What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in many grains, including barley, rye, wheat, oats and triticale. It is common in many foods such as cereal, pizza, and bread. Gluten by itself provides no important nutrients for the body. However, it acts like a glue, keeping food together and giving them shape. Gluten proteins, like […]

Death begins in the colon. If you've heard of this quote before, you probably also wondered: "What’s unique about the colon or large intestine?" Interestingly, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, once said that all diseases start in the gut. In this article, we’ll cover some reasons why people believe death begins in the colon. 1. […]

While it is a rare disease, short bowel syndrome can still be a cause for concern. But what is short bowel syndrome and what causes it? What kind of treatment is needed? Read on to find out. What Is Short Bowel Syndrome? Short bowel syndrome is a condition where the body becomes unable to absorb enough nutrients […]

Gastroenteritis is a common condition that involves the inflammation of the stomach lining, and nearby organs. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections can cause gastroenteritis. The prevalence of bacterial gastroenteritis is lower than that of viral gastroenteritis. Nevertheless, bacterial gastroenteritis poses a serious health risk due to its symptoms, which include vomiting and diarrhea, which may […]

What is the Lower Esophageal Sphincter? Just like the other sphincters in our body, the lower esophageal sphincter acts like an automated gate or door. As the name suggests, this sphincter is located in the lower part of the esophagus, leading directly into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter works in coordination with the upper esophageal […]

Gatherings with family and friends can be exciting, especially if you have not seen them for a long time. At times, these celebrations may call for drinking alcohol. However, having too much can give you a terrible headache, or a hangover, the next day. In these cases, what is the best hangover cure? Best Hangover Cure: […]

What is an ostomy?  An ostomy is a surgical procedure that is done when there is extreme trauma to the abdomen or pelvic area due to accidents and injuries. This is also performed for individuals born with certain birth defects, or who have cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or incontinence, among other medical conditions. Also known […]

Hiccups are involuntary muscular spasms originating in the diaphragm. Most hiccups appear without any apparent reason and disappear on their own within a few minutes. But when they continue for more than two days but less than a month, the condition is referred to as persistent hiccups. However, in rare cases, they might continue for […]

Salt water flushes, sometimes referred to as "master cleanses" or "saltwater cleanses," are designed to help in cleansing the colon and digestive system by causing a sudden urge to urinate and defecate. As a result of drinking a salt water mixture, the body's process of cleansing itself and eliminating wastes is triggered, which makes you […]

A stoma is an opening that allows urine or feces to exit the body. It is connected to the digestive system or urinary tract, depending on the cause of the ostomy surgery done for a patient. Learn more about the types of stoma and how to take care of it here.  Ostomy surgery is often recommended […]