For most of us, a visit to the doctor means going to your primary or general physician for a regular check-up. However, some medical conditions and warning signs, such as those involving the gastrointestinal system (GI), require more specialized diagnosis and care. You cannot overlook the significance of the gastrointestinal or gut system to your body’s overall health as it is home to your immune system. It comprises various crucial body organs, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the biliary system, which comprises the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, rectum, pancreas, and anus. Because of all...
Five Steps to Taking Care of Your Gut Microbiome
Constant stomach issues may have more to do with your gut health than you believe. If the microorganisms that live inside your digestive system are not doing what they are supposed to, you could be spending more time in the bathroom than you’d like. Read on to find out about your gut health and the five simple steps to ensuring it is healthy. What Factors Impact Your Gut Microbiome? External and internal factors, believe it or not, have an impact on your gut health. Some illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease, can be passed down through...
What Are the Differences Between Crohn’s Disease and Colitis?
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease are the main two types of inflammatory bowel diseases characterized by chronic digestive tract inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease is the umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains unknown although there appears to be both a genetic component and abnormal immune response causing the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract. While both conditions can have similarities and severe health implications if not diagnosed and treated properly, they have key differences. This article explores the differences between...
The Link Between Allergies and Gut Health
Food allergies have become prevalent in the US and other developed countries. Research shows that about 32 million people in the US suffer from them. They affect people of all ages, including children. Some food allergies are mild and will resolve on their own. However, others are terrifying and life-threatening, such that they can send you to the ER. Changes in our gut microbiota is considered a possible factor causing increased food allergies. The microbiota is all the bacteria that live in and out of our bodies. Trillions of bacteria live in our intestines, meaning we are 99% microbial. What’s...
5 Exercises That Aid in Optimal Digestive Health
Everyone experiences digestive health issues at one point or another in life. Trying new food, eating an undercooked meal, or ordering food from a restaurant that doesn’t prioritize hygiene can all cause you to suffer stomach problems. Symptoms may vary in intensity. Severe symptoms include unrelenting abdominal pain, vomiting, fever/chills, and profuse watery or bloody diarrhea. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, if your symptoms are not severe, you can try engaging in particular exercises to try and alleviate pain and discomfort. Practicing such exercises often can help you control embarrassing...
Does Stress Cause IBS?
People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often wonder whether there is any connection between stress, anxiety, and gut health. It is easy to see why this is such a common question, as stress and IBS seem to go hand-in-hand, as a reported 60% of IBS patients also suffer from anxiety. Yet, this may raise a lot of questions for people with IBS about the correlation between anxiety and IBS. Ultimately, there are no definitive answers to these questions, nor is there a cure for IBS. However, gaining a better understanding of the connection between the health of the...
Can Certain Diets Cause or Worsen IBS Symptoms?
Most people today follow a variety of diets to improve their health. The digestive system is the most directly affected body system, both positively and negatively. So, can certain diets cause or worsen IBS symptoms? Before we get into the various diet food elements and their impact on IBS, note that at Allied Digestive Health, we provide all gastrointestinal-related care, consultation, treatment, and operations. We are a large network of health care professionals who cater to patients and offer medical advice to anyone interested in learning more about gastroenterology. Diets and Eating Habits Linked to IBS Do you know that...
Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer
If you only read the first sentence of this blog, know that colon cancer is PREVENTABLE, treatable and beatable. Do NOT wait until you develop signs of colon cancer. Go get your screening colonoscopy. Screening colonoscopy in asymptomatic individuals is how precancerous polyps can be found and removed, and colon cancer can be prevented. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine or colon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancer....