Stomach ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine. You can prevent many of them by avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, and by treating an H. pylori infection if you have one. The earliest signs are often a burning … Read more
Pressing on your abdomen and feeling a firm, tense area can be unsettling. In most cases, this hardness is simply your body’s way of protecting your internal organs. It happens when the muscles in your abdominal wall tighten automatically, a reflex that creates a natural shield against deeper pressure. However, a hard stomach can also … Read more
Digestion breaks down the food you eat into nutrients your body can absorb and use. This process happens in two distinct ways: physical digestion, which mechanically breaks food into smaller pieces, and chemical digestion, which uses enzymes and acids to break food down at a molecular level. The stomach is the primary organ that plays … Read more
Yes, Helicobacter pylori can cause bloating, and it is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care for this symptom. This bacterial infection is a well-documented cause of chronic stomach inflammation, which directly disrupts normal digestion and leads to trapped gas and abdominal distension. While bloating alone does not confirm an H. pylori … Read more
The digestive system is a long, coordinated pathway that breaks down food into nutrients your body can use. The major organs in the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Each one has a specific job, and they work together in a precise sequence to turn a … Read more
Severe bloating can make your stomach feel tight, full, and visibly swollen. It is uncomfortable and often worrying. The fastest way to start feeling better is to address the gas trapped in your digestive tract. Gentle movement, heat, and specific breathing techniques can offer quick relief. For longer-term relief, you need to identify what is … Read more
When a stomach bug hits, your digestive system needs a break. The goal is to stay hydrated and give your gut easily digestible foods until it settles. Stick with bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, rice, and bananas, and sip clear fluids like water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions. Avoid dairy, greasy foods, caffeine, alcohol, … Read more
Most people have 24 ribs — 12 on each side of the chest. This is true for both men and women. The old idea that men have one fewer rib than women comes from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, but it has no basis in human anatomy. Every healthy human skeleton, regardless of … Read more
For most people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, mayonnaise is safe to eat in normal amounts. The main ingredients in standard commercial mayonnaise are egg yolks, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. None of these are common IBS triggers. The real problems come from what you add to the mayonnaise, how much you eat, and … Read more
Greek yogurt is one of the most popular dairy foods in the American diet, and for good reason. It is thick, creamy, and packed with protein. But when it comes to digestion, the short answer is yes—Greek yogurt can help, primarily because it contains live active cultures that support gut health. However, the benefits depend … Read more