Menstrual bloating is that heavy, tight, swollen feeling in your belly before and during your period. It happens because hormone levels shift, causing your body to hold onto extra water and your digestive system to slow down. You can reduce menstrual bloating by limiting salt, staying hydrated, and keeping up gentle movement — and the … Read more
Period bloating is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of the menstrual cycle. That heavy, tight, swollen feeling in your belly usually starts a few days before your period begins and often lingers into the first few days of bleeding. The good news is that this is normal, temporary, and driven by specific … Read more
Yes, running can help you lose stomach fat, but not because it targets your belly directly. When you run, your body burns calories from fat stores all over your body. Spot reduction—the idea that you can choose where fat comes off—is a myth. Your body decides the order, and for many people, the stomach is … Read more
A feeling of heat in your stomach can be unsettling. It is often just a normal part of digestion, but it can also signal an underlying condition. The most common causes include acid reflux, gastritis, and the physical sensation of blood flow increasing after a meal. Here is what you need to know about why … Read more
Intussusception of the bowel is a serious condition where one segment of the intestine slides into the section of bowel next to it, much like a collapsible telescope. This “telescoping” action blocks food and fluid from passing through, and it also cuts off the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine. Without prompt … Read more
Stomach flu is a common name for viral gastroenteritis, an infection that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. It is not the same as the flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The stomach flu is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact and contaminated surfaces. You can avoid it by … Read more
Yes, IBS can cause pressure in the anus or rectum. This sensation is a direct result of how irritable bowel syndrome alters normal bowel function, nerve signaling, and muscle coordination in the lower digestive tract. The pressure often feels like fullness, heaviness, or an urgent need to pass stool even when the bowel is empty. … Read more
Stomach bloating is that tight, full, sometimes painful feeling in your abdomen. It happens when gas builds up in your digestive tract or when your gut holds onto extra fluid. You can reduce it by changing what you eat, how you eat, and by addressing underlying conditions that cause the gas to form in the … Read more
The left lower side of your abdomen holds several important organs, including the final section of your colon, part of your small intestine, and — in women — the left ovary and fallopian tube. Pain in this area is common and can range from a harmless gas cramp to a medical emergency like appendicitis or … Read more
Healing your gut naturally comes down to feeding the beneficial bacteria already living in your digestive tract and removing the habits that damage them. The most effective approach combines a diet rich in plant fiber and fermented foods with lifestyle changes like better sleep and stress management. This is not a quick fix, but a … Read more