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]
digestive health
What Causes Hepatitis A?
There are several types of hepatitis viruses. All of them create inflammation and negatively affect liver function. Hepatitis A is very contagious and can be passed through food and water contamination. The virus also spreads from person to person when contact is made with someone who is infected. The Centers for Disease Control report that outbreaks of hepatitis A are most common in those who experience homelessness. People at high risk of the virus were recommended to get vaccinations in ... [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]
Help with Heartburn
If you have a pain in the chest that is a burning sensation, especially after eating a large or spicy meal, it is likely heartburn. For people who tend to have heartburn, eating and drinking can cause your body to react in uncomfortable ways. An occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about – it is usually easily treated by chewing antacid tablets and/or taking an over-the counter heartburn medicine. These can include Prilosec, Pepcid, Prevacid, Zantac, Mylanta, or Pepto-Bismol. If ... [Read More]
Managing Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is both a digestive disease and an immune disorder. When a person with celiac disease eats a food that contains gluten – which is a protein found in certain grains – the antibodies created by the condition attack when the gluten reaches your small intestine. This response eventually damages the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to malabsorption of important nutrients, fatigue, bloating, anemia, and diarrhea. The malabsorption of nutrients can cause malnutrition, ... [Read More]
