Stomach and Digestive - Causes

Ilise Ratner

Ilise didn't give up her quest to found out which condition was causing her digestive discomforts. Thankfully, she turned her troubles into triumphs and is now a health coach to help others overcome their digestive problems.

5 Hardest Foods to Digest

Plus simple advice to better digest any food you eat.

The Benefits of Mucus in Your Digestive Tract

New research shows mucus may be beneficial in treating chronic digestive disorders. Here's what you need to know.

Too Much Stress May Cause This Digestive Ailment

Stress can magnify minor health problems. Get acquainted with the tools you'll need to combat a certain bothersome stomach condition.

When You Gotta Go, Go. The Dangers of "Holding It In"

When your body sends a signal that it s time to use the restroom, you shouldn t ignore it. Here are some surprising reasons why.

8 Ways to Improve Digestion

You are what you eat. Eat well. Be well.

4 Surprising Foods That Contain Gluten

Gluten can lurk where you'd least expect it. Arm yourself with knowledge when it comes to these four common foods.

Fast Fixes for Common Digestive Problems

Is your belly feeling out of whack? These simple tweaks may help.

Link Between Digestive Diseases and Migraines?

Studies shed light on the possibility that your migraines are connected to digestive disorders.

Diagnosed With Lactose Intolerance? Tips to Cope

Just because you can't tolerate dairy products doesn't mean you can't find delicious substitutes. Here are five tips for dealing with the digestive woe.

Got IBS? Lower Your FODMAPs For Relief

GI specialists say 70 percent of people with IBS can reduce their symptoms by following a low-FODMAP diet. What are FODMAPs, and what role do they play in digestion?

Leaky Gut Syndrome and Its Connection to RA

Some research suggests that leaky gut syndrome, or increased intestinal permeability, is implicated in dozens of diseases including arthritis. Could your diet be to blame?

What Dolphins Can Teach Us About Eating for Health

Dolphins may seem like an unlikely model for improving human diets, but these marine mammals can teach us the importance of quality vs. quantity when it comes to food.

IBS: Real Condition, Real Symptoms

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.

GERD Without Heartburn? It's Possible

You can still get diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) without having heartburn. Learn the other risk factors.

Is Heartburn the Same As GERD?

Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. And there s more to know about how these conditions are distinct.

Stomach Bacteria Might Be Making You Fat

Scientists found that gut flora can block your weight loss efforts. Here's how.

Could Gut Bacteria Cause Your IBS?

Health experts suspected bacteria played a role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but the research was inconclusive. Until now.

Stress and Heartburn: 5 Ways to Find Relief

Stress leads to the behaviors that bring on heartburn, but our tips can quell the flames and help you cope.

Should You Shake Your Salt Habit?

Studies link sodium to heart disease and hypertension. But now, science shows sodium is beneficial. Here's what to believe.

Gluten Intolerance: Why It's a Growing Problem

Does it seem like everyone's sensitive to gluten these days? Here's why.

The Hidden Dangers of Herbal Supplements

Supplements like bee pollen can seem like a sure road to health, but user beware.

The Truth Behind Your Indigestion

Indigestion is indigestion, right? Wrong. By knowing the origins of your upset stomach you'll have a better shot at treating it successfully.

8 Digestive Health Myths

We separate fact from fiction for these common digestive misconceptions.

The Real Reason for Your Upset Stomach?

This sneaky bacterium could be the force behind that queasy feeling. Here's how to eliminate it.

Heartburn and Cancer: Is There a Connection?

Occasional heartburn is no cause for concern. But chronic bouts can be linked to serious health problems, including cancer.

Gluten Allergy, Gluten Intolerance, Celiac Disease: The Differences

The symptoms you experience after eating a food containing gluten hold the key to whether it's an allergy or intolerance.

Runner's Diarrhea: Why It Happens, How to Avoid It

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.

Muscle Tone in the Esophagus May Play a Role in GERD

Doctors have discovered that the strength of your esophagus may play a major role in why you have gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Digestive Problems Could Stifle Your Weight Loss Goals

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 Mechanics of Constipation

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.

How to Combat Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is a common occurrence. Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce or eliminate excess fluids.

The Link Between IBS and Fibromyalgia

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.

How Smoking Causes Cancer

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.

Why You Crave 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.

What Stomach Pain in Older Adults May Mean

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.

Commonly Misdiagnosed Digestive Problems

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.

Should You Take Digestive Enzymes?

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.

What You Need to Know About Barrett's Esophagus

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).

Naturally Relieve These 3 Digestive Problems

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.

Natural Solutions to 3 Gas Problems

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.

Common Antibiotic May Help Relieve IBS Symptoms

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.

Food Allergy or Food Intolerance? How to Tell the Difference

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.

Could You Have an Intestinal Parasite?

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.

Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome

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.

Living with Dumping Syndrome

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.

Understanding Cirrhosis of the Liver

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.

What is Hemochromatosis?

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.

Acidy Feeling in Your Mouth? 9 Tips to Feel Better

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.

Can Drinking Milk Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer?

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.

Food Poisoning is on the Rise

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.

Delayed Heartburn: Why Does it Happen?

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.

How to Treat Swallowing Problems

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.

Ulcerative Colitis: Understanding the Physical and Emotional Pain

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, often resulting in stomach pain and bloody diarrhea.

Foods That Aid in Digestion

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.

Drink More Water, Be More Regular

When your body doesn't get enough fluids, especially water, the result can be hard, dry stools and chronic bouts of constipation.

Finding Relief From Frequent Nausea

Here, find out common causes and treatments for nausea.

4 Actions to Take After a Crohn's Diagnosis

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.

How Smoking Affects 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.

How to Cope with Bowel Incontinence

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.

Pancreatitis: What You Should Know

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.

Stomach Cancer: Good News and Bad News

Gastric cancer has become more prevalent among some.

How Antibiotics Affect Your Digestive Health

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.

How Your Digestive System Works

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.

Celiac Disease: Is Your Child At Increased Risk?

Did you know that if your child was born by caesarean section, she could be at increased risk for celiac disease?

All About Anal Fissures and Fistulas

Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Understanding Ischemic Colitis

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.

How to Find Help for Hemorrhoids

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.

5 Common Causes of Bloody Stools

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.

Hemorrhoids: A Real Pain in the Rear

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.

What to Do About "Nervous Stomach"

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.

The Causes and Treatments of Diverticulitis

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.

Understanding Appendicitis

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.

How to Eat Cleanly to Prevent Colon Cancer

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.

Nausea and Vomiting: What You May Not Know

We've all experienced the terrible feeling of nausea...and of throwing up. Here, the not-so-pretty facts.

4 Common Age-Related Pains

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.

Understanding Short Bowel Syndrome

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?

Olive Oil May Protect You Against Ulcerative Colitis

Olive oil has always been known to be protective for heart health, but here is another added benefit.

Could Fluctuating Hormones Be the Cause of Your Bloating?

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.

Aspirin May Boost Crohn s Disease Risk

See why you should be cautious of aspirin intake and how it my heighten your risk of Crohn's Disease.

How Much Gas is Too Much?

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.

5 Foods That Cause Constipation

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.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning from Ruining Your Barbecue

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.

What You Should Know About Gallstones

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?

Gut Bacteria May Be Making You Fat

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.

Bacteria in the Digestive System May be Linked to Disease

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.

Are Too Many Laxatives Harming Your Health?

While taking an occasional laxative isn't harmful, overuse of laxatives (as well as suppositories and enemas) can lead to some pretty serious complications.

Prone to Heartburn? Avoid these 6 Drinks

Read on for a list of six drinks that are most likely to burn a fire in your chest.

5 Life-Threatening Dangers of Peptic Ulcers

While most ulcers can be cured without complications, if left untreated, some can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

The IBS and Brain Connection

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.

What Causes Stomachaches?

Who hasn't had a stomachache? Find out what causes them.

What You Didn't Know About Diarrhea

Read on for some surprising causes of this common condition, plus get plenty tried-and-true treatments.

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer.

Signs of a Hiatal Hernia

If you've been experiencing chest pain, bloating, and difficulty swallowing, it's possible you have a hiatal hernia.

Could You Be at Risk for Esophageal Cancer?

If you frequently suffer from acid reflux, your health could be paying the price.

5 Digestive System Myths

When it comes to the digestive system, there are plenty of of myths and misconceptions. Here, we present five.

Depression and Crohn s Disease

Depression--it s not all in your head and it does matter.

Living with an Ostomy

If your doctor has recommended an ostomy, here s what you need to know.

Living with a J Pouch

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.

Genetic Screening: Discovering Your Cancer Risk

Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes?

Crohn's Affect on Muscles

Those achy muscles are not all in your head.

Clostridium Difficile (CDF) and Crohn s: What s the Connection?

This microbe could pose a problem for your condition.

Crohn s Disease: Complications You Can Avoid

Managing disease complications eases symptoms

The Link between Celiac Disease and Crohn's

Although they are different diseases, Celiac and Crohn s share similar symptoms and characteristics.

Is Crohn's Making You Exhausted?

Feeling fatigued? If you have Crohn s disease, you re not alone.

Stomach Ulcers and Crohn's: Does One Cause the Other?

Find how out these two stomach conditions are related.

The Crohn's-Psoriasis Connection

Studies suggest a strong link between Crohn's disease and psoriasis.

Crohn's and Fibromyalgia: What's the Connection?

Crohn s disease shares symptoms, treatment and possibly causes, with many other illnesses, including fibromyalgia.

Eat This Spice To Improve Your Crohn's

Relief for Crohn's disease may be as near as your kitchen cupboard

Could You Have a Magnesium Deficiency?

Many Crohn's patients are deficient in magnesium. If this is the case for you, find out what this could mean for your health.

Do Vaccines Cause Crohn's?

Learn about the connection between vaccines and this prominent bowel disease.

Crohn's May Be Weakening Your Bones

Osteoporosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease often go hand in hand.

Do You Have a Gluten Allergy?

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.

Don't Let Your Crohn's Get Out of Control

Here are some realistic steps you can take to help keep your symptoms at bay.

The Food, Exercise, and Digestion Connection

Learn about the important link between the three.

Can Crohn's Be Prevented?

Find out if certain behaviors can help ward off the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn s?

Recognizing the symptoms can lead to a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.

The 411 on Crohn s Nutritional Deficiencies

The disease can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Learn how a balanced diet can help you better manage this.

Crohn s and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

The majority of women with the disease can successfully start families.

Crohn s and Sleep: What s the Connection?

Getting enough z s at night can have therapeutic effects.

Tips to Ease Crohn s-Related Pain

You don t have to suffer unnecessarily. A few small steps can make a big difference.

Are You at Risk for Crohn s?

Environment, eating habits, and genetics all play a key role.

Understanding Crohn s in Kids

The incidence of Crohn s in children under 16 is increasing. But why?

Can Smoking Cause Heartburn?

Learn more about cigarettes' negative effects on your digestive health.

Managing Heartburn While on the Road

Learn simple strategies for controlling your condition while away from home.

Foods That Make Heartburn Worse

Beware: the following foods may exacerbate your condition.

10 Shocking Speed-Eating Records

Mom always said to eat slowly to avoid getting a stomachache. Apparently, these people weren't listening.

Could You Have Crohn's Disease?

Learn about the symptoms and methods of diagnosing this gastrointestinal disorder.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Here, a guide to the disease, from screening to treatment.

Understanding IBS

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.

Easing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss.

Understanding Heartburn and GERD

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.
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