Pain in the middle of your stomach is common, and it is often not a sign of a serious problem. The most frequent culprits are indigestion, gas, or a muscle strain. However, the same area can also signal issues with your stomach, pancreas, or gallbladder, so knowing the difference between a temporary ache and a … Read more
Stomach inflammation, known medically as gastritis, is one of the most common digestive complaints. It happens when the protective lining of your stomach becomes irritated, swollen, or worn down. The good news is that most cases improve with the right combination of dietary changes, stress management, and—when needed—medical treatment. What works for one person may … Read more
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation. There is no single cure, but most people can manage their symptoms effectively with a combination of dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes medication. The most successful approach is personalized, because what … Read more
Left-sided stomach pain is common and usually not serious, but it can signal a problem that needs medical attention. The left side of your abdomen holds parts of your digestive system, your spleen, your left kidney, and — in women — the left ovary and fallopian tube. Pain in this area can come from any … Read more
Bloating before ovulation is a real, common experience for many women, and it is directly linked to the hormonal shifts that prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. While it is not a universal symptom, the sudden rise in estrogen that occurs just before the egg is released can cause the body to retain water … Read more
A bowel obstruction is a partial or complete blockage that stops food, liquid, and gas from moving through the intestines. It is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention. When the normal movement of the digestive tract is halted, pressure builds up behind the blockage, which can lead to severe complications if not treated … Read more
The stomach flu hits fast. One moment you feel fine, and the next you are hunched over, nauseated, and sure that something is very wrong. The medical name for it is viral gastroenteritis, and it is an infection of the intestines, not the stomach, and not the flu. The “flu” part is a nickname that … Read more
Magnesium supplements are a common cause of stomach upset, but they do not typically cause gastritis. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while stomach irritation from magnesium is usually a temporary reaction to the supplement itself. Most people who experience discomfort are dealing with irritation, not true inflammation. What Is the Difference Between Gastritis … Read more
Feeling bloated after a workout is surprisingly common, and it is usually a normal response to the physical stress of exercise. That tight, swollen feeling in your abdomen is often the result of blood flow shifting away from your digestive system, along with changes in your breathing and fluid balance. While it can be uncomfortable, … Read more
A stomach ache can stop your day cold. It can be a dull cramp, a sharp pain, or a heavy, bloated feeling. Most stomach aches are short-lived and harmless. They come from something you ate, stress, or a passing virus. While you cannot always prevent one, you can usually ease the discomfort at home. The … Read more