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]
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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]
What to Expect from Lynch Genetic Testing
There are a group of inherited syndromes that are known to increase a person’s risk of getting colon cancer or endometrial cancer. Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) is the most common hereditary factor linked to those diseases in women. Fortunately, there is genetic testing available that can screen for Lynch syndrome. Let’s go into more detail about what Lynch syndrome is and what you can expect from Lynch genetic testing. Lynch Syndrome Lynch sy ... [Read More]
Are Juice Cleanses Necessary?
You’ve heard about the juicing craze. Juice bars are popping up everywhere, from the mall to the gym. And the latest trend are juice cleanses. Juice cleanses involve only drinking juice for a designated period of time, typically ranging from 3 to 10 days. There are different opinions on whether juice cleanses are necessary, helpful, or harmful. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a juice cleanse, as well as some potential risks, so you can determine if a juice cleanse is the right choice ... [Read More]
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is an accumulation of fat cells in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is commonly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to distinguish it from the diseases where alcohol plays a part. If more than 10 percent of total cells in the liver are fat cells, it is called steatosis, or fatty liver. Many people have fatty liver disease without noticeable symptoms, but it can be dangerous if allowed to progress. Steatosis can lead to swelling and ... [Read More]
Do You Really Need to Detox Your Liver?
A healthy liver plays a vital role in digestion, filtering food and drinks you ingest, purifying the blood, and performing literally hundreds of functions every day. The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and we cannot live without it. Many self-proclaimed health experts recommend a liver detox to rid the body of toxins and cleanse the liver. But is this truly necessary? How Your Body Detoxes Naturally Your liver detoxifies the body constantly. By filtering out toxins ... [Read More]
Upper GI Diseases vs. Lower GI Diseases
The gastrointestinal (GI) system goes all the way from the mouth to the anus, and for medical evaluation and treatment purposes it’s divided into two main sections: the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. There are various ailments that can afflict the upper and/or lower GI tract. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about the upper and lower GI tracts and the diseases associated with them. Upper GI Tract Conditions The upper GI tract is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, an ... [Read More]
Why You Should Have a Colonoscopy
The statistics are alarming – colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed (after skin cancer and breast/prostate cancer), and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. This year, there will be an estimated 97,000 new cases of colon cancer. The good news is that a colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer or find it at an early stage. Early detection is the key to survival. In fact, if caught early, colorectal cancer has a 9 ... [Read More]
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