According to the National Institutes of Health, Irritable bowel syndrome – IBS – “is a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated pain in your abdomen and changes in your bowel movements, which may be diarrhea, constipation, or both.” In other words, IBS is defined by its symptoms rather than its cause. There’s good reason for that. The root cause hasn’t been defined. Medical science has not yet been able to pinpoint why IBS occurs, only that it does for some people and that the ... [Read More]
Blog
How Probiotics Help Your Gut Health
The ancient saying “food is medicine” is increasingly becoming a mantra in modern culture. More people understand that good health is best managed through conscious healthy food consumption. Many diseases are triggered or aggravated by unhealthy food habits, so maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial. It can be an active weapon against disease – or a direct contributor. It helps in reducing inflammation and risks for diseases, both trivial and serious. Gut health also helps in burning ... [Read More]
What to Do if You Notice Rectal Bleeding
If you notice blood in your stool, it may have originated from anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in the colon, rectum, or anus. The color of the blood may indicate the possible origin of the bleeding. Lesions close to the anus leak bright blood. The upper parts of the large intestine cause dark red or maroon blood. Bleeding from the stomach produces black and tarry stools called melena. If blood loss is severe, it may occur with the additional symptoms of weakness, dizziness, low ... [Read More]
Preparing for an Iron Infusion
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the substance contained in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to all of our organs. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of the world’s population is iron deficient. There are a host of reasons why one might be iron deficient, including an insufficient diet, pregnancy, blood loss, cancer, heavy menstrual cycles and kidney failure. However, the outcome is always the same – a lack of iron halts the production of ... [Read More]
Five Things to Know About Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver affects more than 633,000 adults and often acts as a silent killer – with 69% of Americans unaware they even have the condition. Being educated is an easy preventive measure. Here are five things you need to know about this deadly, but too often preventable, disease. Your Liver is Multi-tasking Your liver is a multi-tasking marvel responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the body, cleaning the blood and generating vital nutrients. However, in those wh ... [Read More]
How Can Anemia Affect your Daily Life?
Red blood cells are a vital component of the blood, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s tissues and structures.1 Anemia can occur when your body either doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, destroys them, or loses them through blood loss (faster than they can be replenished). If you’re receiving adequate levels of iron, vitamin B-12, folate, and other nutrients, these cells are generated in the spongy bone marrow nestled between your bones. While blood disea ... [Read More]
Can You Prevent Colon Cancer?
Colorectal, or Colon Cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States – claiming 50,000 lives each year. But according to the American Cancer Society, it is also one of the most preventable, beatable, and treatable types of cancer. Staying informed about the risks and preventive measures is the best way to stay healthy. Here are some ways you can lower your risk of getting colon cancer. Early Screenings When it comes to successfully treating cancers – the early bird get ... [Read More]
Dealing with Celiac Disease
More people than ever in the United States are being diagnosed with celiac disease. Yet, it is estimated that among the estimated one-in-141 people that have celiac disease, most still are not aware that they have the disorder. Once you receive a diagnosis that explains the multiple symptoms you have been experiencing, the next step is learning how to deal with celiac disease. It’s a lifelong process that takes some learning and adjustment. But, once you learn how to manage celiac disease, y ... [Read More]
Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders are among some of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions, yet some people hesitate to discuss them with a doctor, especially those ones that affect bathroom habits. However, GI conditions aren’t limited to the bowel. They comprise a variety of issues, from heartburn to hepatitis C. These disorders can range in severity from acute, mildly annoying, to chronic, debilitating and potentially life-threatening. In other words, they’re well worth talking with your doc ... [Read More]
Chronic Pancreatitis Overview
Pancreatitis, the disease that 28-year-old Swedish DJ Avicii lived within the years before his recent death, is on the rise in the United States. Pancreatitis is characterized as inflammation in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Acute pancreatitis can come on suddenly, signaling a new and concerning problem. However, whether from lifestyle choices or a lingering health issue, chronic pancreatitis can build up until it becomes unbearable and even dangerous. The pancreas serves ... [Read More]
stay connected