Most of us will develop a hiatal hernia at some point in our lives. According to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, 60% of Americans will develop one by the time they reach the age of 60 -- and they are more common among women. Hiatal hernias develop when a part of the stomach pushes [...]
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic swelling and ulcers in the inner lining of the colon. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, rectal bleeding, urgency but inability to defecate, weight loss, fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and anemia. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis [...]
Have you been diagnosed with GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)? If so, you know the discomfort of heartburn and acid reflux, GERD’s biggest symptoms. Very common in both men and women, GERD occurs when acidic or non-acidic stomach contents back up into the esophagus. It can also be accompanied by chest pain, chronic throat irritation, [...]
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel activity, abdominal pain or unusual weight loss, your gastroenterologist may recommend that you undergo a flexible sigmoidoscopy to determine the cause or causes. This common procedure is also a way that physicians can screen for colon and rectal cancer. The flexible [...]
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean cutting out the foods you love, like pizza, brownies and cookies. Here are some great gluten-free recipes your family will love: Cauliflower Crust Pizza Ingredients 1 head cauliflower, cored and separated into florets ½ C water ½ tsp salt 2 ounces fresh goat cheese ½ ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese [...]
The first thing to know about IBS is that it’s a common disorder. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States alone and most people with IBS are under the age of 50. While the exact causes of IBS are unknown, [...]
Everyone has a little trouble going to the bathroom sometimes. Some typical symptoms of constipation are hard or small stools, bloating, few or no bowel movements for several days. While these symptoms can be frustrating, there are many normal reasons to experience constipation: Why Am I Constipated? You’re Dehydrated: Fluids are extremely important to the [...]
Going ‘gluten-free’ has become a popular health trend. Everyone’s talking about it, but do you know the facts? What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found most often in wheat, barley and rye. Some people have an allergy or aversion to this substance which can wreak havoc on the digestive system and cause other symptoms. [...]
Have you ever felt a burning sensation in your chest and think that it might be heartburn? Are you wondering if it is also called acid reflux? Easily confused, acid reflux and heartburn are actually two different conditions that can go hand-in-hand. Acid Reflux Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid (or bile) moves up and [...]
Rectal bleeding, which can be obvious or ‘occult’ (hidden) is a symptom of a problem, not a disease itself. You might notice it in your stool or on toilet paper after wiping. Typically, it occurs in conjunction with conditions that can be controlled, such as hemorrhoids or constipation. It can, however, be a sign of [...]
