over the age of 50. Take inventory of the digestive symptoms you may have and measure them against these potential digestive conditions. Digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can cause a variety of stomachaches and are common occurrences—especially among those over the age of 50. Although the GI system usually does its job without any glitches, as you get older, the risk for digestive disorders that affect the stomach and small or large intestine can increase.

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or gastric ulcers, your doctor may prescribe a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to ease your symptoms. If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or gastric ulcers, your doctor may prescribe a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to ease your symptoms. PPIs block an enzyme in the stomach wall that produces acid.

This transparent gel that oozes from the pulp of aloe vera leaves has traditionally been used to treat wounds and skin conditions. But new research suggests that an extract from this succulent, perennial plant may also offer relief from IBS symptoms. Although aloe vera extract is often touted as a medicinal aid for digestive ailments such as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so far there is no conclusive scientific evidence to back up these claims. But aloe vera has shown some promise for other digestive problems.

If you're having trouble maintaining a food diary to keep track of certain triggers that could be contributing to your digestive problems, apps for your smartphone and other electronic devices may be able to help. If you're having trouble maintaining a food diary to keep track of certain triggers that could be contributing to your digestive problems, apps for your smartphone and other electronic devices may be able to help. Tracking Food Quality The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has just created an app based on its Chemical Cuisine glossary of food additives database.

Although there is no known medical cure for Crohn's disease yet, researchers are getting close. A gene linked to a protein involved in the immunity and the inflammatory process may pave the way. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the lining of your digestive tract that spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue. Like ulcerative colitis (another common IBD), Crohn's disease can be both painful and debilitating—causing severe diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, and even malnutrition.

Have you thought about how your digestive system actually converts the meals you eat into fuel? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients to keep your body in motion. Have you ever thought about how your digestive system—a complex network of hollow organs and long, twisting tubes—actually converts your meals into fuel to keep your body functioning well? Here's a quick survey of how your organs break down nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins, to keep your body in motion.

This nutrient-powerhouse can aid an assortment of digestive woes, and there are many ways you can enjoy it. Whether you cook it, eat it raw, or put it in a smoothie, incorporate papaya into your healthy digestion plan. Papaya is a super food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Additionally, this tropical fruit contains papain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps promote digestion. In fact, in laboratory studies, papaya extract was shown to alleviate induced gastric ulcers in rats, leading researchers to believe that the fruit may be useful in treating gastric ulcers in humans.

Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.

Should you throw out a container of yogurt if you notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it? Well, it all depends on these factors. You take a container of yogurt from your refrigerator and notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it. Should you throw it out? Well, it all depends on the type of date stamped on the container and how well the product was handled, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Celiac Disease Perhaps the most often misdiagnosed chronic digestive problem is celiac disease, which affects as many as 1 in 133 people in the U.

Your body naturally produces digestive enzymes to help your body break down food. So if you have a shortage of those enzymes and you experience not-so-pleasant symptoms, it might be time to turn to these common supplements. If you've ever experienced indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain, or diarrhea, it may be because you have a shortage of digestive enzymes, which assist the body in breaking down food. Enzymes are secreted along the gastrointestinal tract where food is broken down, allowing nutrients to be absorbed by the blood.

Although the condition itself doesn't cause symptoms, the acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus frequently leads to heartburn and is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett's esophagus is a rare disorder-affecting about one percent of adults in the U.S.-in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube, also called the food pipe, which carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid. Although the condition itself doesn't cause symptoms, the acid reflux that causes Barrett's esophagus frequently leads to heartburn and is commonly found in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If you find yourself ridden with stomach pain, you may be tempted to search for medications for relief. And although they may work, all you may need to feel better are the following tips. If you find yourself ridden with stomach pain, you may be tempted to search for medications for relief. And although they may work, all you may need to feel better are the following tips. Diarrhea Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur three or more times a day.

Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water each day, and refraining from doing things that can worsen digestive problems could be all you need to ease your digestive woes. If you occasionally suffer from mild heartburn, bloating, or constipation, you're not alone. Approximately 70 million Americans are plagued by digestive disorders. And it's easy to see why. Your digestive system is a highly sophisticated process that converts foods into smaller molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to cells throughout your body.

A common antibiotic that treats travelers' diarrhea appears to have a benefit for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here’s what studies have found. Rifaximin (Xifaxan), a common antibiotic in the treatment of travelers' diarrhea, appears to have a benefit for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the studies, 1,200 IBS sufferers took rifaximin or a placebo (sugar pill) three times a day for two weeks.

We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. The study, which was funded...

From aiding in digestion to raising a red flag about potential diseases, your saliva plays a pretty big role in your health. What exactly is saliva, and what is its purpose? Could your saliva reveal secrets about your health? We've got your "saliva basics" (and beyond) right here.  Saliva is the watery, sometimes frothy liquid that forms in your mouth.  Salivary glands in the cheeks and jaw produce between two and four pints per day.

What difference does it make if you stand at a counter to eat, sit down at a table, or grab a bite on the run? Well, when it comes to your physical and mental health, it might make all the difference in the world. What difference does it make if you stand at a counter to eat, sit down at a table, or grab a bite on the run? Well, when it comes to your physical and mental health, it might make all the difference in the world. Whether you're trying to lose a few pounds, maintain a healthy weight, or simply adopt healthier habits, mindful eating—or eating with awareness—can be a helpful approach.

You may have seen the word "probiotics" trumpeted on the packages of various products on supermarket shelves. Manufacturers want you to believe their foods are good for you, and in fact probiotics do have numerous health benefits. But sorting through what's fact and what are merely inflated claims can be confusing. You may have seen the word "probiotics" trumpeted on the packages of various products on supermarket shelves. Obviously manufacturers want you to believe their foods are good for you, and in fact probiotics do have numerous health benefits. But sorting through what's fact and what are merely inflated claims can be confusing.

Not all bacteria are bad: They can positively contribute to the digestive process. But too much good bacteria can also be unhealthy. That's why, when your bacteria balance gets out of whack, you can develop dysbiosis. Discover the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this condition. Your digestive system is a complex mechanism made up of hollow organs that begins in your mouth and continues to your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (also called the colon), rectum, and anus. When you eat, food is not in a form that your body can use as nourishment.

After finishing a delicious meal, you suddenly feel itchy and your stomach hurts. Could the problem be caused by a food allergy or a food intolerance? It can be difficult to tell at first, but there are signs that can help you get to the root of the problem. After finishing a delicious meal, you suddenly feel itchy and your stomach hurts. Could the problem be caused by a food allergy or a food intolerance? It can be difficult to tell at first, but there are signs that can help you get to the root of the problem.

Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, following the Mediterranean diet may keep your digestive system running smoothly. Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to benefit heart health as well as reduce the incidence of cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables-which are all fiber-rich-following the Mediterranean diet may also keep your digestive system running smoothly.

This condition is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, which allows larger-than-normal particles such as undigested food, microbes, wastes, and toxins to get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation. Although leaky gut syndrome (also known as intestinal hypermeability) isn't generally recognized by conventional physicians as a real medical condition, there is increasing evidence that the problem is genuine. Leaky gut syndrome is the result of damage to the intestinal lining.

If you've been experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, you may have an intestinal parasite. Intestinal parasites are fairly common and can be serious, especially in the elderly, people living in undeveloped countries, and those who have other health problems. If you've been experiencing stomach pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, you may have an intestinal parasite. There are two main types of intestinal parasites: helminths, which are worms (tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms are the most common), and protozoa, which have only one cell and can multiply inside the body, allowing serious infections to develop.

If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to this condition. If you've had surgery to remove part of your stomach or had gastric bypass surgery to help you lose weight, you may be susceptible to a condition called dumping syndrome. The problem occurs when the undigested contents of the stomach get "dumped" into the small intestine too quickly, causing excess fluid to build in the small intestine.

Cirrhosis is the final phase of chronic liver disease when the liver begins to function poorly due to scarring. Get familiar with how this disease affects your liver, know the symptoms, and learn what you can do to treat and prevent this incurable disease. Cirrhosis is the final phase of chronic liver disease when the liver begins to function poorly due to scarring. The liver is a large organ that carries out essential functions such as detoxifying harmful substances in your body, purifying your blood, and manufacturing nutrients vital to your health.

Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses. Hemochromatosis, also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, causes the body to absorb too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, and liver disease.

Clostridium difficile (more commonly known as C. diff) is a serious bacterium that can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing a range of ailments from severe diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation. You may not be familiar with its name but, clostridium difficile-more commonly known as C. diff-is a serious bacterium that can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing a range of ailments from severe diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation.

The very idea of using worms to treat intestinal diseases may be enough to turn your stomach. But studies, in which parasitic worms are used to battle disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are showing promising results. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! The very idea of using worms to treat intestinal diseases may be enough to turn your stomach. And while it make take some time before such a regimen is actually prescribed to patients, studies in which parasitic worms are used to battle disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are showing promising results.

It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer. And there are creative ways you can incorporate this super fruit into your daily menu. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Next time you make a fruit salad-why not toss in some black raspberries? It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer, according to a University of Illinois at Chicago study that was reported in a recent issue of Cancer Prevention Research.

Chances are you've experienced that unpleasant feeling of a sour, acid-like taste in your mouth. And what's worse is that it can happen at the most inconvenient times. Learn how this happens and what you can do to get rid of that sour taste in your mouth. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Chances are you've experienced that unpleasant feeling of a sour, acid-like taste in your mouth. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, but is most common upon waking up in the morning and after eating fried, fatty, and greasy foods.

Recall the days of your childhood. Does it involve you drinking a half pint of milk each day at school? If so, it can have a tremendous impact on whether or not you're at risk for colon cancer. Children who drink milk every day at school may have a decreased risk of getting colon cancer later in life, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers reported that those who consumed milk at school on a daily basis had a 30 percent lower risk of developing this cancer than those who didn't.

Because society depends so heavily on mass food production, we have less insight into our food and how it was handled before it ended up on our plate. Unfortunately, less attention to these rules is resulting in an increase in food poisoning cases. Since we've moved from an agricultural society to a commercial one, we have moved further from harvesting our own food products to relying on mass production to feed our families. And that means we have less insight into what we're eating. The agents that can cause food poisoning are almost too many to count.

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

Ever eaten something you knew would ignite heartburn or acid reflux, but afterwards were surprised to find that you didn't experience symptoms? If so, don't be relieved, the burn can plague you within hours or even days. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Even though you shouldn't have had that spicy Mexican enchilada or that extra cup of coffee, you actually don't feel too bad afterwards-at least not right away. But hours or even a day or two later, you feel those familiar and terrible symptoms of reflux coming on and heartburn brought on by reflux is plaguing you once again.

This small study might prove that a supplement can be the next breakthrough treatment to your worst heartburn symptoms.   A recent Yale University study showed that zinc salts could relieve the painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms of heartburn. The study also showed that zinc salts can relieve pain without the side effects of common traditional medications used to treat this condition.

Fiber supplements have become all the rage, helping weight-conscious people to feel fuller so they eat less. And fiber is also an efficient stool softener and eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)and constipation. But keep in mind: It’s possible to misuse fiber supplements. In the last few years, fiber supplements have become all the rage, helping weight-conscious people to feel fuller so they eat less. Fiber is also an efficient stool softener, and sufferers of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation have used it to help manage their symptoms.

Can diet, stress-reduction, and change of lifestyle be our only hope to remedy IBS or can charcoal capsules be the next cure? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects more than 55 million Americans-mostly women-and can cause a vast array of symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and excessive gas. One potential IBS remedy that's gained some recent attention is charcoal.

How can a simple task like swallowing become a difficult mission? You might think this should be easy for your muscles to do, but it takes more just strength. Swallowing may seem like a simple task, but, it takes about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves to bite, chew, and swallow. When you swallow, your tongue pushes food to the back of your throat where muscle contractions quickly move the food through the esophagus (the tube connecting your throat and stomach).

While cancer researchers have often come to conflicting conclusions in their studies, to date the results are encouraging. The humble and ubiquitous aspirin may play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. In a review of 10 studies of aspirin and prostate cancer, aspirin reduced the risk of prostate cancer in eight studies; while two showed an increased risk.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, often resulting in stomach pain and bloody diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, usually the large intestine (colon) and rectum.  While the condition can strike people of any age, it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30 and affects men and women equally.

Juicing is a practical way to get in your vitamins and minerals in a tasty and easy-to-digest way. See if this will be what it takes to finally get the amount of fruits and vegetables your body needs to function at its best. Getting plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet is critical to maintain good health, and juicing can provide you with a quick and easy way to get your daily requirement of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Other pluses include the juice you prepare yourself will taste better than its store-bought counterpart because it doesn't need to be heat-treated to kill germs to make it safe for storage.

Some of these foods provide a natural source of important enzymes. Others speed up the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. But all deliver big perks to your digestive system in one way or another. According to the National Digestive Information Clearinghouse, between 60 million and 70 million people are affected by digestive disorders, which include everything from the occasional upset stomach to more serious conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome and life-threatening colorectal cancer.

When your body doesn't get enough fluids, especially water, the result can be hard, dry stools and chronic bouts of constipation. When your body doesn't get enough fluids, especially water, the result can be hard, dry stools and chronic bouts of constipation. Drinking coffee, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol only exacerbates the problem. Because water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up nearly 60 percent of your body weight, adequate water intake each day is essential to keep your body functioning normally.

Here, find out common causes and treatments for nausea. Bouts of frequent nausea can be the result of an innner ear problem or a digestive condition, among other things. One of the most common causes of frequent nausea—that feeling of stomach queasiness that often precedes vomiting—is dehydration.

Down the road might you notice some not-so-nice symptoms from getting rid of this organ? The gallbladder is a nonessential organ located in your abdominal cavity. Because in some people it creates painful gallstones, gallbladder removal is not uncommon. Another reason to remove the gallbladder is to lower the risk of gallbladder cancer in susceptible individuals.

While receiving a diagnosis of Crohn's disease can be scary and overwhelming, there are steps you can take to cope with this chronic condition and regain a sense of control. It's estimated that as many as 1.4 million Americans suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with that number split between the two most common IBDs, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although Crohn's disease mainly affects adolescents and young adults, it can also occur in people over age 70.

By now, you're probably aware of the many dangers of smoking, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer and emphysema. What you may not know, though, is what smoking does to your digestive system. By now, you're probably aware of the many dangers of smoking, including life-threatening diseases such as cancer and emphysema. What you may not know, though, is what smoking does to your digestive system. Smoking affects all parts of the digestive tract, increasing your risk of everything from heartburn and peptic ulcers to Crohn's disease and possibly gallstones.

The spices that "warm up" winter foods may also play a big role in fighting off disease. Here, discover the benefits of these tasty treats from the earth. They smell wonderful, they taste great, and they're available everywhere. But there's even more good news: The spices that "warm up" winter foods are also used to treat a variety of ailments and, in some cases, fight off chronic disease. One of the...

It's one thing to have to manage your disease while on your home turf. But when you're traveling, it can be a whole other story. Here's how to stay on track despite the many roadblocks. More than two million people in the United States have celiac disease (CD), a digestive disorder caused by a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins found wheat, rye, barely and possibly oat products.  And while the only available treatment for CD is the complete elimination of gluten-containing foods from your diet, it doesn't mean that travel to your favorite vacation spot is off limits.

Nearly 10 percent of Type 1 diabetics also have celiac disease. Here's how to eat well when you have both of these conditions. Nearly 10 percent of Type 1 diabetics also have celiac disease, an inflammatory condition of the small intestine that is brought on by eating gluten. Like Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease also is an autoimmune disease, explains Peter Green, MD, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University and co-author of "Celiac Disease (Revised and Updated Edition): A Hidden Epidemic.

If you have celiac disease, it's not just the gluten in foods you need avoid. Some dermatologists believe that gluten-containing lotions, deodorants, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and even lipsticks and facial foundations are absorbed by the bloodstream and can adversely affect people with this disease. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy, commonly known as celiac disease (CD), is a chronic intestinal disorder caused by a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins found in wheat, rye barley and possibly oat products. But it's not just the gluten-containing foods that can cause CD sufferers' problems.

Heartburn can be difficult to avoid this time of year, what with heavy meals and heavy stress at every turn. Fortunately, by making some simple adjustments, you can help put out the fire and enjoy the excitement of the season. According to a survey by the National Heartburn Alliance, 66 percent of Americans experience heartburn during the holiday season, but you don't have to be among them this year. Just making some simple adjustments to your eating habits and lifestyle will help you keep heartburn pain away.

The holiday season is a joyful time, but the anxiety of facing crowded malls, planning family festivities, and making the rounds at parties can cause an already sensitive digestive system to act up. Here's how to regain your calm when the stressors just keep on coming. The holiday season is a joyful time, but the mental and physical stress of facing crowded malls, planning family festivities, and making the rounds at parties can make an already sensitive digestive system caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) act up.

Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? Here are four safe gluten-free foods that can add some extra flavor into your week. Do you live for the satisfying taste of a decadent treat? If you have celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten, the protein in wheat), you know there are lots of limits on what you can eat. But the options for delicious wheat-free foods have also greatly increased in recent years.

Facing the upcoming holiday celebrations and the inevitable food frenzy can be difficult if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Facing the upcoming holiday celebrations and the inevitable food frenzy they provoke can be difficult if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (or colon)-and more than 20 percent of U.

While it may be embarrassing to talk about, don't hesitate to tell your doctor about any symptoms of bowel incontinence you may be experiencing. Good treatments are available to improve, if not completely correct, the problem. If you suffer from bowel incontinence, you are not alone. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 5.5 million Americans have the condition. Bowel incontinence, also called fecal incontinence, is the inability to control your bowel movements, causing your stool (feces) to leak from the rectum uncontrollably.

Massage therapy may be helpful in relieving stress, which can disrupt the digestive process and aggravate IBS symptoms. It may also help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with other digestive disorders. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases. Digestive problems can range from common complaints like indigestion and flatulence (gas) to life-threatening diseases such as colorectal cancer.

Pancreatitis begins as a sudden and painful attack that is usually resolved within a few days with treatment. However, the condition can sometimes be life-threatening. The pancreas is a gland that sits behind the stomach, close to the duodenum-the first part of the small intestine. The pancreas plays a key role in your digestive system by secreting digestive juices, also called enzymes, into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct.

While these medicines are necessary to kill the "bad" bacteria that make us sick, they often kill the "good" bacteria in the large intestine, resulting in upset stomach and diarrhea. Antibiotics destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause infection. And while these medicines are necessary to kill the "bad" bacteria that cause such illnesses as strep throat, urinary tract infections, sinus infection and wound and skin infections, in the treatment process, they often also kill the "good" bacteria in the large intestine, leading to problems like diarrhea and upset stomach.

Gastric cancer has become more prevalent among some. There's good news and bad news about stomach (gastric) cancer. The good news is that the overall incidence of this cancer has declined significantly. This is particularly encouraging because stomach cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world.

Enteropathic arthritis, a chronic illness that is one of a family of diseases known as spondylarthritides, is associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. When you think of arthritis, you probably picture stiff, achy joints. Gastrointestinal problems may not immediately come to mind. Yet enteropathic arthritis, a chronic illness that is one of a family of diseases known as spondylarthritides, actually is associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Every day your body performs a digestive feat: seamlessly breaking down the foods you eat into small molecules of nutrients that are then absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout your body, providing you with the energy you need to perform. Every day your body performs a digestive feat: seamlessly breaking down the foods you eat into small molecules of nutrients that are then absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout your body, providing you with the energy you need to live a full life.

Scientists have found that broccoli and plantain fibers may significantly prevent E.coli movement within the bowels. You've heard the troubling statistics. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, as many as 1.4 million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), with that number evenly split between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Being lactose intolerant means that you cannot digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. While the condition isn't serious, the symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. So, is it possible to outgrow it? Being lactose intolerant means that you cannot digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products and while the problem is not serious, the symptoms can be uncomfortable. Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of lactase-an enzyme produced by the cells lining your small intestine, which breaks down the lactase molecules in the foods you eat into two sugars, glucose and galactose.

A new type of camera is making it possible for doctors to get a better look at colorectal polyps and other lesions that may be missed with the current colonoscope alone. It's the one test nearly every one dreads, but one that could save your life: Getting a colorectal screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to see inside the colon and rectum. The procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope), which has a small camera mounted on it, into the colon.

Did you know that if your child was born by caesarean section, she could be at increased risk for celiac disease? While this autoimmune disease used to be rare, a growing number of children today suffer from the condition, and researchers believe that increases in C-section deliveries in recent years could be one of several possible explanations for this trend. What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is a digestive condition that causes the small intestine to be unable to process gluten (a protein contained in wheat products).

Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments. If you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, you may be at increased risk for developing a small tear in the lining of the anus called a fissure, often caused by the passage of hard, dry bowel movements, diarrhea or inflammation.

Although there isn't a clear cut reason why people suffer from ischemic colitis, there are health issues and medications that can increase your chances of getting this arduous and agonizing condition. Ischemic colitis is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the large intestine (colon) becomes blocked. This can lead to inflammation of the colon and in some cases, permanent colon damage. However, most cases of the disorder are mild, and people suffering from ischemic colitis usually recover quickly.

Both types of fiber are good for your health, but each serves a distinct purpose and can be found in specific foods. So, are you getting enough of each? By now, most of us have heard that eating fiber is good for our health, especially in maintaining bowel regularity and in the prevention of constipation and other digestive ailments. But there are many other health benefits to adding fiber to your daily diet.

If you're noticing bright red blood when you have a bowel movement, don't be alarmed just yet. There's a good chance you have a case of hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, also called piles, you are not alone. Hemorrhoids are so common, in fact, by the age of 50 half of the adult population in the U.S. will have to contend with some common symptoms of the problem, including itching, irritation and bleeding.

Blood in the stools can be a frightening to see. Some causes of bloody stools are harmless, while other causes can lead to colon cancer. If you notice blood or color changes in your stool, it might be time to see a doctor. Blood in the stools can be a frightening to see. While some causes of bloody stools are harmless such as hemorrhoids, other reasons for bloody stools can mean a more serious illness like colon cancer. If you notice blood or color changes in your stool, see your doctor immediately to rule out a serious problem.

Can the same seeds that sprouted hair on your childhood chia pet also promote weigh loss, suppress appetite and provide a host of health benefits? The same seeds that sprouted hair on your childhood chia pet are now being promoted as a weight loss tool that suppresses appetite and provides a host of health benefits on the side. But are they really more than just a novelty item? Chia seeds, also known as Salvia hispanica, are similar to flax seeds in terms of their nutrient composition and how they can be used in food.

This procedure is an innovative way of detecting stomach conditions that may cause you discomfort. Here's what you need to do to prepare for the test and what happens once the test is over. Capsule endoscopy is a new diagnostic procedure that evaluates three portions of the small intestine including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum-an area that isn't easily reached by more traditional endoscopy methods. The test enables doctors to check for the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.

If you're experiencing pain and burning in your backside, you may have a case of hemorrhoids. Rarely considered serious, hemorrhoids usually go way on their own within a few days. If you've ever experienced the itching and burning sensation of hemorrhoids, you are not alone. Nearly everyone at some time will have hemorrhoids, a condition in which the veins around the rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed. Hemorrhoids are either inside the rectum (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external) and may result from straining during a bowel movement, pregnancy, aging, and obesity.

Whether it's the result of a problem at home or the anticipation of an upcoming event, we've all had the feeling of about 100 butterflies making their home inside our stomach. Fortunately, you don't have to live with this feeling that you're going to lose your lunch. Although having a "nervous stomach" isn't considered a specific diagnosis or a recognized disease, some doctors may use the term to describe a variety of symptoms that may be attributed to stress, tension and anxiety, including indigestion, bloating, gas or a change in bowel habits.

Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula, small pouches lining the digestive tract, become inflamed or infected. The problem usually affects people ages 40 and older. Although most people with diverticulosis don't experience any symptoms, others may have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula, small pouches lining the digestive tract, become inflamed or infected. The problem usually affects people ages 40 and older. Although most people with diverticulosis don't experience any symptoms, others may have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Maintaining a fiber-rich diet is a great way to shed unwanted pounds, lower your cholesterol, and keep your bowels functioning normally. Unfortunately, foods high in fiber can also cause increased gas (flatulence). Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate this problem without eliminating the fiber from your meals. Maintaining a fiber-rich diet is a great way to shed unwanted pounds, lower your cholesterol and keep your bowels functioning normally. Unfortunately, foods high in fiber can also cause increased gas (flatulence), which can be not just embarrassing but painful as well.

Although there is no known essential purpose that the appendix serves, if the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus causing appendicitis, the consequences can be deadly unless treated quickly. The appendix is a small, three-and-a-half-inch long tube of tissue that projects out from the colon on the lower right side of the abdomen. Although there is no known essential purpose that the appendix serves, if the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus causing appendicitis, the consequences can be deadly unless treated quickly.

Millions of people each year see their doctor because of digestive problems and, often, there are simple fixes. Talking to your doctor about any problems you may be having can help alleviate worry, reduce your symptoms, and keep your condition in check. For many people, admitting they have a digestive condition is embarrassing and they're usually reluctant to talk openly about their concerns. But rest assured. Millions of people each year see their doctor because of digestive problems and, often, there are simple fixes.

Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support. Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support. Researchers found that dietary fiber and the density of fiber consumed (fiber intake density) are inversely associated with risks for colorectal and colon cancer.

We've all experienced the terrible feeling of nausea...and of throwing up. Here, the not-so-pretty facts. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases but rather the symptoms of an underlying health problem. Nausea is that queasy feeling you get in your stomach when it wants to empty itself, whereas vomiting, or throwing up, is forcibly spitting up the contents of the stomach.

Currently, the only available treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. This means the complete elimination of wheat, rye, barley and possibly oat grains from your meals. But sticking to a gluten-free diet doesn't have to be difficult or boring. If you suffer from celiac disease (CD), you are not alone. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 1 in 133 (or more than two million) people in the U.S. have CD. Yet as common as CD is, it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because many of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are all too familiar with its symptoms: Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. But for people with diarrhea-predominant IBS, or IBS-D, diarrhea is the primary symptom. Here, tips to cope. People affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are all too familiar with its symptoms: cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea-a sudden urgent need to have a bowel movement that results in loose and watery stools. People with a primary symptom of diarrhea have what's called diarrhea-predominant IBS or IBS-D.

While most people “of a certain age” are healthy and living full, productive lives, growing older often comes with a few aches and pains. Not surprisingly, many older adults go through the same changes. While most people "of a certain age" are healthy and living full, productive lives, growing older often comes with a few aches and pains. Not surprisingly, as we age and change, the small pains grow into larger, more difficult to manage ones. Here, the 4 most common pains we experience as we age and how to treat them.

Short bowel syndrome refers to a group of problems associated with the poor absorption of nutrients that usually occurs in people who have had half or more of their small intestine surgically removed. So can people with this short bowel syndrome live normal lives? Short bowel syndrome refers to a group of problems associated with the poor absorption of nutrients that usually occurs in people who have had half or more of their small intestine surgically removed. Patients are usually considered to have short bowel syndrome when less than 100 to 150 centimeters-three to five feet-of functioning bowel remains following surgery, less than one-quarter of normal.

That's the question a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina are trying to answer. If it proves accurate, it may provide a cheaper, less invasive alternative to the colonoscopy. That's the question a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) are trying to answer. If it proves accurate, a simple urine test to diagnose colon cancer may provide a cheaper, less invasive alternative to colonoscopy-currently the gold standard for effective early screening of colon cancer.

Olive oil has always been known to be protective for heart health, but here is another added benefit. Most of us are aware of the health benefits of using olive oil, including the protection it offers against heart disease by helping control LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Now, new study is showing that increasing your intake of olive oil may also help protect against ulcerative colitis.

Men and certain ethnic populations, including American Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans are more at risk for developing stomach cancer. Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, forms in one of the five layers of the stomach, but may spread deep into the stomach or nearby organs. Men and certain ethnic populations, including American Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans are more at risk for developing stomach cancer.

Diarrhea. Abdominal pain. Fever. Dehydration. If you've ever suffered from something called pouchitis, you're all too familiar with these symptoms. Here, learn how to manage this painful condition. Pouchitis is an inflammation of the lining of an internal pouch (small bowel pocket) created in ulcerative colitis sufferers to hold bowel movements after they have had part of their colon and rectum removed to treat their disorder. There are two types of pouches, the ileoanal (pull-through) pouch and the continent ileostomy (Koch) pouch, which surgeons create using part of the patient's small intestine.

No matter how dedicated you’ve been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. Here, seven ways to banish it. No matter how dedicated you've been to your diet and exercise routine, bloating can still strike. According to the National Institutes of Health, it's more common among people who have intestinal disorders-such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome-but it can affect anyone.

Bloating is never pleasant, but uncomfortable and irritating. Not only is bloating caused by foods and stress, but can also be induced by hormones. Find out how this happens and what you can do to prevent it. Abdominal bloating-that uncomfortable feeling of tightness or fullness in the stomach caused by either a buildup of gas or fluid retention-is very common affecting about 30 percent of people. Bloating is especially common and bothersome in sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome and is the result of gas trapped inside the bowel.

See why you should be cautious of aspirin intake and how it my heighten your risk of Crohn's Disease. Results from a recent British study are showing a possible link between daily aspirin use and a higher risk of developing Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researches from the University of East Anglia School of Medicine in Norwich, U.

It may be embarrassing to talk about gas, but how much gas is too much is important to keep in mind. Find out when is it normal and healthy and when does it indicate that your stomach health is at risk. Although many people are often too embarrassed to talk about gas, nearly everyone wonders how much gas is too much? Everyone has gas and eliminates it by either burping or passing it through the rectum. It's a perfectly normal bodily function. And while many people think they pass too much gas, on average most people generate between one and four pints of gas daily and pass gas between 12 and 25 times a day.

If your plumbing is clogged and you don't know why, take a good look at your diet. If it's low in fiber and fluids, or high in dehydrating ingredients like salt and alcohol, you may have found your answer. If your plumbing is clogged and you don't know why, take a good look at your recent diet. If it's low in fiber and fluids, or high in dehydrating ingredients like salt and alcohol, you may have found your answer. Although constipation is often the result of what you're not eating, rather than what you are, some foods should go on your "limited" list until things start moving again.

Gluten sensitive enteropathy or celiac disease is a chronic intestinal disorder that can weaken your body's ability to retain nutrition. See why these common myths about celiac disease have been proven wrong. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy, commonly called celiac disease (CD), is a chronic intestinal disorder caused by a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oat products. Although ingesting gluten proteins doesn't normally cause an immune response, the immune system of people with celiac disease is abnormally activated by gluten, triggering an inflammation in the small intestine.

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a stomach disorder. Find out the causes, symptoms, and signs and what you can do to treat it. Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach doesn't function normally, taking too long to empty its contents. Under normal circumstances, strong stomach muscle contractions, which are controlled by the vagus nerve, propel food through the digestive tract.

Read these tips on how to prevent food poisoning from ruining your barbecue. Find out how these precautions can help you avoid food borne illnesses. Eating outdoors as the weather heats up is one of the hallmarks of summertime activity, but before you fire up your barbecue grill or send out invitations to the family picnic, there are some precautions you should take to avoid a common occurrence: food poisoning.

The statistics are sobering: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 145,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. But most cases can be caught before they turn into full-blown cancer. The statistics are sobering: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 145,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have about a two to five times greater risk of developing colon cancer than those in the general population, although the reasons aren't clear.

Men who have asthma are less likely to be diagnosed with common forms of cancer than their healthier counterparts. Common asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort can play an important role to ward off cancer. If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true—at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

If there are rumbling and grumbling sounds coming from your stomach, they're most likely just the normal cacophony of noises your gastrointestinal system makes as it processes food. In some instances, however, a change in the normal pattern of your bowel sounds can signal a health problem. If there are rumbling and grumbling sounds coming from your stomach, they may be embarrassing, but most likely they're just the normal cacophony of sounds your gastrointestinal system makes as it processes food. Because the intestines are hollow, bowel sounds can echo throughout the stomach, making similar sounds pipes make as water flows through.

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Eating a diet high in animal fats has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer. Now, a new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can develop in the gallbladder. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. But how dangerous are they? And who's most at risk? If you suffer from gallstones, you are not alone. An estimated 20 million Americans have the condition, although many people are unaware they have gallstones because they have no symptoms, also called "silent stones." Gallstones are small, hardened deposits of digestive fluid called bile that can develop in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped sac located below the liver in the right upper abdomen and can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

The colonoscopy exam may have just gotten easier. In the new "virtual" colonoscopy, images of the colon and rectum are taken via a CT scan, which the doctor can then examine for polyps or other precancerous changes. Colorectal cancer (of the colon or rectum) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., although when caught early, colon cancer is highly curable.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines call for colon screening to begin at age 50 for both men and women-or earlier if there's a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease or a strong family history of colon cancer.

Did you know that the composition of bacteria in your intestines may determine how easily you lose or gain weight? It's all about what you eat. It may not just be your diet and exercise habits that are making it difficult for you to shed pounds. The problem could also be in the type of foods you eat. A study of mice published in the journal Science Translational Medicine found that a diet high in fat and sugar does more than just supply the body with calories.

Not all yogurt is created equal. Some types don't contain enough of the bacteria you need for a healthy digestive system. To be sure that you're getting plenty of the good stuff, be sure to take certain information into consideration. The health benefits of eating yogurt, from helping build stronger bones to warding of infection, have been touted for years. Now, there's even more reason to reach for that container of yogurt from your grocer's shelf. Studies are showing that the probiotics ...

A group of international scientists have found that some of the hundreds of types of bacteria in the digestive system may be linked to diseases such as cancer and Crohn's. A group of international scientists, led by Chinese researcher Wang Jun of the Beijing Genomics Institute, have found that some of the hundreds of types of bacteria in the digestive system may be linked to the causes of specific diseases, including cancer, diabetes and Crohn's disease.

Studies suggest the mango may be effective in preventing the growth of colon cancer cells. An added benefit? It may ward off breast cancer, too. It may be time to add mangoes to the growing list of superfoods. This delicious tropical fruit has long been known for its high fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content. Now, a laboratory study is showing that it may also be effective in preventing or killing certain colon and breast cancer cells.

Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms. Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early; so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms.

While taking an occasional laxative isn't harmful, overuse of laxatives (as well as suppositories and enemas) can lead to some pretty serious complications. At some point, nearly everyone suffers from constipation, a condition in which a person has difficult or infrequent bowel movements. As a result, many people often turn to laxatives to help resolve the problem. And while taking an occasional laxative isn't harmful, overuse of laxatives, suppositories, and enemas-using them longer than one week unless prescribed by your doctor-can actually inhibit normal contractions in the bowel and make the problem worse.

A new study suggests that drinking warm water prior to this procedure can help ease any pain and discomfort. Probably the health screening test most Americans dread the most is the colonoscopy, but it's also one of the most important tests you can have to prevent colon cancer or to catch the disease at an early, curable stage. Embarrassment and worry over discomfort during the procedure are two reasons often cited about why people avoid the test.

Here's what to do if irregularity has become a regular thing. At some point in time, nearly everyone will suffer from constipation. The problem occurs most frequently in women and the elderly, and while it's usually not serious, chronic bouts of constipation shouldn't be ignored. Although the normal range of bowel movements varies greatly among individuals, going longer than three days without a bowel movement is a signal that something is amiss.

Read on for a list of six drinks that are most likely to burn a fire in your chest. If you suffer from heartburn, you're not alone. At some point, nearly everyone will experience a painful, burning feeling in their chest or throat caused by acid or other stomach contents backing up into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Amidst gloomy reports about the rates of cancer, there is a ray of good news. Over the past several decades, the incidence of colon and rectal cancers (colorectal, or CRC) has declined significantly. Amidst gloomy reports about the rates of cancer, there is a ray of good news. Over the past several decades, the incidence of colon and rectal cancers (colorectal, or CRC) has declined significantly. CRC is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America.

Here are six ways to stop that unpleasant churning--fast. At some point, everyone experiences a bout of nausea, that unsettling feeling in the pit of their stomach in which the thought of eating food is unfathomable. The reasons for queasy stomachs are many, including pregnancy, flu or food poisoning, motion sickness, certain medications, or overeating.

Scientists are saying that those with IBD may be 16 times more likely to suffer from dangerous blood clots. People with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are up to 16 times more likely to have a potentially life-threatening blood clot than those in the general population, according to a British study recently published in the journal, The Lancet. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which may cause a number of health problems, including pain, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal bleeding.

According to a recent study, your constant bouts of diarrhea may be the result of something surprising. The results from a new British study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, are showing that a common type of chronic diarrhea called idiopathic bile acid diarrhea may be caused by a hormone deficiency. (Chronic diarrhea is generally defined as having one or more loose stools a day that lasts for at least four weeks.

Read on to learn more about their findings and how you may be able to start benefiting from their research. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have identified a gene that helps control the production of stomach acid, according to data published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Overproduction of stomach acid can result in reflux disease as well as peptic ulcers.

A recent study may be shedding light on a new remedy for IBD. A probiotic called Bacillus polyfermenticus, which has shown to have anti-cancer effects, may also have benefits in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a new study shows. The two-phase study-one involving live mice and one involving human cells- was published in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology.

Results from a recent study may give physicians new ammunition in accurately diagnosing celiac disease in kids. Celiac disease (CD), a chronic intestinal disorder caused by a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oat products, is a common problem affecting as many as one in 133 people in the U.S, including young children. However, because some of the common symptoms of celiac disease, including stomachaches and diarrhea, are often blamed on other common childhood ailments, such as food allergies, the disease frequently goes undiagnosed-and, consequently, untreated.

Fiber is essential to your overall health. But how can you tell if you're getting enough? Find out here. You know you should eat more fiber. Your doctor has told you so, the articles you read say so, and the health experts you see on TV definitely want you to. But do you actually need more fiber in your diet, and are there ways to tell? Fortunately, your body is quite good at letting you know if it needs more fiber.

While there are no known cures for Crohn's disease, there are many therapies available to help reduce symptoms and even prompt long-term remissions. One of the most effective options? Exercise. Getting a diagnosis of Crohn's disease-a chronic inflammatory bowel disease-can be challenging. And while there are no known medical cures for Crohn's disease, there are many therapies available to help reduce symptoms and even prompt long-term remissions.

If you suspect that certain foods are triggering an episode, keep a food journal to spot potential triggers. These suggestions could also help. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. And like Crohn's disease, another common IBD, ulcerative colitis can be debilitating, causing wrenching abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

While most ulcers can be cured without complications, if left untreated, some can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. A peptic ulcer is a round or oval sore in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Peptic ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a germ that causes infection, or from drugs that weaken the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

Learn why Crohn's affects your appearance, plus get tips on how to look like a picture of health. Although Crohn's disease affects the intestines, it can also change one's outer appearance. While some common symptoms of Crohn's disease include abdominal fullness and gas, constipation, fistulas (usually around the rectal area), ulcers (most often in the lower part of the small intestine, the large intestine or the rectum), gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney stones, people with Crohn's disease are also at risk for problems such as malnutrition.

An analysis of more than a dozen of trials suggests that peppermint oil may be the key to relief. An analysis of dozens of trials that looked at the effectiveness of peppermint oil, fiber and antispasmodic drugs in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), found that these older remedies were better at reducing the symptoms of IBS than newer medications.

Research is showing that exercise can also help relieve some of the painful symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Everyone knows that engaging in a regular exercise program can provide overall health benefits. Now, new research is showing that exercise can also help relieve some of the painful symptoms, especially constipation, associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aspirin and certain other pain medications can actually make Crohn's symptoms worse. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes intestinal swelling. It can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and weight loss, among other problems. Although incurable, there are many effective treatments to tamp down the symptoms of the disorder and reduce the number of recurrences, including anti-inflammation medications, steroids, immune system suppressors, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheals.

Several studies are showing that bowel ultrasound is more accurate than X-ray in identifying the complications, location, and extent of Crohn's disease. Historically, Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder, has been difficult to diagnose. This is in part because its symptoms are similar to other bowel disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, which also cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. However, the bigger problem has been that the small intestine is difficult to examine using conventional diagnostic methods.

If you have IBS, you know you're well-aware that your stomach isn't like everyone else's. Now, research is showing that your brain may be a little bit different, too. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects as many as one in five Americans, making it one of the most common ailments diagnosed by doctors. It's more common in women than men; and in about 50 percent of the population, it strikes before the age of 35. While symptoms can vary from person to person, the hallmarks of the disorder frequently include abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and fluctuations between diarrhea and constipation.

Who hasn't had a stomachache? Find out what causes them. "Stomachache" is a generic term used to describe a variety of common ailments in the abdominal area that can develop suddenly or be chronic in nature. They can include everything from a knotty feeling to sharp, stabbing pains or worse. The causes of stomachaches are just as varied, ranging from viral infections to urinary tract infections or food poisoning caused.

Researchers have discovered that those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing conditions such as arthritis, chronic renal, disease, and even multiple sclerosis. If you have one chronic inflammatory condition, are you more prone to develop others? According to two studies published in the journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, Gastroenterology, the answer may be yes. The separate British and...

Read on for some surprising causes of this common condition, plus get plenty tried-and-true treatments. If you've ever suffered through a bout of diarrhea, it may be comforting to know that you are not alone. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the average adult experiences acute diarrhea about four times a year, and children will have seven to 15 episodes of diarrhea by the age of five.

Here you'll find tips on what foods to eat (and avoid) so that you can get the nutrition you need to stay healthy. Crohn's disease can cause a variety of problems for sufferers, including a reduced appetite, poor absorption of vitamins and minerals and diarrhea. If you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, this may be a good time to reevaluate your eating habits and develop an eating plan that's based on providing you with a high amount of essential nutrients.

There's more reason than ever to get your daily five servings. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers. Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.

Food-borne diseases result in approximately 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year. Each year, a startling 25 percent of the population is felled by food-borne illnesses, and that percentage doesn't include the number of mild cases of food poisoning that goes unreported. In all, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food-borne diseases cause nearly 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year.

A recent study has found that vitamin B supplements can increase vitamin B6, B12 and folate levels in celiac disease patients, thus reducing their homocysteine levels. A recent study conducted by a group of Dutch researchers has found that vitamin B supplements can be beneficial in increasing vitamin B6, B12 and folate levels in celiac disease patients and in reducing their homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood, has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, a narrowing of the vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys.

Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the number of cases worldwide is growing. In 27 of 51 international cancer registries, colon cancer cases increased between 1983 and 2002. This rise is more pronounced in areas that are advancing economically, such as countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and South America.

Find out how a visit to this specialist can put you on the road to relief. From time to time, we've all experienced an occasional bout of heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea. But if these or other conditions of the digestive tract become chronic, your doctor may recommend you see a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor. A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist with extensive training in diseases of the digestive system.

Learn about a surprising side effect of this common therapy. Menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have had plenty to worry about for the past several years. But now, they may have reason to celebrate.  A new study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, confirms what scientists have suspected for a while:  Older women who take hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms may have a significantly reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer.

How can this procedure help you? Find out here. A sigmoidoscopy is a tool physicians use to screen for colon and rectal cancer. You can think of a sigmoidoscopy as the little brother of a colonoscopy, which is the most familiar and widely used procedure for colon cancer screening. Like a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy examines the colon using a lighted tube and camera.

Learn more about a scientific discovery that may change the face of treatment for patients with certain bowel diseases. An international team of scientists has recently identified new genetic targets for drugs to treat Crohn's disease. Researchers analyzed DNA from 1,758 Crohn's patients and 1,480 healthy people, all of European ancestry. What appears to be most significant to the biology of Crohn's disease is the interleukin 12 (IL 12)  pathway, which governs cell receptors involved in the development of Crohn's disease.

Studies are showing that this mind-body technique may ease the cramping and bloating associated with IBS. Can simply changing your thoughts relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? New research is showing that using mind-body techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-a type of psychotherapy-and hypnosis are having a positive effect in reducing the cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Is this process really as beneficial as proponents claim it to be? And could it even be dangerous? Proponents of colon cleansing-also known as colonic irrigation, detoxification therapy, colon hydrotherapy, and enema irrigation-claim that the unhealthy American lifestyle (including a poor diet, extreme stress, and lack of exercise) all contribute to clogging of the lower intestinal track.

If left undiagnosed, Celiac Disease can result in potentially serious complications. According to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, celiac disease, a chronic intestinal disorder caused by a hypersensitivity to gluten proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and possibility oat products, is four times more common today than it was 50 years ago.

While what's considered normal will vary for everyone, knowing what's normal for you can help spot potential problems early on. It's a subject many people feel uncomfortable discussing, but one that can be a leading indicator of your health: your bathroom habits, specifically your bowel movements. While what's considered normal bowel elimination will vary for everyone-for some it may be as many as three times a day or as few as three times a week-knowing what's normal for you is important so you can spot potential health problems early.

Colonoscopy isn't the only way to screen for colon cancer. The colonoscopy is not the only screening tool for colon cancer. If you're not familiar with the other procedures, it's not surprising. A report in the July 2009 issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that most primary care physicians don't discuss all the screening options for colon cancer endorsed by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and usually just recommend colonoscopy.

If you've been experiencing chest pain, bloating, and difficulty swallowing, it's possible you have a hiatal hernia. For people who have an abnormality called a hiatal hernia, the opening of their esophageal hiatus is larger than normal, which means that a portion of their upper stomach slips up or passes through their hiatus and into their chest. In other words, part of their stomach comes through their diaphragm and into their chest.

If you frequently suffer from acid reflux, your health could be paying the price. Could it be that the innocuous burning pain behind your breastbone after a heavy meal is more than heartburn? Or that the reflux you experience lying down too soon after the meal is doing more than giving you a bad taste in your mouth? For the 60 million Americans who experience heartburn with regularity, oftentimes an antacid can relieve the discomfort[1].

Learning you have a chronic disease can be frightening, and overwhelming. Fortunately, arming yourself with the right information and action steps can help you feel more at ease. Learning you have a chronic disease is a shock, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed at first. Here are a few suggestions about what to do next--so you can put your mind at ease. Learn as much as you can about the disease. Find out what is normal and what you should expect when you have Crohn's.

Read on for the full list of foods you should be eating. As you know, there is no such thing as a Crohn's diet. Everyone with Crohn's disease reacts differently to different foods. However, there are foods that alleviate or symptoms and help prevent flare-ups for Crohn's suffers. Fluids. Drink lots of liquids to replenish fluids lost from diarrhea and prevent dehydration, which can make you weak and put your kidney function at risk.

Don’t let myths about Crohn’s hamper you from doing the things you love or making sound health decisions. Don't let myths about Crohn's hamper you from doing the things you love or making sound health decisions. Here are a few common myths-and truths-about Crohn's disease. Myth: I can't prevent Crohn's disease. Fact: It's true that you cannot change your genetic predisposition to Crohn's, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this disease.

Although there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn’s, there are foods that are more likely to aggravate your condition. If you have Crohn's disease, you've probably found that certain foods aggravate your digestive system and may even trigger a flare-up. Medical experts suggest you keep a food diary for a while to identify your trigger foods so you can eliminate, or reduce, them in your diet.

Learn how you could prevent this potentially deadly complication. When you're diganosed with a disease, one thing you need to know is if it has any long-term effects. According to a recent study, 2/3 of people with GERD do not know if the disease has any long-term risks.[1] This is rather troubling, given that one of GERD's long-term effects can be fatal.

If you have asthma, your odds of having GERD may be significantly increased. Two Related Conditions The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that as many as 70 percent of all people who are diagnosed with asthma also have co-existing GERD symptoms, too. In addition, many people with the most severe asthma symptoms that don't seem to respond to traditional treatment methods could find that their condition are actually related to their GERD.

The next time you’re in the produce aisle or the local farmers’ market, don’t pass the following fruits by. There's a world beyond the same old apples and oranges you've been buying forever. For starters, certain fruits have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and even ward off certain cancers. So, the next time you're in the produce aisle or the local farmers' market, don't pass the following fruits by.

There are steps you can take to protect your child from this chronic condition. As parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our children healthy. You cannot change your child's predisposition to diseases, however there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood he or she will develop Crohn's disease. Encourage them NOT to smoke.

When it comes to the digestive system, there are plenty of of myths and misconceptions. Here, we present five. When it comes to the digestive system, there are plenty of of myths and misconceptions. Here, we present five: 1. Heartburn is a disease. Heartburn, in fact, is not a disease. Rather, it is the main symptom for adults who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a disease.

New latest in Crohn's research is offering alternatives to millions of Crohn’s sufferers. Physicians have a plethora of drug therapies they can use, alone or in tandem, to control the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, some patients do not respond well to treatments, and all drugs have potential side effects. Therefore, researchers continue to seek additional, more effective, treatment options with fewer side effects.

Identifying genetic markers for Crohn’s disease blazing way for new treatment options. The completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 gave researchers the ability to read nature's complete genetic blueprint for humans. This was a significant milestone in our understanding of the role genes play in various diseases. We know that genes, along with environmental factors, increase an individual's risk for diseases such as Crohn's.

If you have Crohn’s disease, you are probably already familiar with what it’s like to have a colonoscopy. Physicians use this procedure to diagnose bowel disease and it’s invaluable in screening for colon and rectal cancer. Unfortunately, having Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) puts you at greater risk for developing colon cancer. In fact, it's the third highest risk condition for this type of cancer (the good news is that it's highly treatable when caught early). Your increased risk depends on how long you've had Crohn's and how much of your bowel it has affected.

If you have been using Crohn’s disease as an excuse not to exercise, you will have to find a new excuse. Studies show that appropriate exercises are beneficial, even if you have Crohn’s. Exercise delivers many benefits, regardless of your health status. In general, it gives you energy, makes you feel good, helps you manage your weight, strengthens your heart, and weight-bearing exercises (such as running or weight training) reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Depression--it’s not all in your head and it does matter. It's understandable that a chronic illness such as Crohn's can make you feel depressed. The occasional blue days are normal and we all experience them from time to time. When depression becomes severe or prolonged, however, it can negatively affect symptoms caused by other existing illness, such as Crohn's disease.

Is there proof behind the theory? Find out here. People who practice Complimentary and Alternative Medicine have long used probiotics to treat various illnesses. Recently, however, they have been in the limelight, especially by manufacturers touting the health benefits of foods that contain probiotics.

There are many types of surgical procedures physicians can perform to treat people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Here’s what you need to know about J pouch surgery. Seventy percent of Crohn's patients eventually require surgery to manage their disease. However, surgery may induce remission and provide relief from difficult symptoms, significantly improving patients' quality of life. One such method is J pouch surgery.

If your doctor has recommended an ostomy, here’s what you need to know. What is an ostomy? An ostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen to remove your body's waste. A physician may perform an ostomy in patients who've had a portion of their large bowel removed or bypassed. It's also a common procedure for people who have Irritable Bowel Disease.

You don’t have to go it alone. Why should I participate in a support group for Crohn's? You may have supportive family and friends; however, there's nothing like sharing experiences with someone who knows firsthand what it's like to live with Crohn's. Support groups become important social, educational and support hubs for people living with chronic diseases.

Most Crohn's patients require surgery at some point in their lifetime. Crohn's patients have a range of treatment options available. They vary depending on the patient's disease progression and circumstances. Approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of people with Crohn's disease will eventually require surgery. When you no longer respond to medication therapy, or other treatments are not providing the relief you need, it may be time to consider surgery.

Managing disease complications eases symptoms Unfortunately, complications from Crohn's disease are common. Knowing what to expect, however, helps you cope. Complications can be divided into two broad categories. Local complications directly affect the GI tract, while systemic complications occur in other parts of the body.

Although they are different diseases, Celiac and Crohn’s share similar symptoms and characteristics. Both celiac disease and Crohn's are autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the intestines. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system over-reacts and attacks cells in the body as if they were foreign objects, such as bacteria or other toxins.

Planning meals does not have to be a complicated or onerous task. The key to meal planning being armed with information about what you should eat, and incorporating Crohn's-friendly recipes into your repertoire. When planning meals, think balanced. Select foods from the four major food groups: meat, fish or other protein source; diary; cereals and grains; and fruits and vegetables.

Those achy muscles are not all in your head. Crohn's disease sometimes causes muscle achiness or weakness. There is no single or straightforward explanation for what causes weak muscles, which can make it frustrating to diagnose and treat. The most likely causes of muscle weakness in Crohn's patients seem to fall into two main categories: nutritional deficiencies and co-existing diseases.

This microbe could pose a problem for your condition. Our bodies are teeming with friendly microorganisms, especially our digestive tract. In a healthy person, the number of good microbes, which protect the body from harm, far exceeds bad microbes, such as bacteria and viruses. When something disrupts this delicate balance, however, it causes problems.

Alternative medicine increasingly popular with Crohn’s and other diseases Are you one of many Crohn's patients looking for ways other than drugs and surgery to treat your disease? If so, you are not alone. The use of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (CAM) therapies in preventing and treating disease is growing. Almost 40 percent of adults, particularly those over age 50, practice one or more forms of alternative medicine.

Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes? Genetic screening determines your risk of developing certain cancers based on inherited genes that, when altered, are associated with cancer. The actual test is just a simple blood test. However, making the decision to be tested, and what to do with the results, is not simple at all.

Don't let your chronic illness ruin your love life. Is Crohn's affecting your love life? Chronic illness can affect numerous aspects of your life, including sexual relations. The good news is, however, that a satisfying love life is possible even if you have Crohn's disease. How does Crohn's affect your sex life? Research shows that most factors that may negatively affect your sex life are due to psychosocial factors, such as depression and self-image, rather than disease factors.

Feeling fatigued? If you have Crohn’s disease, you’re not alone. If you have Crohn's disease, chances are you suffer from fatigue from time to time. Although it's common,  fatigue is disruptive and can negatively affect your quality of life. There are many causes of fatigue; however, there are steps you can take to manage it.

You may be at higher risk, but there are ways you can protect yourself. The bad news is that people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are at higher risk for developing colon cancer. The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Colon Cancer Primer Colon cancer tumors form in the epithelial cells of the large intestine.

If caught early, colon cancer has a very high cure rate. Learn what signs to look for. Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 106,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. The symptoms of colon cancer mirror those of other disorders, which may cause patients to delay seeking prompt medical attention.

Learn more about prebiotics can do for your digestive health. We tend to think that bacteria in the digestive system are what we want to rid our bodies of. But there is a certain food ingredient that helps these bacteria grow and is actually beneficial to our digestive health. They are called prebiotics, nondigestible food ingredients that help bacterial species grow in the colon, which is good for our overall health.

Learn more about how cholesterol-lowering drugs (known as statins) may be beneficial to Crohn's patients. Studies and clinical trials for specific diseases often uncover data that may also benefit people with other disease. Researchers have found health problems that seem unrelated may in fact have an indirect relationship to Crohn's disease. You're probably not familiar with the drug Atorvastatin by this name.

Find how out these two stomach conditions are related. Stomach ulcers and Crohn's are both diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, is there an additional connection? Researchers are beginning to believe there is. Stomach ulcers (also known as peptic ulcers) are open sores inside the lining of the stomach.

Raw food diets may be more than just a passing trend. If the phrase "raw food diet" conjures images of long hair, Birkenstocks and fringe communities, it may be time for a new picture. The number of people eating only raw food is growing, and followers report significant health improvements when making the switch to this way of eating.

Studies suggest a strong link between Crohn's disease and psoriasis. It's hard to imagine that Crohn's disease and Psoriasis have much in common; one affects the digestive system, the other the skin. However, the two diseases are similar and there is a significant correlation between the two. If you have Crohn's disease, you should be aware of this link.

Crohn’s disease shares symptoms, treatment and possibly causes, with many other illnesses, including fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the bones, muscles and joints. People who suffer with fibromyalgia are usually fatigued. Approximately two percent of the population has this disease. It affects more women than men. Like Crohn's, fibromyalgia is a chronic disease.

Many Crohn's patients are deficient in magnesium. If this is the case for you, find out what this could mean for your health. Chronic illness of the gastrointestinal system frequently results in deficiencies in one or more important nutrients, such as magnesium. People who have Crohn's disease should be aware of their risks for such dietary deficiencies. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body.

Learn about the connection between vaccines and this prominent bowel disease. Widespread implementation of vaccines has dramatically reduced the incidence of many serious diseases and has improved the overall health of people in countries where they are routinely used. One of the most common vaccines is the MMR, which targets the measles, mumps and rubella viruses.

Relief for Crohn's disease may be as near as your kitchen cupboard If you cook at all, chances are you have used the spice Turmeric. You may know it best as one of the main ingredients in curry recipes. Turmeric doesn't just add spice to your food; it has been used for more than 5,000 years in India, China, and ancient Egypt for its extensive healing powers.

Osteoporosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease often go hand in hand. Studies find that between 15 and 50 percent of patients who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are also likely to have osteoporosis. Unlike Crohn's disease, however, there are no visible symptoms of osteoporosis. Doctors often do not diagnosis the disease until after bone damage has already occurred.

If you suffer from a range of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms every time you eat foods containing wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats, a gluten allergy could be to blame for your distress. Is it a Gluten Allergy? Do you think you could have a gluten allergy? Or do you have a digestive problem called celiac disease? Both conditions are caused by eating things containing gluten and both have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate.

Here are some realistic steps you can take to help keep your symptoms at bay. Crohn's disease is characterized by alternating periods of heavy symptoms and relatively quiet stages, called remission. Your goal is to stay in remission as long as possible. If you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, you can take some simple steps to help keep your symptoms at bay.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)recently issued warnings about bowel cleansing formulas commonly used before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. In late 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings about bowel cleansing formulas commonly used before medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. Here's what you need to know. What's the Warning? Many bowel cleansing products are made from Oral Sodium Phosphate (OSP).

You might want to think twice before steering towards the drive-thru of your favorite take-out restaurant. It's no secret that most take-out food is dangerous for your waistline, but it can also be downright disgusting. From rats to food stored in unsanitary locations, some restaurants have served up more than just convenient, tasty food. Beware, what you're about to read might make your stomach turn.

Learn about the important link between the three. Our bodies need enough stored energy to go for a jog, but no one wants spaghetti sloshing around in their stomach when they’re bouncing on the pavement. Jogging, though, is a high-impact exercise that jostles the stomach. While you don’t want to exercise on a full stomach, you do want to exercise to help stave off digestive problems stemming from food.

Don't turn to meds just yet; these natural alternatives may do the trick. Digestive diseases are no fun. They prevent you from drinking regular milk or lying down after a meal. They send you to the toilet every hour or keep you from it for days. Whether they’re inherited, rare, common, or uncommon, they can be embarrassing to discuss and a hassle on your daily life.

Learn about symptoms and treatments of some familiar digestive problems. If you’re experiencing any digestive problems, it’s important that you see your doctor. Many are easy to fix, as long as you understand them. Here are five common digestive ailments. 1. Constipation. Bowel movement fewer than three times per week .

Recognizing the symptoms can lead to a quicker diagnosis—and more effective treatment. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease mimic those of other gastrointestinal diseases, complicating an accurate diagnosis. Although Crohn’s patients experience many of the same symptoms, they may vary widely in frequency and severity from one patient to another.

The disease can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Learn how a balanced diet can help you better manage this. Most of the food we eat is absorbed in the small intestines. Since Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease most often affecting the small intestines, people who have this disease have difficulty digesting and absorbing important nutrients (malabsorption).

Find out if certain behaviors can help ward off the disease. Physicians and researchers are still trying to unravel the mystery of what causes Crohn’s disease. They have identified numerous genetic variations linked to Crohn’s, and believe certain lifestyle factors also contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing Crohn’s.

See what the studies are showing. Since Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease of the bowel, it’s often treated with immunosuppresants and anti-inflammatory drugs. As their name suggests, immunosuppressants suppress the immune system and therefore the body’s inflammation response.

The majority of women with the disease can successfully start families. If you have Crohn’s disease and want to get pregnant, you probably have many questions and concerns. Knowing how the disease will run during any one woman’s pregnancy is variable and hard to predict. However, here’s a brief overview of what you should know.

With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth workday. Most people who have Crohn’s can hold a steady job and enjoy a rewarding career. A little planning and preparation can make all the difference in having a successful day at work. Here are a few tips for managing Crohn’s at work. 1. Always have a change of clothes—just in case.

Getting enough z’s at night can have therapeutic effects. We all have the occasional sleepless night. However, when sleeplessness persists, it can have a detrimental effect on your physical well being, especially if you have Crohn’s disease. Sleep modulates the immune system, and a regular good night sleep is a key component of good health.

You don’t have to suffer unnecessarily. A few small steps can make a big difference. Crohn’s disease is characterized by alternating periods of heavy disease activity (flare-ups) and remission (few or no symptoms). During a flare-up, patients frequently experience discomfort or pain. You don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.

Learn more about this vital part of the drug development process. Clinical trials are an important step in discovering new treatments and ways to detect, diagnose, or reduce the risk for disease. They reveal what works—or doesn’t—and helps the medical community weigh the benefits, risks, and side effects of potential new treatment options.

Follow these steps to help find relief. We often think of heartburn as a food-induced pain resulting from eating too much too quickly, or as something we experience when we’re stressed. Typically this is the case. But the truth is that heartburn can be caused by an unlikely source: medication.

Read on determine when your condition requires medical attention. Studies show that 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and that 25 million experience it on a daily basis. Heartburn, a burning pain behind the breastbone that radiates upward, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Environment, eating habits, and genetics all play a key role. There are risk factors associated with every disease, and Crohn’s is no exception. You can’t change the genetic hand that nature deals you, or your family history. Recognizing you are at greater risk for developing Crohn’s (or any disease) is invaluable.

Early studies of the effectiveness of fish oil in maintaining remission in Crohn's patients have been quite promising. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains—and Crohn's is an inflammatory disease. Crohn’s is characterized by alternating periods of flare-ups and remission. The first goal of intervention is to control symptoms and bring the disease into remission. Once in remission, the goal of treatment is to keep the patient in remission for as long as possible.

Find out if surgery may help ease your symptoms. Surgery is one step in the treatment program for patients who have Crohn’s disease. In fact, approximately 70 percent of Crohn’s patients will eventually need surgery. Surgery often initiates remission, providing relief from symptoms, and improves quality of life.

The incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. But why? If your child has Crohn’s disease, he or she is not alone. Approximately 140,000 people under the age of eight are affected this disease. And unfortunately, the incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. In fact, teens are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease than any other age group; about sixteen out of every 100,000 teens will be diagnosed with Crohn’s.

With some careful preparation, you can enjoy a successful and stress-free time away from home. Whether you are taking a much-anticipated family vacation or an essential business trip, don’t let Crohn’s disease get in the way. The key to traveling successfully is preparation. Here are a few things to consider: Take a supply of medicine.

Vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients must be included Crohn’s disease affects the intestines, which absorb food that produces energy for your body. When inflamed, it cannot adequately perform this essential function. Furthermore, when patients aren’t feeling well, they may not eat enough to support their body’s increased nutritional needs.

A big part of managing your condition is avoiding certain trigger foods. When a meal must adhere to specific dietary guidelines, a single phrase should sum up the guideline’s essence. Those who suffer from GERD should, above all, remember this: go easy on the fat. The GERD Information Resource Center suggests making a number of lifestyle changes for those with the disease.

Learn how diet and lifestyle changes help eliminate this common problem. Power saws and car horns, at 110 decibels each, are jarring noises that cause you to cover your ears. They’re annoying and obnoxious. Yet neither of them is louder than what an Englishman did in 2001—burped at 118 decibels, the loudest belch ever recorded.

Some simple dietary changes can help ward off heartburn symptoms. Cooking in the comfort of your own kitchen should be a painless process: you make and eat what you want. Those who suffer from heartburn need not be sidelined by symptoms—so long as they know which foods are safe. Abiding by a few standard rules limits the chance you will experience heartburn when reaching for a recipe.

They may be small, but they have big benefits. Seeds—they're for the birds, right? Sure, but they're also great for you. Whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan or a meat-eater, seeds have a place in your diet. You can eat them in larger quantities as a main course, grind them into butters, or use them in smaller quantities as garnishes for other foods.

Learn more about this new, non-surgical option. When it comes to managing heartburn, the basic treatments are available and reliable. Most of the 60 million Americans who suffer from heartburn at least once a month, after consulting their doctor and understanding their symptoms, find relief with one of three over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors.

Learn more about cigarettes' negative effects on your digestive health. Whether you choose cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, smoking can be increase your risk of oral tumors and various lung diseases. But those aren't the only consequences: Now we know that smoking can lead to heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve that keeps stomach contents out of the esophagus.

Learn simple strategies for controlling your condition while away from home. If you spend enough time going from home to office to home, soon you'll find yourself dying for a long weekend, or even a month-long vacation. Anything to change the routine. But as we all know, travelling can come with a host of headaches. There's bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway.

Find out about the new and innovative treatments available to help you better control your condition. Ever had a burning pain in the middle of your chest? How about a feeling that food is coming back up your throat, or an acidic taste in the back of the throat? What about an increasing pain behind the breastbone when you lie down or bend over? If so, you're one of the 60 million American adults who experiences heartburn at least one time each month.

Follow these tips to stay heartburn-free while on the move. For those who suffer from heartburn, an important part of managing the pain is maintaining a healthy weight. A great way to achieve this is through regular exercise Every day, researchers uncover new ways that fitness can benefit people of all ages. In...

Follow these tips to prevent alcohol from aggravating your condition. Heartburn and alcohol have a unique relationship. A study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences found that those who drank 12 ounces of red wine with lunch or dinner had higher-than-normal levels of acid in the esophagus. Other studies have shown that of those people who suffer from heartburn, roughly 6 in 10 said alcohol led directly to heartburn symptoms on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

These good eats get the thumbs-up for heartburn sufferers. When heartburn sufferers talk about food, they usually talk about what they can't eat, not about what they can eat. That's because the worst trigger foods-fats, spices, citrus-can lead to painful symptoms. When determining foods that won't aggravate your symptoms, the first thing to do is to assess their ingredients.

Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn. Learn how to find relief. Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women will experience heartburn (most common during the second and third trimester.) The reason: As a woman's level of progesterone increases during pregnancy, her lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. This allows food and acid to reflux back into the esophagus, thus creating the feeling of heartburn or indigestion.

A few simple changes can make a big difference. It may not be dinner-table conversation, but sometimes what we eat at the dinner table can affect us in negative ways. If you've ever left a meal feeling bloated, or suffered from heartburn or pain, your digestive system may not be operating at top capacity.

Learn more about this undeniable connection. If you wake up before sunrise, down a cup of coffee, rush to work, spend all day in the office, eat a large dinner, then lay on the couch watching TV before bedtime, you're like most stressed Americans. And if you suffer from heartburn, your lifestyle is almost definitely a contributor.

Sometimes medication isn't the only answer. Some of us are obsessed with medicine. We get a stomach ache and rush to the doctor, screaming for a prescription; our throat hurts so we down an over-the-counter (OTC) syrup, all the while carrying on with our everyday lives as if the meds will miraculously cure us.

There may be more of a connection than you think. Most people probably wouldn't rate getting enough sleep as the most important aspect of their life, but maybe they should. In addition to feeling rested and invigorated, studies have shown that a lack of sleep can increase your odds of becoming overweight, incurring an emotional disorder, and performing poorly in the workplace.

Dining out doesn't have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips. Sharing meals is at the heart of most social activities with family and friends. If you have Crohn's disease, you know firsthand that dining out can be difficult. However, there's no reason your social life should take a back seat. The key to dining out successfully is to plan carefully and be mindful of what you eat.

Learn how relaxation can help you better manage your condition. We can trace the belief in a mind-body wellness connection all the way back to ancient Greece. Today, the medical literature is mixed when it comes to the relationship between stress and illness. We know for sure that the underlying cause of Crohn's disease is biological-it's an inflammation of the digestive tract.

Learn more about different types of treatment options. If you suffer from heartburn, one of the first things to determine is how you wish to treat it. When it comes to treatment, there are three over the counter medications available: antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. While each is effective in controlling heartburn, each treats the condition differently.

Beware: the following foods may exacerbate your condition. One way to minimize heartburn is to alter your diet. Unsurprisingly, this means healthier eating. Sugars, chocolates, and citrus products are bad for heartburn, and as a rule, fatty foods, by stimulating the over-production of stomach acid, are more likely to lead to heartburn.

There's no need to abandon carbs completely. It's all a matter of selecting the right ones. In the wake of popular protein-heavy diets such as South Beach and Atkins, some people still consider carbohydrates to be the enemy. But it's important to remember that there actually are two types of carbs: complex carbs and simple carbs, otherwise known as good carbs and bad carbs.

While medical advancements are constantly being made, Americans continue to fall behind on some basic health measures. How healthy are you? No, really. Your health goes beyond having the sniffles, an upset stomach, or a strained muscle. What's the state of your overall health and well being? Well, if you're anything like most Americans, it's not great—and it's getting worse as more people are being diagnosed with diseases like diabetes and asthma, are exercising less, and are gaining more weight.

Disgust is a powerful emotion shared by all people across all cultures, yet its triggers are very different. Where did the sense of disgust come from, and why do we have it? We people eat some very disgusting things. Fish heads in Scotland, ox penises in China, pig intestines the American south, spiders in Cambodia, field rats in North Korea, cow kidneys in England, hog brains in the Ohio River Valley, cow tongue in Mexico, and even duck fetuses in the Philippines.

Millions of people have difficulty digesting milk and other dairy products. Find out how to identify and diagnose lactose intolerance. If you've ever eaten too much cheese or polished off a pint of ice cream in one sitting, you probably felt sick to your stomach. Most likely, the cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain you felt were caused by your body's inability to break down lactose, which is found in most dairy products.

Follow these steps to help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20 percent of the general population, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). And for those living with it, the condition can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even embarrassing.

Your bellyaching over your bellyache may be caused by some of your favorite foods. Find out which foods are common offenders. Stomachaches, indigestion, gas, bellyache, agita, heartburn, upset stomach: Whatever you call it, digestive problems can be inconvenient and sometimes downright painful. Indigestion can be caused by a variety of reasons, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a physical condition in which stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus.

Want to get rid of freckles? A hangover? A burn? Don't try these methods at home...or anywhere else, for that matter. For every one ailment, there are a score of home remedies that claim to cure it. Some are effective--like drinking ginger tea for a troubled stomach or soaking in Epsom salts to soothe achy muscles--while others are pretty useless or, worse still, dangerous.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. adult population, and the disorder has no known cause. Here, a look at IBS, from symptoms to treatment. Imagine not being able to make dinner plans with your friends or not eating your favorite foods for fear that it will send you running for the bathroom. For people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these scenarios may sound all too familiar.

Mom always said to eat slowly to avoid getting a stomachache. Apparently, these people weren't listening. Although competitive eating has been around since the early 1900s when contestants traveled to their local county fairs to eat pies without their hands, organized eating officially became a sport in 1997. An organization called the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) regulates eating rules and safety standards, unifies international eating competitions, tracks world records, and ranks the world's top eaters.

Every year, more than 100,000 people undergo this popular weight-loss procedure. Is it right for you? Over the past decade, a slew of celebrities including singer Carnie Wilson, talk-show personality Star Jones, and NBC weatherman Al Roker have elected to undergo gastric bypass surgery to help manage their weight. The procedure, which involves stapling...

Think you know everything about the human body? Check out 10 bizarre facts you didn't learn in anatomy class. From WiFi and plasma screens to picture phones, modern technology might seem pretty complex. But according to biologists, the human body is still the most sophisticated—and mysterious—machine on Earth. A single brain cell, for example, can hold as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica, while human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve razorblades.

Tired of flabby abs or love handles? If diet and exercise haven't worked for you, abdominoplasty may be the solution. Who doesn't want a trim, flat stomach? Millions strive for tighter tummies, usually starting by improving their diet and exercise routines. However, these changes often aren't enough to achieve desired results. While body fat can be reduced through a healthy diet and workout plan, the loose muscles and skin that frequently result from extreme weight loss, pregnancy, and even aging and heredity aren't as easily eliminated.

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Here, a guide to the disease, from screening to treatment. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or large bowel cancer, is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Nationally, there were 112,000 cases of colon cancer and 41,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2007, the organization estimated.

Learn about the symptoms and methods of diagnosing this gastrointestinal disorder. Every year, an estimated 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with Crohn's disease. However, many people are uninformed about the disease and, as a result, may go undiagnosed. Here, find out about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments of Crohn's disease, so you can have a better understanding of the condition.

Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk. While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.

Pizza and doughnuts and burgers, oh my! These all-American treats top the nutritional hall of shame. Fried chicken, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, candy bars--these tasty treats are as American as, well, apple pie. Unfortunately, so, too, is obesity. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, more than 66 percent of U.S. adults are currently overweight, and 32 percent are obese.

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Any cancer patient knows that chemotherapy means two things: a potential cure for cancer and side effects. Thankfully, there are several strategies to help minimize these adverse effects and get you back on your feet. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly.

Heartburn—or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if it occurs regularly—is a common digestive disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The symptoms are all too familiar: a burning sensation just under the breastbone startles you awake in the middle of the night, or an unbearable acidic or sour taste in your mouth. Your stomach feels bloated, full. This scenario repeats itself for several nights, possibly over several weeks and months.