Digestive Health

Constipation isn't just an adult problem. And if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement in a few days, he or she is likely suffering from constipation. Consider ways to relieve constipation in...

Diarrhea, or upset stomach, is a condition that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their lives. The Mayo Clinic distinguishes between the acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea, and states...

The most common types of parasites that live in the gastrointestinal tract are roundworms, hookworms, pinworms, threadworms, tapeworms and rarely, anisakis found in sushi. Although doctors seldom...

Celiac disease is a genetic digestive disorder caused by the inability to digest gluten. For people with celiac disease, eating gluten prompts the immune system to react in the small intestine,...

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins just inside the anus which can produce pain, itching and bleeding. They're caused primarily when blood vessels swell due to excess internal pressure from constipation...

Crohn's disease affects many people. It is a condition that involves the intestinal tract and causes constant inflammation, primarily of the intestines. The most common area for Crohn's disease to...

Causes of an intestinal infection include yeast infections, fungus, mold, intestinal parasites and poor hygiene. When these pathogens or germs infect the intestines, they can be life-threatening....

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are a common condition that can affect about half of all people by the time they're 50, according to the Hemorrhoid and Rectal Disease Information and...

A twisted colon, otherwise known as colonic volvulus, is a condition in which blood flow is restricted, causing chronic gas and fluid accumulation when certain portions of the large intestine...

Clostridium difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea and sometimes severe colitis. Clostridium difficile infections are most common in elderly people taking antibiotics while...

Gallstones are hard crystallized deposits that build from unused bile. Bile helps break down foods in your intestines. The gallbladder is located on your right side, under your ribcage. According...

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease and an autoimmune disorder. While researchers do not yet have a full understanding of the underlying causes of Crohn's disease, recent research, as...

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage. It's frequently used in German dishes and as a topping for hot dogs. While known more as a vegetable than alternative remedy, sauerkraut does have several...

Acid reflux is a common disorder, especially in people over 50. The muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower-esophageal sphincter, weakens with age, contributing to symptoms of acid...

Salmonella and salmonellosis may sound similar, but subtle differences exist. Here's how you can tell the difference: Salmonella is the cause. Salmonellosis, also known as salmonella infection, is...

Occasionally even the most regular person could use a laxative. For that reason, many people keep MiraLAX in their medicine cabinet. Before you fix yourself a heaping capful, there are some...

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube the runs from the mouth to the stomach) is altered by long-term exposure to stomach acid. Normally the acid stays...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a common digestive ailment known by the acronym GERD, afflicts individuals with heartburn, esophageal pain, coughing and even damage to the vocal cords. While the...

If you suffer from gas, even the smallest amount trapped in the stomach can create considerable discomfort. Whether the gas results from an underlying condition or as a natural byproduct of...

Flatulence--affectionately known as gas--elicits responses such as disgust, embarrassment and laughter. Most people release gas even if they do not like to admit it, but excessive gas causes...

Acid reflux, according to the Mayo Clinic, is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. During an episode of acid reflux, you may feel the need to swallow more because something feels...

Loss of appetite is a reduced desire to eat. By contrast, a healthy appetite is a level of eating that maintains a normal body weight. Losing your appetite may signify illness, but can also be...

Lower abdominal pain is defined by any discomfort or irritating feeling developing or occurring to the right, left or just below the belly button. Medical treatment for lower abdominal pain is...

Stomach polyps are tiny growths that occur on the lining of the stomach, called the mucosa. While there is no definitive cause of stomach polyps, there are several factors believed to increase the...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a medical condition causing abdominal pain. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), one in 10 people suffer...

Rabeprazole is sold under the commercial brand Aciphex. Rabeprazole is a proton-pump inhibitor which reduces the production of acid in the stomach. Aciphex is a prescription medication and should...

Crohn's disease is a chronic digestive disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Eating coconut or coconut oil may provide relief from symptoms for...

It is normal to belch several times a day. In fact, the Mayo Clinic asserts that it is healthy to expel internal gas at least 12 times in a single day. If you find that you're belching much more...

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the lower colon, specifically the rectum and the sigmoid colon, to detect the causes of various intestinal ailments, which can include cancer.

Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements. The lack of bowel movements is uncomfortable for most people and can suggest other digestive issues. Constipation can be caused by a...

The colon is also known as the large intestine. It is 3 to 5 feet long and its function is to absorb all remaining nutrients and water from the half-digested food that passes into it and form...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as acid reflux, is a painful and irritating condition. It occurs when the liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, causing it...

For years, ginger has been recognized for its medicinal properties. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the herb has been used in Asian medicine to treat...

The pinworm is a type of parasitic roundworm, which lives in the intestines. Off all parasitic worm infections, pinworm is the most common in humans. Persons who are infected with pinworms tend to...

Intestinal gas affects all of us. For some, it can be a continual problem and can be very painful. There are many different ways to relieve intestinal gas. If you don't want to take prescribed...

When children first meet a child who is tube fed, they may have a lot of questions. It is important to give honest answers to each of their questions and to give them any additional information...

Although antibiotics are a necessary and beneficial part of the body's recovery process, they can have some negative effects on the body, including constipation. Constipation can be an...

A low-fat high-fiber diet that includes foods low in cholesterol and saturated fats is recommended after gallbladder surgery. This is because your body will no longer be able to store bile, which...

The role of the liver in the human body is often underappreciated. It stores vitamins, minerals and glucose for later use. The liver creates bile to break food down and it processes complex...

According to the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition that must be monitored daily and controlled as...

Found on both sides of your throat, tonsils are lumps of tissue responsible for trapping bacteria and viruses that may invade the body through the nose, mouth, and throat. White blood cells found...

Hidden blood in your stool may be the only early sign for detecting colon cancer. The National Cancer Institute recommends that people over 50 years of age test for fecal occult blood every one to...

Pain arising in the condition of bladder is considered to be one the most severe of the pain of any other painful condition. Conditions of the bladder that are mainly responsible for production of...

The traditional stomach acid test involves inserting a thin, long tube down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it will remove the liquid contents of the stomach. The fluid will then be...

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose, watery bowel movements that occur more than three times in one day. It has a number of potential causes, including viral and bacterial infections,...

Pepto-Bismol was created in 1919 by the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company and bought by Proctor and Gamble in 1982. Pepto-Bismol, distributed in liquid, tablets or capsule form helps suppress or...

When your pet is distressed it's always upsetting. If your dog has heartburn, also known as acid reflux, he may be very uncomfortable. However, by understanding the symptoms you can treat...

Bloating and distention after meals are uncomfortable and embarrassing. Some people, especially those who have trouble breaking down complex carbohydrates, may get tired of traditional antacids...

Having food particles caught in your tonsils is uncomfortable and aggravating. The challenge of removing food caught in your tonsils is dealing with your gag reflex. Unfortunately, the possible...

Your liver is critical to your well being. Your liver has many functions, including processing all of the foods you eat, storing iron, vitamins and minerals, making bile to help digest food,...