A stomach bug is extremely contagious, and you can spread it to others before you even feel sick. In most cases, you are contagious from the moment you are exposed until about 48 hours after your symptoms stop. For some viruses, like norovirus, you can shed the virus in your stool for up to two … Read more
No, gum does not stay in your stomach for seven years. This is a myth. Your digestive system moves gum through your body just like most other foods, though it takes a bit longer because your body cannot break it down. Most swallowed gum passes through your system and leaves your body in your stool … Read more
The pancreas is the digestive organ that has both endocrine and exocrine functions. This dual role makes it unique among your digestive organs. The exocrine part produces digestive enzymes, while the endocrine part produces hormones like insulin. Both jobs are essential for survival, and understanding how they work helps explain conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis. … Read more
Anxiety can hit your stomach as hard as it hits your mind. That cramping, churning, or knotting feeling is real, and it happens because your brain and gut are wired together directly. You can stop or reduce this pain by calming the nervous system, changing how you breathe, and adjusting what you eat and drink … Read more
Gut issues can cause neuropathy in specific, well-documented situations. The connection is not a general theory—it is a clinical reality tied to how your intestines absorb nutrients and how your immune system reacts to certain triggers. When the gut fails to absorb vitamin B12, or when the immune system attacks nerve tissue after an intestinal … Read more
Yes, GERD can make you feel bloated, and bloating can also make GERD worse. It is a two-way street. Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow backward into your esophagus. Bloating increases pressure inside your stomach, which can push that acid upward. Understanding this connection helps explain why many people with GERD also struggle with … Read more
Red Bull is acidic, and that acidity can affect both your teeth and your stomach. The drink has a pH level around 3.3, which is acidic enough to soften tooth enamel over time. For your stomach, the acidity is generally not a direct cause of damage, but it can trigger or worsen symptoms like heartburn … Read more
“Leaky gut” is the popular name for increased intestinal permeability, a condition where the lining of your small intestine becomes less effective at acting as a barrier. In a healthy gut, tight junctions between cells control what passes into your bloodstream. When these junctions loosen, larger particles and substances can slip through, which may trigger … Read more
Digestive problems are common, but they are not something you just have to live with. Bloating, gas, constipation, and heartburn often respond well to changes in daily habits. The most effective approach starts with what you eat, how you eat, and how you manage stress. These tips are grounded in established medical evidence and can … Read more
If you have ever felt bloated, heavy, or uncomfortable after a meal, the position you choose to rest in matters more than you might think. The short answer is that lying on your left side is generally the best side to lay on for better digestion. This position uses gravity to help food move more … Read more