A key part of the human digestive system is the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is a large swath of many, many millions of nerve cells coating your esophagus all the way to your rectum. This is nicknamed the body’s “second brain” that works with, yet independently from, the central nervous system (CNS) – which comprises the brain and spinal cord. The process of digestion starts in the mouth, as saliva and the action of chewing begins to break down food. The enteric nervous system then ... [Read More]
gut health
Tips for Better Digestive Health
Did you know that a significant part of your immune system is housed in your gut? What this means is that if your digestive health gets compromised, this can have a ripple effect on your entire body and leave you susceptible to many health conditions, such as chronic fatigue, respiratory infections, diabetes, and even cancer. So how do you safeguard your digestive health then? Here are some strategies that you can incorporate into your daily life to keep your gut in tip-top condition. Have a ... [Read More]
Bowel Prep: Things to Know
A colonoscopy is a medical test that is utilized to evaluate your colon for pre-cancerous cells, inflammation, and polyps. The colon is the large intestine, but a colonoscopy evaluates the entire tract from your rectum through your intestine. One of the major benefits of a colonoscopy is that it is not only a test but also a preventive measure in which your gastroenterologist can remove any polyps – which can be cancerous or precancerous – that may be found. Before your colonoscopy, there ... [Read More]
Could My Gallbladder Be Causing My Stomachache?
When you have a stomachache, you may have stomach-area pain or feel nauseous. A normal stomachache generally goes away fairly quickly. However, if the pain or uncomfortable aching feeling is persistent, it may be due to something other than the stomach. In some cases, it may be an issue with your gallbladder. Let’s talk about how best to have your stomachache diagnosed, and where you can go for a medical evaluation and treatment. What Is the Gallbladder? Your gallbladder is an organ in ... [Read More]
How is Hepatitis A Transmitted?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver that affects over a million people throughout the world each year. It causes the liver to swell and triggers symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and nausea. Generally, the symptoms are mild and subside within a few weeks, but some cases can be serious. Fortunately, if you understand how hepatitis A is transmitted, you may reduce your chances of acquiring it or passing it along if you should happen to get it. Poor-Quality Drinking Water or Well ... [Read More]
