Suffering from stomach ulcers can negatively impact your quality of life. One in 10 people in Western countries will develop stomach ulcers at least once in their life. Understanding why ulcers form can help you take preventive measures to avoid their development. Stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers occur in the lining of the stomach. Normally, protective mucus in the stomach protects against the very strong stomach acid that breaks down the food you eat. But when the mucus lining the stomach ... [Read More]
Digestive Health
Is Bloating a Cause for Concern?
We’ve all had that bloated, uncomfortable “full belly” feeling at some point. Most of the time, it’s perfectly normal and no cause for concern. On rare occasions, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. Unless your bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and weight loss, it’s probably nothing to worry about. Most of the time, diet and other simple reasons such as eating a big meal or too much salt can explain the bloating you’re experiencing. Let’s ... [Read More]
Is Gut Bacteria Causing Your Health Problems?
We all know the contributions that heart health, dental hygiene and physical fitness play in a healthy lifestyle. While all of these are definitely important, rarely is gut health a topic of conversation. Most of us know now that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. Gut bacteria are the good guys that impact important components of your health – from digestion to the immune system. When we have too little or too much gut bacteria, this can adversely affect our health and wellness and could ... [Read More]
How Food Affects Your Gut Health
To understand the role that food plays to gut health, it’s good to have some understanding of the digestive system and its processes. Your gut refers to the stomach or belly area, but really it’s more involved than that, when a discussion concerning gut health ensues. In this case, the word gut and the digestive system are interchangeable. The gut is quite involved and includes several organs and body parts that aid digestion, the first of which is the mouth. Your mouth is the beginning of ... [Read More]
How Alcohol Affects Your Digestive System
Here’s a toast to those who either drink in moderation or don’t drink at all. By drinking, of course, we’re talking about the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Why does it matter? Because consuming alcohol can damage your digestive system and can increase your risk of cancer and liver disease. How Your Digestive System Processes Alcohol Your digestive system includes more than just your stomach and intestines. It also includes your mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and anus. Each ... [Read More]