Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem that occurs when the cells that line the small intestine are unable to secrete enough lactase, an enzyme responsible for properly breaking down lactose (the natural sugar found in milk) and allowing it to get easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Having lactose intolerance means that lactose sits undigested…
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How Accurate Is a Colonoscopy to Screen for Colon Cancer?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that involves inserting a colonoscope—a long, thin, and flexible tube with a miniature camera on its tip—into your rectum to obtain a live image of the lining of your colon. The main purpose of the procedure is to detect polyps and other abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and…
How to Choose Your Next GI Doctor
Bloating, constipation, heartburn, and stomach pain are symptoms that usually disappear on their own. However, frequent or severe cases require a consultation with a gastroenterologist or GI doctor. If you haven’t been to a gastroenterologist before, it can be confusing deciding how to choose one. You want to select a doctor who is a good…
Colon Cancer Screening: Is It Right for You?
Colon cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It starts when healthy cells in the large intestine (colon) develop harmful changes in their DNA. Over time, these changes can damage the DNA, rendering the cells unable to properly grow and divide. Damage to their DNA essentially causes the cells…
When to See a Gastroenterologist for Gallbladder Problems
The gallbladder is a small sac located under the liver. It serves the purpose of storing bile that the liver produces. During the digestion process, the gallbladder releases bile to aid in digestion. It’s especially necessary for fat digestion. In some cases, the gallbladder can have issues, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and serious…
Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, affecting men and women equally. In 2017, the agency reported 141,425 cases of colorectal cancer. Such alarming prevalence can be ascribed to the mysterious, elusive nature of the disease: researchers are yet…
How to Prepare for a Lactose Intolerance Test
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…
Is a Colonoscopy Painful?
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that enables doctors to view the inside of the large intestine. This procedure is carried out for a number of reasons but is most frequently used as a screening tool for cancer, polyps, and disease inside the colon. A conventional colonoscopy uses a scope, which is a long thin semi-flexible tube…
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…