Digestive Health

For patients who have a diagnosis of celiac disease, the small intestine will typically heal once exposure to gluten is eliminated. This means that the "fingers" of the intestine, which are known as villi,... continue reading  about  I've been on a gluten-free diet for a year. Does that mean that the "fingers" in my small intestine are back to normal? I still have problems with eating too much fiber at one time, causing looser and somewhat urgent bowel movements the next morning.

I am sorry to hear that scleroderma affected your bowel.The scleroderma may affect motility of the small bowel and stomach. It can also lead to the recurrent small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Patients with ... continue reading  about  I have intestinal scarring from scleroderma, which now is in remission. I have trouble digesting food and suffer from diarrhea, constipation, digestive pain and rectal cramps. What foods are best for me and what should I avoid?

Constipation is fairly common affliction affecting an estimated 24-50 percent of older adults. The most common medications that may cause constipation are:Narcotic pain medications (e.g Vicodin)Iron supplements... continue reading  about  What common medications cause constipation? It seems that ibuprofen affects me.

Thank you very much for this question.The intestinal bacteria can play an important role in the development and progression of Crohn's disease. The intestinal microbial community performs a range of useful func... continue reading  about  I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease two years ago. I recently heard that more harmful bacteria are found in a person with Crohn's than those without this disease. If this is true, is there anything I can do to change the bacteria in my system?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?