Of the cancers that affect men and women in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common.
Research suggests that the prevalence of this common cancer may be due in part to emulsifiers. Emulsifiers are additives that are used in most processed foods to improve texture and extend shelf life. They are present in many of the foods we eat fairly regularly.
Most people don’t look forward to things like a colonoscopy, but contrary to popular belief, prepping for a colonoscopy does not have to be a time filled with anxiety or fear.
Crohn’s Disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that attacks people in different ways. It’s not the kind of issue many are likely to talk much about due to the debilitating symptoms and how it affects lives.
Because Crohn’s disease involves such a large swath of the gastrointestinal tract, the symptoms one may experience will be heavily determined by where the attack is centered. This is a large part of why certain people may experience varying degrees of symptoms, or none at all.Read More »How Are Crohn’s Disease Symptoms Different Between People?
Due to some recent findings, the American Cancer Society has data supporting why colorectal screenings should start at age 45 for those with average risks. Up until quite recently, the ACS recommended that those adults with average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 50.
So why the change?
Your gastrointestinal tract is home to many good kinds of bacteria, including trillions of microbiota. This bacteria helps to keep your gut healthy but is not alone in its efforts.
Two other substances are known as prebiotics and probiotics also exist within your GI tract, but what exactly are they and how are they any different from one another?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated as GERD, is a common condition that involves stomach acid frequently flowing up into the esophagus. GERD can also cause other related conditions, such as Barrett’s esophagus, which is a condition that results in healthy esophageal tissue to become damaged to the point where it more closely resembles tissue of the intestine.
Heartburn is a very common symptom of acid reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. It typically starts with a burning sensation in your chest which can become quite painful.
Most of us have had heartburn at least once in our lives, but when it becomes a frequent occurrence and interrupts our sleep, we should take notice and figure out the causes.
The simple fact is that what and how much we eat and drink can contribute to painful heartburn or acid reflux. Not everyone has the same triggers, so our approach will stress common foods to avoid and helpful substitutes.
The answer to this question is yes, although recurring hemorrhoids might be a better designation than actually growing back. Regardless of the term, neither scenario is an optimal one.
Ultimately, it’s more about the patient and how faithful they are to recommended lifestyle and dietary changes.
“I am really looking forward to my colonoscopy,” said no one ever.
Let’s face it; a colonoscopy ranks right up there with a root canal for least favorite necessary evil. The good news is that some of the prep has improved in the last few years, and there are new less invasive screenings available. If caught early enough, colorectal cancer can be treated and cured.
Read More »Be Proactive During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month