Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which results in the irritation and chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Unlike other gut-related illnesses, ulcerative colitis affects only the large colon and, in some cases, the rectum. This disease affects the innermost lining of both the colon and the rectum, often causing the formation of ulcers (also known as sores) which tend to bleed and excrete mucus or pus. It may also prompt frequent trips to the bathroom. There ... [Read More]
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Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common condition that can affect people at varying degrees. It occurs when acid in the stomach flows back up through the esophagus (the tube that transfers food from your throat to your stomach). At the bottom of the esophagus, a ring of muscles known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food into the stomach. Normally, the LES closes tightly after food has entered the stomach; but with acid reflux, the ring does not close tightly enough. The LES may also ... [Read More]
Common GI Problems
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has not experienced a gastrointestinal issue at some point in their life. While GI problems are extremely common, they are not normal. If you are experiencing digestive issues, seek the help of a qualified gastroenterologist who can examine you and order the appropriate tests to make sure that your GI symptoms are not due to life-threatening conditions. Here are the most common GI problems and how to treat them. Constipation If you are c ... [Read More]
Gallbladder Diseases
Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped, sac-like organ in your abdomen under your liver. Its main purpose is to store bile from the liver and deliver it to the small intestine, helping to properly digest fats that have been consumed. Bile contains acids which are critical for the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When you eat high-fat or high-cholesterol foods, your gallbladder contracts and sends bile into your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) via the common ... [Read More]
10 Most Common Liver Conditions
The liver is your largest internal organ and it has important responsibilities like removing toxins from your body, processing food nutrients, fighting infections and illness and helping to regulate your body’s metabolism. The liver is a very complex organ - second only to the brain - and is extremely resilient and highly regenerative. However, there are some circumstances when your liver can be permanently damaged and is unable fulfill its functions adequately. This can lead to serious and l ... [Read More]
Pancreatic Conditions
The pancreas is a multipurpose organ and several processes of the body depend on its health and proper functioning. It produces insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels in the body, as well as enzymes and hormones that help break down food as part of the digestive process. The pancreas is also a difficult organ to evaluate for disease or disorder due to its location in the body. It is difficult to reach for purposes of a biopsy, and blood tests can have misleading results. The best ... [Read More]
What is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure where a long, thin, and flexible tube with a light and video camera on one end – an instrument called an endoscope – is inserted into the body to take a closer look at an internal organ or tissue. An endoscopy is also used to take pictures and conduct minor surgery by passing miniature tools through the tube to the target tissue. An endoscopic procedure is considered minimally invasive because the endoscope can be inserted into the smallest openings of the body or thr ... [Read More]
Gallstones: Risks and Treatment
Having gallstones, a condition called cholelithiasis, is common among Americans. It affects about 25 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The majority of people who have gallstones experience no symptoms. For these people, their “silent gallstones” may be discovered in X-rays or during surgery. For others, however, gallstones bring great pain, typically in the upper right abdomen area or in the back. What Are G ... [Read More]
Bacteria Live Inside You … And That’s a Good Thing!
People hear the word bacteria and immediately it conjures up an association with illness or dirty conditions. And that may be true, to a point, but some bacteria are extremely beneficial and some we just could not live without. What germaphobes and those fascinated with all the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal products in the marketplace don’t realize is that much of the bacteria in and on our bodies is necessary for our health. The term “probiotics” has been bandied about the p ... [Read More]
From Contamination to Treatment: Understanding E. Coli Infections (Food Poisoning)
All too often, it seems, the news reports contain stories about a salad or hamburger manufacturer having to recall its lettuce or beef (or other foods) due to an E. coli contamination. So, what exactly is E. coli? Short for Escherichia coli, these bacteria are found in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, certain varieties can make you violently ill and may even be fatal. The most common of these bad strains are Shiga toxin-producing E. ... [Read More]
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