Digestive Health Archives

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Feb 26, 2018 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Digestive Health

When the body’s immune system overreacts to viruses or bacteria in the intestines, the result can be ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These conditions both fall under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). About 1.4 million Americans have IBD, which affects men and women equally. When IBD symptoms occur … Read More

The Best Probiotics for Digestive Distress

Jan 25, 2018 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

You may have heard about the digestive benefits of probiotics—living bacteria found in yogurt and other products. Probiotics are considered “good” bacteria because they support digestive function and limit the growth of “bad” bacteria (see What You Should Know). Probiotics are available in supplement form, but it can be daunting … Read More

Avoid the Discomfort of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Jan 23, 2018 · Kate Brophy · Digestive Health

Peptic ulcer disease affects about 6 million Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC data also shows that older adults are at greater risk for hospitalization due to peptic ulcer disease. “Older adults are at particular risk for peptic ulcers and their complications … Read More

Enzymes Play an Important Role in Digestion

Dec 22, 2017 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

When you eat a delicious meal, you might not think about what’s happening to the food as it goes into your stomach—but the minute you start eating, a collection of digestive enzymes goes to work. They break down the food and beverages you consume so your body can absorb the … Read More

Foods That Cause Indigestion

Dec 22, 2017 · Dawn Bialy · Digestive Health

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, includes any sort of stomach upset or discomfort. Symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn, bloating, nausea, burping, and feeling uncomfortably full. While indigestion can include heartburn, the two are not interchangeable. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid traveling into the esophagus and causing … Read More

IBS: Here’s What’s Behind the Gut-Churning Grip of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Dec 21, 2017 · Cindy Foley · Digestive Health

Those who suffer from IBS, a.k.a. irritable bowel syndrome, may find their guts churning just a little more when they find out that IBS is not actually considered a disease. In order to be a disease, a condition needs an established cause, common physical changes due to the disorder, and … Read More

Debunking 6 Probiotic Myths

Oct 26, 2017 · UHN · Digestive Health

Some people use supplements and fermented foods containing probiotics—beneficial bacteria and yeasts—in an effort to improve health. But, is there good science behind them? Probiotic experts help clear up six common myths: MYTH—Probiotics are proven to help with weight loss. “There is compelling evidence, including observational and intervention studies, that … Read More

The Lowdown on Leaky Gut

Oct 26, 2017 · UHN · Digestive Health

As the popular depiction of “leaky gut” goes, damage to the lining of the small intestine “can release undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins into your bloodstream.” And, that can potentially spur a myriad of health problems ranging from digestive issues to joint pain. Without a doubt, this description is … Read More

Leaky Gut Implicated in Autoimmune Disorders

Oct 10, 2017 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Digestive Health

Leaky gut has been associated with a wide range of disorders, among them asthma, food sensitivities, psoriasis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. But what is leaky gut? At its most basic, leaky gut is like having large holes in what is supposed to be tighten woven fabric. The holes allow … Read More

Appendix II: Resources

Oct 9, 2017 · UHN · Digestive Health

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics www.eatright.org 800-877-1600 120 South Riverside Plaza Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60606-6995 American Association for the Study of Liver Disease www.aasld.org 703-299-9766 1001 North Fairfax Street Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 American Celiac Society www.americanceliacsociety.org 504-305-2968 American College of Gastroenterology www.gi.org 301-263-9000 6400 Goldsboro Road Suite … Read More

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