Maintaining Gut Health
Watch this video to learn how keep your gut healthy and balanced.
Fasting: What You Need to Know
Ever considered fasting? Our doctors talk about the benefits and science behind intermittent fasting.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
Our experts offer advice on how to steer clear of foodborne illnesses.
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
If you believe stress and spicy foods cause stomach ulcers, think again.
Featured Articles
How to Reduce Gas and a Bloated Belly
Learn the most common reasons for that sudden belly expansion, and how a few lifestyle adjustments can help.
Women: What to Know About Your Digestive Tract
For reasons both physical and hormonal, women’s digestive systems function differently from men’s. Learn what that means for your body.
Soothing Heartburn
Heartburn (acid reflux) happens when stomach juices splash up into your esophagus. Find out why you shouldn’t ignore it.
Ask an Expert
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have diverticulitis and a few months ago had a serious attack. I was treated with 14 days of antibiotics and I'm okay now. I had a colonoscopy and the report said "severe diverticulitis of entire colon." Is there any way to get rid of these "pockets”?
I'm sorry to hear about your issues with diverticulitis.Diverticulosis is a very common problem. Diverticula form at points of weakness within the colon wall. Once you developed diverticula, they are unlikely t... continue reading about I have diverticulitis and a few months ago had a serious attack. I was treated with 14 days of antibiotics and I'm okay now. I had a colonoscopy and the report said "severe diverticulitis of entire colon." Is there any way to get rid of these "pockets”?
Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Many women after a hysterectomy can still have "cycles" if their ovaries are in place. They will not bleed since the uterus is no longer present, but they can still have the usual bloating and other PMS symptom... continue reading about I had a partial hysterectomy in 2005 but still have my ovaries. A year later, I began to have cramps, gas and bloating every 28 days. Recently these symptoms began to appear every week. How much longer can this go on?
Sanjeev Tummala, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
A functioning liver is vital to human life. Your liver filters harmful substances out of your blood and converts the food you eat into nutrients your body uses. A liver with too much fat - over 5 to 10 percent ... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
About 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids, which are veins in the rectum and anus that swell and can itch and bleed. Some hemorrhoids get small blood clots (thromboses) and these are exquisitely painfu... continue reading about I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My boyfriend (44) is constipated. He has taken three or four different kinds of laxatives but they don't seem to be helping him. What will help him?
Constipation means difficult and less frequent bowel movements. The stool becomes hard, dry and sometimes painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a sho... continue reading about My boyfriend (44) is constipated. He has taken three or four different kinds of laxatives but they don't seem to be helping him. What will help him?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What does gallbladder pain feel like? How do I know if I need medical attention?
The gallbladder is a sack about the size of a fig that is attached to the underside of the liver. Its function is to store bile, which is a substance made in the liver that is necessary to digest fat. When you ... continue reading about What does gallbladder pain feel like? How do I know if I need medical attention?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've always been very regular, but now in menopause I'm constipated. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. I'm normal weight and I exercise. I eat prunes and take Benefiber, but I still have small movements with lots of gas.
Constipation is a condition (not a disease) where a person passes small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. The person may also have a feeling of incomplete elimination of stool. ... continue reading about I've always been very regular, but now in menopause I'm constipated. I eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, drink a lot of water. I'm normal weight and I exercise. I eat prunes and take Benefiber, but I still have small movements with lots of gas.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading about I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control! Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a loo... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.