Digestive Health – thirdAGE

The Food-Insecurity Factor

A review of studies about the effect of food insecurity on digestive diseases found a lack of information on links between the two, even though the quality of diet can often be both a direct cause of, as well as a solution for, many gastrointestinal conditions. The findings, published June 1 in the journal Gastroenterology,… Continue reading The Food-Insecurity Factor

A Nutrient that Kills Invading Bacteria

Scientists studying the body’s natural defenses against bacterial infection have identified a nutrient — taurine — that helps the gut recall prior infections and kill invading bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn). The finding, published in the journal Cell by scientists from five institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), could aid efforts seeking… Continue reading A Nutrient that Kills Invading Bacteria

The Truth about Gut Trouble

Everyone has pain or discomfort in their gut occasionally. Maybe you ate something that didn’t agree with you. Or you had an infection that made you sick to your stomach for a few days. But if pain and other gut symptoms go on for weeks or longer, something more serious might be wrong. Digestive system… Continue reading The Truth about Gut Trouble

The Best Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Surgery for stress urinary incontinence (leaking that occurs with a cough or sneeze) also improves symptoms of another form of incontinence, called urgency urinary incontinence, in women who have both types, according to new research. The findings, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), challenge current treatment guidelines, which suggest the opposite: that the… Continue reading The Best Surgery for Urinary Incontinence

Read This if You Take Ranitidine Medicines

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that some ranitidine medicines, including some products commonly known as the brand-name drug Zantac, contain a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at low levels. According to the Medwatch issued by the FDA, NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer)… Continue reading Read This if You Take Ranitidine Medicines

Keeping Your Gut in Check

Here, from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a primer on how your gut functions and what you can do to get it working its best. Your digestive system is busy. When you eat something, your food takes a twisty trip that starts with being chewed up and ends with you going to the bathroom.… Continue reading Keeping Your Gut in Check

How to Stop Constipation with a Few Simple Adjustments to Your Diet

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting around 42 million people in the U.S, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This common condition is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, and having bowel movements that are hard, dry and small, making them difficult to pass.… Continue reading How to Stop Constipation with a Few Simple Adjustments to Your Diet

Marijuana: A Cure for Hiccups?

We all know the feeling: dread sets in as you’re jolted by one hiccup, then two, then three. Soon enough, you’ve been hiccupping for five minutes straight and are thumbing through your “hiccup cure” thought manual to no avail. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a scientifically proven cure for stubborn hiccups – one… Continue reading Marijuana: A Cure for Hiccups?

New Asthma Biomarkers Identified From Lung Bacteria

Until now, research on the microbiome – the system of good and bad bacteria in the body – has been focused on digestive issues. But a new study shows that it may affect respiratory conditions as well. “Because the lungs continuously and automatically draw air, and any number of environmental agents, into the body, the… Continue reading New Asthma Biomarkers Identified From Lung Bacteria

Trust Your Gut: Six Stomach Issues Not to Ignore

We’ve all eaten or have drunk something that didn’t agree with us. We’ve all caught a stomach bug that was settled with rest, and over-the-counter aid and some chicken broth. While many times we can go at it alone and solve a stomachache ourselves, there are certainly times where it’s necessary to see a doctor.… Continue reading Trust Your Gut: Six Stomach Issues Not to Ignore

Scientists Identify Genetics of Life-Threatening Childhood Disease

Researchers have discovered a genetic cause, as well as potential treatments, for a rare immune disorder called CHAPLE disease. Children with the condition can experience severe gastrointestinal distress and deep vein blood clots. There are no treatments available to treat or prevent these life-threatening symptoms. But that may change. In the study, researchers from the… Continue reading Scientists Identify Genetics of Life-Threatening Childhood Disease

Antibiotics May Not Be Needed for Older Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

Prescribing antibiotics for urinary tract infections may not be necessary for older patients, according to new research. That conclusion was reached by Thomas E. Finucane, MD, of the Johns Hopkins Geriatrics Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. The finding was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. According to a news release from… Continue reading Antibiotics May Not Be Needed for Older Patients with Urinary Tract Infections

How to Stop Constipation with Adjustments to Your Diet

The Truth About Fecal Transplants: Medical Miracle?

Fecal transplants – the transfer of fecal bacteria from a healthy person into a patient – may sound far-fetched or even bizarre. But the technique, which has been documented as far back as 4th century China, is helping people who suffer from a potentially dangerous and even fatal bacterial infection. First approved by the federal… Continue reading The Truth About Fecal Transplants: Medical Miracle?

Genetic Clue to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Genetics researchers in the UK have identified a genetic variant that doubles an individual’s risk of developing ulcerative colitis, one of the subtypes of a chronic disorder known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The investigators, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and other centers, also uncovered a further 25 novel genetic associations to IBD risk.… Continue reading Genetic Clue to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Managing Your Heartburn

The common condition known as heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach contents back up into your esophagus. You may also, Mayo says, feel a sour taste and… Continue reading Managing Your Heartburn

A Crucial Discovery about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For the first time, researchers have identified biological markers of chronic fatigue syndrome in both intestinal bacteria and inflammatory microbial agents in the blood. Chronic fatigue syndrome is condition where normal exertion leads to debilitating fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. There are no known triggers, and diagnosis requires lengthy tests administered by an expert.… Continue reading A Crucial Discovery about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance

Is it possible to become lactose intolerant at a later age? What should you do about lactose intolerance? According to the experts at Mayo Clinic, lactose intolerance can develop any age. It might be triggered by another medical condition like Crohn’s disease, or there may be another cause. Dr. Rohit Divekar, Allergic Diseases, Mayo, suggests… Continue reading Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance