If you have a sensitivity to gluten, you are not alone. It is estimated that 18 million Americans are affected, which is 6 times the amount of those with confirmed celiac disease. Although the causes and risk factors for gluten sensitivity are still not entirely known, there are a number of theories that suggest why gluten, and certain compounds found in grains, may trigger symptoms in some people. What Is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found naturally in grain plants such as wheat, barley, and ... [Read More]
Digestive Health
The Importance of Digestive Health
The digestive system is made of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It is responsible for breaking down foods and liquids into their basic chemical components like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The body then absorbs them as nutrients, which can be used as energy to build and repair cells and help you function. The role of the digestive system begins when food enters the body and passes through the esophagus and the stomach where digestion starts. The small ... [Read More]
What Are Gallstones?
If you are feeling a strange pain in your upper back, right shoulder, or upper-right side or center of your abdomen, then you may have gallstones. These are hard deposits of cholesterol or digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. You have a greater propensity for developing gallstones if you are overweight or eat a high-cholesterol diet. You can also easily get gallstones if you have diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or various blood disorders. Let’s talk about how gallstones form and ... [Read More]
How Can You Improve Your Microbiome?
The gut microbiome consists of a variety of bacteria that thrive within your intestines. Unlike the ones that give you sicknesses, these bacteria are beneficial to the health of your digestive system. However, the gut microbiome is vulnerable to damage when you eat unhealthily, which can lead to poor intestinal health. Like the rest of your body, your microbiome deserves care and attention. It pays to know how to improve your gut microbiome if you want to keep your digestive tract healthy. Eat ... [Read More]
Why Stomach Ulcers Develop and How to Treat Them
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]
