When your digestive system is running a bit slow, it can make you feel bloated, gassy, and full. You might even experience stomach pains, nausea, and bleeding during bowel movements. These symptoms can interfere with your daily life and comfort. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist can give you guidance on how to stop constipation in its tracks. Here are common and effective methods to reduce – or even eliminate – constipation. Drink Plenty of Water Drinking water is essential for many things, ... [Read More]
digestive health
Adjusting to a lactose-free lifestyle
There are many reasons why your doctor would recommend a lactose-free lifestyle. You could be lactose intolerant or dairy products may trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal conditions that you have. When you choose to go lactose-free, there may be an adjustment period that you have to go through to fully adopt a lactose-free lifestyle. Here are a couple of tips that can help ease the transition. Read Labels Closely When grocery shopping, read the product labels to find out if it contains ... [Read More]
Causes of IBS
Over 35 million people in the United States and as many as 15% of the population worldwide are affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a very common condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation. It is a chronic condition, and although its exact cause is still not fully understood, it has been linked to a number of different factors that increase the chances of getting IBS or trigger IBS ... [Read More]
Treatments for Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products. In order for the intestines and the body to absorb it properly, your small intestine produces lactase – which is an enzyme responsible for breaking down the sugar. If the small intestine is unable to produce lactase, the lactose is left undigested as it transfers to the large intestine. This creates the uncomfortable symptoms associated with lactose intolerance. Fortunately, treatments for lactose intolerance are usually enough to control ... [Read More]
Causes Of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population on a regular basis. It happens when the acids in your stomach move up into the esophagus, the tube that moves food down from the throat to the stomach. It can cause a number of symptoms in varying degrees of severity. Fortunately, it can often be prevented and treated successfully. Acid Reflux At the bottom of the esophagus, a ring of muscles, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), opens to allow food into ... [Read More]