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.
Colon Cancer: Stool, Bowel Movements, and Other Symptoms
Although colon cancer may not trigger clear warning signs, particularly in its early phases, it can still lead to noticeable alterations in bowel habits, the presence of blood in the stool, and other concerning gastrointestinal changes. Colon cancer forms when malignant cells develop within your large intestine, also referred to as the colon. In many […]
Types of Poop, Color Chart, and More
Stool is made up of digested food particles, proteins, bacteria, salts, and various substances processed and released by your intestines. The appearance of your bowel movements can offer valuable insight into your digestive health. Sudden or unusual changes may point to an underlying medical issue that deserves attention. When reviewing Pictures of black poop in […]
Why Is Your Poop Black and Tarry?
Eating certain deeply pigmented foods can sometimes lead to Black stool without blood. However, dark or tarry bowel movements may also signal a medical condition involving bleeding in the upper digestive tract. Noticing a change in your stool color when you look into the toilet can feel unsettling. While it’s natural to worry, black-colored poop […]
Why Vinegar Doesn’t ‘Clean’ Your System Before a Drug Test
Despite widespread online assertions, there is no scientific proof that apple cider vinegar or any other type of vinegar can “cleanse” your body and enable you to pass a drug screening. If you’re hunting for strategies to avoid a positive drug result, you’ve likely seen suggestions to drink vinegar to “flush” your system in a […]
How to Treat the Effects of Acid Reflux on Your Throat
Key takeaways Eating cucumbers or other foods high in water content may help dilute acid that reaches your throat. Sipping a cold glass of skim milk or a lower-acid plant-based alternative may help calm throat irritation. The calcium and protein in milk may assist in counteracting reflux. Choosing smaller, more frequent meals and reducing common […]
Does Acid Reflux Cause Gas and Bloating?
Key takeaways Acid reflux does not directly create gas or bloating, but shared triggers—such as specific foods, swallowing excess air while belching, and overlapping conditions like IBS—can contribute to both. Lifestyle strategies, including dietary modifications and avoiding alcohol and smoking, along with over-the-counter treatments, may help control GERD symptoms and excessive gas. If acid reflux, […]
Heartburn in Pregnancy: 11 Treatments to Put Out the Fire
WITHDRAWAL OF RANITIDINEIn April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be removed from the U.S. market. This recommendation was made because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), were found in some ranitidine products. If you’re prescribed ranitidine, talk with your […]
What Causes Acid Reflux at Night and What to Do
Key takeaways Acid reflux during the night is often worsened by lying flat, which limits gravity’s ability to move food and stomach acid efficiently through the digestive tract. Management options include over-the-counter medications, identifying and limiting trigger foods and beverages, and reducing stress with practices such as yoga and meditation. Preventive measures include elevating the […]
What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)
What causes menstruation? Menstruation happens as a natural outcome of puberty. During this stage of development, your body becomes physically capable of reproduction. When your menstrual cycle starts, estrogen levels rise. This hormonal increase prompts the lining of your uterus to thicken. The uterine lining builds up so it can nourish and support a fertilized […]
Candida Yeast in Your Poop: Should You Be Concerned?
Candida is a group of yeasts that normally live in the intestines, on the skin, and on mucous membranes. Most people host some level of Candida throughout their bodies, and it is generally harmless. When Candida multiplies excessively, it can cause an infection called candidiasis. The mouth and vagina are the most frequent sites for […]
