We all go through periods of stress or moments of heightened anxiety. Although stress often feels like it’s all in your head, what you might not realize is that stress can have a very tangible — and sometimes long-term — effect on your body. Stress impacts all parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system, … Continue reading The science behind why stress can wreak havoc on your stomach
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States (excluding skin cancer). Each year, there are 140,000 new cases of colon cancer and over 50,000 deaths from colon cancer in the U.S. Your lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is between … Continue reading Colon talk: How a screening can save your life
1 in 21. Those are the current odds for men of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime. The odds only slightly improve for women, with the current risk rate at 1 in 23. For people suffering from ulcerative colitis, the risk of developing colon cancer becomes even higher. Fighting this deadly cancer, which is expected … Continue reading Unlocking the potential of biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Pie, gravy, potatoes, cookies — many of the foods traditionally served at holiday meals are also some of the hardest to digest. Unpleasant heartburn symptoms can put a damper on your holiday celebrations. For the more than 40 million Americans who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, these symptoms are even more serious. GERD … Continue reading Eat this, not that, to avoid holiday heartburn
Up to 15 percent of people will develop gall stones at some point during their lifetime, and four percent of those people will face complications. Gall bladder disease can impact anyone, but there are several factors that have proven to be a good indicator of who is most at risk. Although these four characteristics do … Continue reading Do you have these 4 risk factors of gall bladder disease?
Born in 1981, I consider myself part of both Generation X as well as the millennial demographic. As one of the youngest Gen X-ers and oldest millennials, I try and keep a pulse on the labels and trends associated with both groups — the good, the bad and the ugly. Recently, I was taken aback … Continue reading Millennials, we need to talk about our colons
If you suffer from heartburn, you’re not alone. It’s a weekly occurrence for 20 percent of Americans. But as medications to treat heartburn are now being linked to a growing number of complications, more patients are exploring alternative ways to relieve symptoms. A class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for … Continue reading Why exercise and diet might be better heartburn treatment than medication
After losing an alarming 17 pounds in a month, Wayne Weaver, 80, learned he had a rare and potentially life-threatening swallowing condition called achalasia. Treatment for achalasia includes cutting the muscles in the lower esophagus, and the treatment of choice at most hospitals is an extensive surgery involving incisions in the abdomen through to the esophagus. But … Continue reading Achalasia: Rare swallowing disorder treated with new minimally invasive procedure
On the surface, our bodies may seem fine. Inside the gut however, there is a continuous war between invaders and our immune system’s defenses. Attackers (bacteria, viruses and toxins) keep arriving in our food and drink. White blood cells in the gut are on constant alert to fight off these attackers. At the same time, the … Continue reading Your sensitive stomach might be caused by Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Heartburn can be a pain, especially following the holiday season. To find relief, millions of Americans have relied on a class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)—medications that bind to stomach cells to reduce acid, often associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. But a new study casts doubt on … Continue reading Popular heartburn medications associated with stroke: Should you be concerned?
