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
Facts About Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is projected to cost the lives of over 50,000 Americans in 2019. It is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths when the statistics for men and women are combined. Recent decades have seen a decline in the number of deaths from colon cancer due to improved treatment measures and an increased focus on regular screenings beginning at age 50, or earlier if a genetic risk exists. When caught early, colon cancer is highly ... [Read More]
Crohn’s and Colitis: Is There New Hope?
By Dr. Harry J. Thomas “Suffering in silence” is commonly shared by those afflicted with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Sufferers opt not to mention their physical pain to friends, family, or coworkers, much less seek expert medical attention before something like an ER visit or hospitalization occurs. They bend to social stigma against acknowledging and discussing “bathroom diseases.” But as World IBD Day on May 19th approaches, those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face a ... [Read More]
Liver Diseases and Causes
The liver is the second-largest organ in the body behind the skin. It helps the body digest food, store energy, and filter out toxins. Liver disease can occur due to many possible sources – basically, any condition that can damage the liver can cause or contribute to liver disease. Hepatitis A, B, and C are common causes. Heavy drinking and drug use are common causes of fatty liver disease (a buildup of fat in the liver) and cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Genetics can predispose a person ... [Read More]
A Crohn’s and Colitis Disease Patient Story: Meet Erin Bush
Erin Bush understands the importance of “Making the Invisible Visible,” the theme for this year’s World IBD Day. Since birth, there were always certain foods that bothered Erin's stomach so her mother naturally modified Erin's diet accordingly. Erin continued this way of eating throughout her childhood, knowing that if she ate certain foods she would most certainly suffer the consequences later. It never occurred to them that Erin could actually be suffering from a serious inflammatory bowel ... [Read More]