Corn is not easy to digest for most people. The human body lacks the enzymes needed to break down the tough outer shell of the corn kernel, which is why whole kernels often pass through the digestive tract mostly intact. However, the inside of the kernel is digestible, and your body does absorb the nutrients … Read more
Indole is a small molecule produced by bacteria in the human gut when they break down the amino acid tryptophan. It acts as a signaling molecule, and its presence has a direct impact on the health of the intestinal lining and the immune system. While it is often discussed in the context of digestion, its … Read more
When you are sick with a cold, the flu, or a stomach bug, the best foods are those that are easy to digest, provide hydration, and replace lost nutrients. For colds and the flu, warm broths, soups, and soft foods like toast or bananas are gentle on the body. For stomach bugs, the priority is … Read more
Stomach pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it is a sharp cramp, a dull ache, or that bloated, twisted feeling, you want relief now. The fastest approach depends on the cause, but several evidence-based home remedies can ease discomfort quickly. For general indigestion, gas, or mild cramping, sipping warm liquids, applying heat to … Read more
Gas pain can stop you mid-sentence. That sharp cramp, the bloated feeling, the pressure that builds until you need to find a bathroom or a quiet corner. The fastest way to stop a gassy stomach is to move. Walking, gentle stretching, or changing position helps trapped gas move through your intestines. Heat on your abdomen … Read more
Steroids change the gut environment in ways that can range from mild digestive upset to significant shifts in the bacterial community living in your colon. The effect depends on the type of steroid, the dose, and how long you take it. Short-term use often causes temporary changes, while long-term use can have a more lasting … Read more
Everyone passes gas. Most people do it 13 to 21 times a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Bloating is different — that uncomfortable feeling of fullness or swelling in your belly. Gas and bloating happen when air gets into your digestive tract or when your body produces gas during digestion. The real … Read more
Severe stomach pain is your body’s alarm system, and it deserves immediate attention. If the pain is sudden, intense, or stops you from standing upright, you need to seek emergency medical care right away. For less severe pain, simple measures like resting your stomach, applying heat, and taking over-the-counter antacids can offer temporary relief, but … Read more
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular home remedies for an upset stomach, and for good reason. Yes, chamomile tea can help with mild stomach pain and cramps for many people. The evidence is strongest for its ability to relax the digestive tract and reduce gas, though it is not a cure for serious … Read more
When you eat a meal, your body breaks it down into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces are the products of digestion. The main products are monosaccharides from carbohydrates, amino acids from proteins, and fatty acids and glycerol from fats. These are the molecules your body can actually absorb and use for energy, repair, and growth. … Read more