Digestive Health
Find helpful articles on digestive health, with tips on improving gut health, preventing issues, and managing common digestive problems for better well-being.
Faces of Healthcare: What’s a Gastroenterologist?
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty dedicated to the digestive tract and liver. Physicians in this field, known as gastroenterologists, manage conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome to hepatitis C, as well as many other disorders affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. If you’re wondering What will the gastroenterologist do on first visit, understanding their role and the scope of their practice can help you feel more prepared. Below is an in-depth…
What Causes Weight Gain After Surgery?
Surgery can feel intimidating and emotionally taxing, especially when it involves the digestive system. Starting new medications, managing discomfort, and noticing physical changes — including Belly fat after colon resection — can make the healing period feel even more overwhelming. Although your primary focus should be rest and proper recovery, it’s natural to question why the number on the scale has increased or why your abdomen looks or feels different…
When Do I Need an Ulcerative Colitis Colectomy?
(SDI Productions/Getty Images) A colectomy, also known as a large bowel resection, is a surgical procedure sometimes recommended to treat conditions affecting the large intestine, including ulcerative colitis (UC). Although surgery for UC is less common today due to advances in medical therapy, it’s still estimated that 7 in 100 individuals with this form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may need surgery within the first 5 years after diagnosis when…
Right Hemicolectomy Long-Term Side Effects: Common Risks After Surgery
A hemicolectomy is a surgical operation performed to remove a section of the large intestine, also known as the colon. This intervention is typically recommended when a portion of the colon has been damaged by disease or has developed cancer. In many cases, only the affected segment is excised, allowing the remaining sections to continue functioning within the digestive system. When only part of the colon is removed, digestion can…
Linzess Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
Linzess can interact with anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), and antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium). Using these agents together with Linzess may reduce Linzess’s effectiveness. Although there are no established interactions between Linzess and alcohol, consuming alcohol while on Linzess might raise the likelihood of certain adverse effects, including headache and dehydration. Linzess (linaclotide) is a prescription medication indicated for certain types of constipation in adults. Specifically,…
5 Methods for Getting Rid of Diarrhea Fast
Quick relief for diarrhea often involves a combination of dietary adjustments, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, adequate hydration, and sometimes probiotics. The most appropriate approach depends largely on the underlying cause, as well as the severity and duration of your symptoms. Diarrhea is defined as passing loose, watery stools at least three times in a single day. Management strategies vary based on how long symptoms persist, how intense they are, and what…
Imodium A-D vs. Pepto-Bismol
Imodium A-D and Pepto-Bismol are both over-the-counter medications commonly used to relieve diarrhea. However, Pepto-Bismol can also address several additional digestive complaints beyond loose stools. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, you may be wondering can you take imodium and pepto-bismol together for faster relief. While both products are designed to manage diarrhea, they work differently in the body and are not typically recommended for simultaneous use. This side-by-side comparison…
Is Overlying Bowel Gas Something to Worry About?
Intestinal gas is a routine byproduct of digestion. It’s commonly referred to as bowel gas or flatus. However, when excessive gas accumulates in the intestinal tract, it can interfere with imaging tests, particularly ultrasound scans of abdominal organs. If you’ve been told Why is my pancreas obscured by bowel gas, it means that gas within the intestines is blocking clear visualization of the pancreas during a sonogram. This situation is…
Navel Pulling: What Does Castor Oil in the Belly Button Do for You?
Navel pulling involves placing castor oil in the belly button and gently massaging the area with the aim of improving digestion, encouraging natural detox, and supporting weight loss. Despite its popularity online, there is no scientific evidence to confirm these claims. Understanding the potential Side effects of applying castor oil in belly button and separating fact from trend is important before trying this practice. (img by MIBlueDaily) If you’ve spent…
Preparing for a CT Scan
Preparation guidelines for a CT scan vary based on the specific type of imaging you’re scheduled for. For example, if you’re undergoing a bowel scan or a study that involves contrast dye, certain dietary adjustments may be required ahead of time. In general, preparing for a CT scan (also known as a CAT scan) depends on both the area of the body being examined and the technique used. Your doctor…
