Are you a milk lover, but you just can’t stand the nasty discomforts—diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating—that you experience after each time you drink even half a glass of it? The culprit behind your “gassy ordeal” could be a condition called lactose intolerance. This is a common digestive problem in which your stomach is unable…
Constipation
What Types of Testing Are Available for Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is when a person’s body is unable to properly digest lactose, which is a type of sugar found in dairy products. Your small intestines need to produce enough of the enzyme lactase in order to fully digest lactose, and people who are lactose-intolerant are generally deficient in this enzyme. The symptoms of lactose…
What to Know About At-Home Colon Cancer Screenings
It’s easier than ever to get a colon cancer screening. You can even do it from your own home. You receive the test, collect the sample, and send in your results. You can benefit from this because the test is noninvasive and can be done in the comfort and privacy of your home. However, before…
H. Pylori and Its Effect on Your Digestive Health
Helicobacter pylori, commonly referred to as H. pylori, is a bacterium that infects the stomach and the small intestines. It is very common – more than 50% of the worldwide population is believed to have it – but most people are unaware that they have it. You might have an H. pylori infection and not…
Triggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Have you ever felt abdominal pain for what seems like no reason at all, or suddenly found yourself going to the bathroom (and having a bowel movement) more often than you usually do? Is there a change in the appearance of your stool? If so, these signs could point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research…
Treatments for Constipation
For the most part constipation – the uncomfortable condition that makes it hard to pass stools – can be the result of a poor diet, lack of physical activity, medications and even stress. Some would rather hold it in than go at work, school or in an unfamiliar place. This is especially true of children…
Surprising Causes of Constipation
There are few things more frustrating than being unable to have a normal bowel movement. Constipation can be very uncomfortable, causing hard stools that are difficult and painful to pass. Constipation and Your Body Usually, it’s either blamed on a low fiber diet, not drinking enough water, or a lack of exercise. However, it can…