Behind the stomach and next to the small intestine is where the pancreas is located. It delivers insulin and glucagon, which like insulin assists the body in controlling how it processes food and energy. The pancreas also aids digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed (“-itis” = “inflammation”). This often occurs when gallstones block the pancreas’ ability to release enzymes into the intestines. There are two types of ... [Read More]
Austin Gastroenterology
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]
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a natural sugar that is common in dairy products. Lactose intolerance is the inability to breakdown lactose. The condition is due to the body’s inability to create a sufficient amount of lactase, an enzyme that is supplied by the small intestine. Lactase’ job is to break down lactose. When the small intestine doesn’t make enough lactase, lactose goes undigested as it moves into the large intestine. Interaction between undigested lactose and bacteria in the large intestine cause ... [Read More]
Remedies to Treat Heartburn
Stomach acids break down the food we eat for digestion, and they also help the body absorb nutrients. The acid also eliminates bacteria in the stomach to prevent infection. However, when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus – which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach – it can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This is called heartburn. This backup of stomach acid is referred to as acid reflux. This occurs when the sphincter at the base of the esophagus functions ... [Read More]
