Pain in the left lower side of your stomach is common and often harmless. It is usually caused by gas, constipation, or muscle strain. However, the same area can also signal more serious conditions involving your intestines, kidneys, or reproductive organs. Knowing the difference between a passing cramp and a warning sign comes down to … Read more
Stomach flu is a sudden, forceful illness that brings vomiting and diarrhea. It is not caused by the influenza virus at all. The real culprits are viruses like norovirus and rotavirus, and you get them by swallowing tiny particles of infected stool or vomit. This usually happens through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, or by … Read more
A stomach virus hits fast. One moment you feel fine, the next you are dealing with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The main goal is to prevent dehydration while your body clears the infection. Most people recover at home in one to three days with rest and careful fluid intake. There is no medication that kills … Read more
Cacao nibs are pieces of crushed cacao beans, and yes, they contain caffeine. A one-ounce serving of cacao nibs typically contains about 12 milligrams of caffeine. That is roughly one-quarter of the caffeine found in a standard cup of coffee. For most healthy adults, this amount is mild, but it is not zero. If you … Read more
Yes, you get bloated when on your period. It is one of the most common symptoms of the menstrual cycle. Most women who menstruate experience some degree of bloating right before or during their period. The bloating happens because of natural hormone shifts, not because of anything you did wrong. It is a normal part … Read more
Digestion happens in two distinct ways at the same time. Physical digestion is the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, like chewing and stomach churning. Chemical digestion is the breakdown of food into nutrients your body can absorb, using enzymes and acids. Together, they turn a meal into molecules your cells can actually use. … Read more
If you or someone else has swallowed something poisonous, the first step is never to try home remedies. Do not induce vomiting, do not drink salt water, and do not take activated charcoal from a kitchen cabinet. The only safe way to remove poison from your stomach is under direct medical supervision. Call Poison Control … Read more
That rumbling, gurgling, or growling sound from your belly can be embarrassing, especially in a quiet room. But it is completely normal and happens to everyone. The medical term for these sounds is borborygmi, and they are simply the result of your digestive system doing its job. Your intestines are constantly moving food, fluid, and … Read more
Most cases of stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, last between 24 and 72 hours. The worst symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, usually peak in the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, your body begins to recover, though loose stools and fatigue can linger for several days, especially in adults. What … Read more
That unsettled, churning, or bloated feeling in your stomach after a drink is common. It happens because alcohol directly irritates the lining of your stomach and changes how your digestive system works. For most people, this is a temporary reaction that fades as the alcohol leaves your system, but it can also signal a deeper … Read more