Who Should Screen for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but it is also highly preventable. Knowing your risk for colon cancer and knowing when to screen for colon cancer can help you stay ahead of the disease. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death for men and for women in […]

What Causes Upper Stomach Pain?

You may experience upper stomach pain that doesn’t feel like nausea, an upset stomach, or a stomach ache. It’s pain in your upper abdominal area. What causes upper stomach pain, and when should you see a doctor about it? Causes of upper stomach pain Stomach pain in the upper abdomen can be chronic or acute; […]

Can Stress Cause an Upset Stomach?

Have you ever felt “butterflies” in your stomach before giving a speech or right at the top of a roller coaster just before the plunge? Have you felt “gutted” after losing a big game, ending a relationship, or getting some bad news? Maybe you’re going through a stressful time in your life and you’ve started […]

What is GERD?

Heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are closely related, but they are all different things. Heartburn is a symptom that can be caused by acid reflux, and acid reflux can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Know the symptoms of GERD, and when to talk to your doctor about acid reflux. What is GERD? Acid reflux, […]

The Benefits of Dietary Fiber

If you live in the U.S., there’s a good chance that you need to eat more fiber. The average American consumes between 10 and 15 grams of fiber per day, which is about half of the daily recommended amount of fiber for adults. What is dietary fiber? Plants contain a substance called fiber. Dietary fiber, […]

Can You Develop Lactose Intolerance?

You drank milk and ate dairy as a child and never had any problems, but you’ve recently started experiencing stomach cramps, bloating, or other common symptoms of lactose intolerance after eating dairy. This isn’t uncommon; you are more likely to develop lactose intolerance as you get older. What is lactose intolerance? People with lactose intolerance […]

Healthy Bowel Habits for Good GI Health

Maintaining good GI health goes beyond just eating the right foods. While diet is certainly important, many of the decisions that you make on a daily basis affect the health of your gastrointestinal tract. Here are a few healthy bowel habits to promote good GI health. Healthy bowel habits Include fiber in your diet; the […]

Tips for Healthy Eating and the Holiday Season

Healthy eating during the holiday season is a real challenge. It all starts back in October when the kids bring home those big bags of candy that linger until late November. Then there’s that large turkey dinner complete with rich sauces, savory side dishes, and a well-stocked dessert table. Of course, there are leftovers. Once […]

Who Do You See for Gallstones?

Gallstones don’t always show signs or cause symptoms. It’s possible to have a gallstone, or several gallstones, and not even know. If you do not experience any symptoms, there’s typically no need to treat gallstones. However, if you experience symptoms associated with gallstone complications, you should seek medical care. Talk to your primary care physician […]

How Often Do You Need Colon Cancer Screening?

Colorectal cancer refers to colon cancer, rectal cancer, or both. People sometimes use colon cancer interchangeably with colorectal cancer, but colon cancer refers specifically to cancers that start in the colon, or large intestine. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together due to similarity. Also, cancers may initially develop in either the colon or […]