Digestive Health Archives

The Essential Role of the Gut Microbiome

Jul 24, 2024 · UHN Staff · Digestive Health

Your gut is teeming with trillions of microbes. But don’t worry, for the most part, these inhabitants play a positive role in human health. We may be their hosts, but we are also their beneficiaries. Collectively referred to as the gut microbiome, these tiny microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and … Read More

Ask the EN Experts August 2024

Jul 24, 2024 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Digestive Health

Making the switch to including more vegetarian meals can be a tasty and healthful change. Here are some tips to help you make the switch as smooth as possible: Start small. Begin by adding one or two vegetarian meals per week. This gradual approach may help you adjust without feeling … Read More

Leptin/Leptin Resistance?

Jul 24, 2024 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Digestive Health

Q: What is leptin and leptin resistance? A: Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and body weight. It functions by letting the brain when you’ve eaten enough and are full, signaling you to stop eating. In cases of leptin resistance, this signaling process doesn’t … Read More

Spotlight on Supplements: Psyllium

Jul 24, 2024 · Maria Stewart · Digestive Health

Overview: Psyllium is a soluble, viscous dietary fiber with minimal fermentability. It is a nutritional supplement intended to boost fiber intake, manage body weight, manage blood glucose, manage blood cholesterol and aid in laxation. Psyllium is considered both a “total dietary fiber” and a “soluble dietary fiber.” Special Functions. Psyllium … Read More

Do You Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Jul 24, 2024 · Denise Webb · Digestive Health

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, as it’s typically referred to, is a common, chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal system that can result in a wide range of symptoms, making it a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. In fact, it’s called a syndrome and not a disease, precisely because it … Read More

Fecal Transplants for Bacterial Infections in the Gut

May 23, 2024 · Denise Webb · Digestive Health

A fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is exactly what it sounds like—taking healthy bacteria from the stool of a carefully screened donor and then transferring a bacteria-rich saline solution of fecal matter to the colon of a recipient. As gross as it may seem, it offers a cure for people suffering … Read More

Document IBS and GERD Problems to Pinpoint a Correct Diagnosis

Apr 24, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Digestive Health

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—two of the more frequently occurring digestive disorders—affect women more often than men. In fact, hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menopause, can significantly impact digestive health in women. Despite this, women often go underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to symptoms … Read More

Learn to Care for and Feed Your Metabolism

Apr 23, 2024 · Carrie Dennett · Digestive Health

There’s no shortage of advice on how to “boost” your metabolism, and no shortage of people seeking that advice. If you’ve moved out of your young adult years and find it hard to lose weight—or easier to gain weight—it’s easy to blame a slow metabolism. But do our metabolisms really … Read More

Spring Into Asparagus

Apr 23, 2024 · Lori Zanteson · Digestive Health

The Folklore. Asparagus, a seasonal favorite, whose name means stalk or shoot in Greek, was first cultivated about 2,500 years ago in Greece, where it was used medicinally to treat toothaches and help prevent bee stings. Considered a delicacy since ancient times, this dainty and nutritious spear continues to be … Read More

Gluten-Free Cookies, Crackers, Chips

Apr 23, 2024 · Heidi McIndoo · Digestive Health

The onslaught of gluten-free foods has been a tremendous help to those managing celiac disease and other conditions requiring gluten avoidance. However, it has also led to misunderstandings for some trying to eat more healthfully. Misconceptions include believing all gluten-free foods are inherently better for you than their gluten-containing counterpart. … Read More

Digestive Health

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