Bloating is a common and uncomfortable symptom that many people experience. It can make your stomach feel full, tight, and sometimes painful. If you often feel bloated, you might wonder if there is an underlying cause that needs attention. One possible cause of persistent bloating is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO. But how do you know if your bloating is due to SIBO? Should you get tested? This post will help you understand what SIBO is, how it relates to bloa

Millions of people worldwide struggle with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, and stomach discomfort. The low FODMAP diet has gained popularity as a way to manage these symptoms by limiting certain fermentable carbohydrates. But many wonder if this diet is sustainable over the long term. Can you maintain good nutrition and enjoy a varied diet while following low FODMAP guidelines? This post explores the sustainability of a low FODMAP diet, its ben

When a close family member, especially a parent, dies from bowel cancer, it naturally raises concerns about your own risk. The age at which your father passed away from bowel cancer can significantly influence your risk level. For example, if your father died at age 40 versus age 80, your chances of developing bowel cancer may differ. This post explores how family history and the age of diagnosis affect your risk, what factors contribute to bowel cancer, and what steps you ca

Gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, influencing digestion, immunity, and even mood. Understanding the trio of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can help you support a balanced gut microbiome. This guide breaks down what each of these components does, how they work together, and practical ways to include them in your daily routine. A variety of fermented foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics What Are Prebiotics and Why They Matter Prebiotics are type

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort and disrupting daily life. Yet, IBS is not a single condition but a group of disorders with varying symptoms and patterns. The Rome criteria provide a clear framework to classify IBS into distinct types, helping healthcare providers tailor treatment and patients better understand their condition. This post explores the different types of IBS based on the Rome criteria, explaining their characteristi

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, immunity, and even mood. This complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in your digestive tract affects many aspects of well-being. Understanding how the gut microbiome works and learning ways to keep it healthy can lead to better digestion, stronger immunity, and improved mental clarity. Illustration showing diverse gut bacteria in the human digestive system What Is the Gut Microb

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can be more common in our diets than many realize. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming even a small amount can lead to uncomfortable reactions. Surprisingly, gluten isn't always easy to spot on ingredient labels. Many consumers might be unaware of the variety of foods where gluten may be hiding. Processed Meats Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats often contain gluten as a filler

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Its visible effects on the body are significant, yet the historical background of Crohn's disease is often overlooked. As modern medicine makes strides in understanding and treatment, the quest to unravel the origins of this condition remains a captivating journey. Early References to Gastrointestinal Disorders Throughout history, many cultures have noted ga

Farting is a natural part of life, but not all farts are created equal. Some can clear a room faster than others, leaving you wondering what causes that particularly offensive odor. Understanding the reasons behind smelly gas can improve your health and social interactions. Let’s explore what makes farts stink and when you might need to seek medical advice. The Basics of Flatulence Flatulence is the expulsion of gas from the digestive tract through the rectum. The gases relea

Increasing dietary fiber is a vital step toward achieving better gut health and easing constipation. Fiber is more than just a number on a nutrition label; it plays an essential role in digestion, nurtures healthy gut bacteria, and supports overall wellness. This blog post explores effective strategies to boost your fiber intake while highlighting the tangible benefits it offers. Understanding Fiber Fiber, a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, is crucial for a he

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection that affects the stomach lining and is a leading cause of peptic ulcers, gastritis, and even stomach cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) updated their guidelines last year. Here’s a quick overview of their key recommendations: Diagnosis The ACG emphasizes testing for H. pylori in patients with active peptic ulcers, a history of ulcers, or gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lympho

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Dietary fiber , also known as roughage , includes the parts of plant foods your body can’t digest or absorb. Unlike other food components, such as fats, proteins, or carbohydrates — which your body breaks down and absorbs — fiber isn’t digested by your body . Fiber is however an important source of food for our gut bacteria (microbiome). Sources of fiber include: Whole grains : Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat. Legumes : Split peas, lentils, and beans. Vegetables : B

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune system disease that has been identified only in the past two decades. It is characterized by a large number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. Causes EoE is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Six food types (wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, seafood and nuts) are associated with EoE. Symptoms The symptoms of EoE can vary from person to person and can include: Difficul

Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It usually means that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel (more common). Causes Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water from your food. If the food moves through the digestive system too slowly, it can become hard and dry. This slow movement can be due to a variety of reasons, including individual variation, diet, lack of physical activity, de

Participation in bowel cancer screening In 2019–2020, based on preliminary data: 6.1 million people aged 50–74 were invited to...

Stat 1. Non-invitees had a 7% higher risk of death from any cause, compared with NBCSP invitees Stat 2. Bowel cancers in non-invitees had...

Bowel cancer consistently ranks in the top 5 cancers leading to death. More than 5000 Australians die from bowel cancer each year. The...

Have you ever had surgery and the doctors check your blood group even though you already know what it is? Let us begin with a basic...

Let's begin by discussing what "endoscopy" is. Endoscopy is made up of "endon" which means inside (in Greek) and "scopein" which means watch (in Greek). Modern-day endoscopy involves the use of endoscopes (long tubes) attached to a processor/computer. The endoscopes can have various channels to allow light, air, water, and instruments to pass in and out. These instruments can be inserted into many parts of the body including the nose, mouth, trachea, urethra, and rectum. Endo