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The Complete Guide to Hepatitis C

The liver is the body’s “food processor.” It tackles everything you ingest, aids digestion, stores nutrients, regulates various body functions and clears out toxins. Hepatitis C – commonly referred to as hep C – is a contagious, blood-borne, viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The condition can be mild to severe and last

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How a Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

Colorectal cancer – popularly referred to as colon cancer – is the third-most common form of cancer among both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also the second deadliest. However, it is also one of the most preventable. If everyone age 50 and older had regular

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When Would I Need an Endoscopy?

There are many reasons your doctor may recommend an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure conducted by gastroenterologists – doctors specializing in diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – to evaluate your digestive system and any suspected issues like infection, tissue damage or cancer. Two types are commonly performed: an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD)

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Hep C: Speaking Out About “The Silent Killer”

According to HepCHope.com, a staggering 1 in 30 Baby Boomers has Hepatitis C. That’s 3.2 million people. These numbers are just an estimate, as many affected people are unaware due to the disease’s dormant symptoms; most don’t become perceptible until many years after being infected. The most chronic blood-borne infection in the United States, Hep

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10 Signs of Celiac You Shouldn’t Ignore

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that gluten-free items have taken over prime real estate on the shelves at every American grocery store. And while some people dabble in gluten-free cuisine as a fad, for the 3 million US citizens living with celiac disease – gluten is the enemy. Targeting those

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Is it Food Sensitivity or a Bacterial Infection?

Food sensitivity is not to be confused with food allergies. Whereas food allergies are caused by the body’s immune system reacting to a certain food, food sensitivities and intolerances occur when the body is unable to process or digest a certain food. However, sometimes a bacterial infection can throw a wildcard on the table, so

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At What Point Should You Stop Self-Treating GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, or heartburn as it is more commonly referred to, is a condition most people experience at some point in their lives. For some people, spicy food may give them a burning feeling in their upper chest. For others, it could be burping up acidic liquid that burns the throat.

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The Best Foods For Digestive Health

When it comes to digestive health, everyone is different. What works for you, may not work for your friend. Of course, there are basic nutrition principles that will help keep everyone on track to a healthier digestive system. However, intolerances, food allergies, and digestive illnesses all play a role in determining your ideal diet. This

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What to Expect During an Endoscopy Procedure

Has your doctor told you that you need an upper endoscopy, also referred to as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)? While not a routine procedure, the EGD is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal illness, as well as for monitoring chronic problems. Whether this is your first endoscopy, or you have had one before, you

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