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Digestive Health

Digestive woes happen to all of us at some time or another. Follow this advice to avoid or manage some of the most common belly complaints.

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

    Cottage cheese

    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.

    Woman with stomach-ache

    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.

    Orange juice

    Soothing Heartburn

    Heartburn (acid reflux) happens when stomach juices splash up into your esophagus. Find out why you shouldn’t ignore it.

    View All Digestive Health Articles

    Ask an Expert

    Katerina P. Shetler

    Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.

    Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

    Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?

    Thank you for this very interesting question. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loose bowel movements or constipation. Patients with lactose intolerance and ... continue reading  about  Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

    It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading  about  My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

    Frank L. Anderson

    Frank L. Anderson, M.D.

    Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods

    I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?

    That sounds like a product too good to be true and I would imagine persons suffering from celiac disease and lactose intolerance would be very receptive. Unfortunately these are two very different problems whic... continue reading  about  I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?

    Toni J. Brayer

    Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

    Sutter West Bay Medical Group

    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

    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?

    Deborah Kurzrock

    Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

    I have bleeding stomach ulcers. What foods do I need to avoid? What foods are beneficial?

    It is a myth that spicy foods or a stressful job can cause peptic ulcers. Doctors now know that a bacterial infection or some medications - not stress or diet - cause most peptic ulcers.Your doctor will help in... continue reading  about  I have bleeding stomach ulcers. What foods do I need to avoid? What foods are beneficial?

    Ask the Expert Team

    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.

    Francine A. Yep

    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.

    Sue Hazeghazam

    Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.

    Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

    I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?

    My first thought goes to the possibility of lactose intolerance (the diminished ability to properly breakdown lactose in the intestinal tract). Lactose intolerance can occur when people age and may also occur i... continue reading  about  I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?

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