Passing gas, also known as flatulence, is a natural part of digestion that happens when swallowed air or gases produced by gut bacteria move through your intestines and out of your body. Most people fart between 5 and 15 times a day, so if you've ever wondered why you're more flatulent than usual, the answer often comes down to diet, eating habits, or changes in your gut. 1. Swallowing Air Air you swallow while eating and drinking is a common cause of farts. This happens when

Ever find yourself sitting on the toilet trying to poop but nothing comes out? You’re definitely not alone. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, accounting for millions of doctors visits each year. “Constipation is more common than most people realize, affecting about 35 million Americans, or roughly 1 in 10,” shares Yasi Ansari, M.S., RDN, CSSD. When you’re backed up, it can be tempting to try quick fixes. But experts agree one of the most effe

While long-term smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for COPD, your environment also plays a massive role. If you have COPD, living somewhere with low pollution levels can help you manage your symptoms. For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , everyday life can be difficult. COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis . About 30 million Americans have COPD, and more than half are unaware of it.

Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods and supplements. Probiotics may help with various digestive issues, including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They work by balancing gut bacteria, enhancing the immune system, and improving digestion. Common probiotic strains include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. Probiotic-Rich Food Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet is a natural way to su

Most of us have heard that plastic and microwaves are a bad match. But despite that knowledge, we sometimes fall into the trap of heating up our lunch packed Tupperware containers for the sake of time and convenience. If you do a deep dive into the dangers of plastics in the kitchen, you would probably quit this bad habit cold turkey, but the truth is we’re all strapped for time and are just looking for a safe way to heat our leftovers in the microwave in less than two minute

Understanding Colon Cancer Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, originates in the large intestine or rectum, often starting from polyps – precancerous growths in the colon’s lining. While it can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent in individuals over 50, emphasizing the importance of early detection through screenings for better treatment outcomes. Statistics show colon cancer as the third most diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the U.S., with over 100,000 new cases annu

Why It Happens It’s normal to have some gas. Each day, most people make 1 to 3 pints of it as we digest our food. It escapes 14 to 23 times a day, one way or the other. But if the gas can’t easily get out, you may feel uncomfortable and bloated. Two Sources The gas inside you builds up two ways. Some of it starts as air that you swallow along with your food. Most of that goes away when you burp, but a little flows on into you. Your large intestine makes the rest of the gas as

The fact that we now have medications to treat everything from everyday infections to cardiovascular conditions is nothing short of miraculous. At the same time, ongoing research has revealed that some of these drugs may have unexpected effects on the body. So what is the number-one medication that impacts your gut microbiome? When we asked gastroenterologists which medication impacts the gut the most, they had the same answer: Antibiotics , which are used to treat bacterial

1. Your Genes Metabolism is how your body changes food into energy. If your body is slow at burning calories while you rest or sleep, you probably got that from your parents, through your genes. What you can do: Since you can’t change your genes, focus on your habits. One of the best ways to pep up your metabolism is to get more exercise. Look for ways to sneak more activity into your day. 2. Hormones Hormones impact appetite, metabolism, and even where your body stores fat.

Your kidneys do more work to keep you healthy than you can imagine. These bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, are crucial in maintaining your overall well-being. Yet, many people overlook the importance of kidney health until problems occur. According to recent statistics from the CDC, over 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, many without knowing it. Millions more are at risk due to unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits. In this article

Fruits are naturally high in fiber, a nutrient that comes with a host of benefits for gut health, heart health, digestion and weight loss. The plant-based carbohydrate can’t be digested, which is exactly what gives it superpowers as it moves through the body. You may think of fiber as one single substance, but there are actually two types: Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both help you feel full, but each has special benefits, says Lisa Young, Ph.D., a registered dietitian

You may become hungrier when it's cold outside. This can be due to several different reasons, such as natural instincts, a need for additional calories for energy, mental health concerns, and more. 1. Biological Drive The scarcity of food throughout history created a biological survival drive to consume abundant amounts of food, with increased hunger in colder seasons. This is because, to survive in lower temperatures, humans had to consume more food. Until about the middle o

Supplements offer health benefits, but they may also interact with common cold medications in ways that increase side effects or reduce effectiveness. 1. Decongestants Decongestants are one of the most common ingredients in cold and flu products because nasal congestion is a frequent and uncomfortable symptom of these conditions. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants commonly found in cold and flu medications. They work by constricting blood vessels in the nose

A healthier alternative to table sugar that looks, tastes and cooks like the real thing has been cooked up by scientists—with the help of slime mold. Using engineered bacteria, engineers at Tufts University produced tagatose, which is about 92 percent as sweet as sucrose but contains roughly 60 percent fewer calories. It occurs naturally only in trace amounts—less than 0.2 percent of the sugars found in foods like dairy products and certain fruits such as apples, oranges

Hot drink lovers might want to think again before grabbing a cup of coffee or tea on-the-go, as disposable plastic cups have been found to release thousands of microplastics into drinks, a new study has warned. Microplastics can be formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items or be released directly from products during their use. “These particles end up in our environment, our food, and eventually, our bodies,” said paper author and environmental scientist Xiangyu

What Is Acetaminophen? In the U.S., acetaminophen is the common name for N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). In other countries, it may be called paracetamol. It's a non-opioid analgesic, which means that it reduces pain signals in your nervous system. It's also an antipyretic agent, which means it reduces fever. Uses of acetaminophen Doctors recommend it for mild-to-moderate pain relief in conditions such as: Backaches Colds Headaches Period pain Minor arthritis pain Muscle ac

Common preservatives used to keep food safe and extend shelf life may be linked to a higher risk of several cancers and type 2 diabetes, according to two new studies from France. “These are very important findings for preservatives that are not only widely used in the French and European markets, but also in the United States,” said senior author Mathilde Touvier, principal investigator of the NutriNet-Santé study used to conduct the research. The NutriNet-Santé study, which

Diet Plays a Role Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer for both men and women. Smart food choices may help you lower your chances of getting it. Some studies say that people who eat right, exercise, stay a healthy weight, and keep alcohol to a minimum may cut their odds of the disease by more than a third. Eat: Dairy Most studies agree that calcium-rich dairy products can make you less likely to have colon growths (called adenomas) and colorectal cancer.

They’re not pretty to talk about, but tummy troubles are important to address. They’re also more common than you might think—60 to 70 million people struggle with digestive diseases. While a single food can’t solve all of your gut issues, your food choices may be able to help. If nothing else, what you eat (or drink) could provide a little relief. Case and point: Ginger. Whether in tea, shots, food, or even gummy chews, ginger has been known to help soothe an upset stomach, a

Resolutions to improve health typically include measures such as more exercise, a healthier diet and stopping smoking. But what about your gut microbiome ? Taking steps to protect and improve it can benefit digestive health and more, says Purna Kashyap, M.B.B.S. , a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic who specializes in the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal disorders . "The microbiome is essentially a community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and all of their genes," Dr. Kashya