Digestive Health Archive

Not all cases of gallstones need treatment. Many people have gallstones that never cause pain or other symptoms and can be left alone. But if gallstones cause persistent pain or other symptoms, doctors often opt to surgically remove the gallbladder.

Pain from gallstones (hardened, stonelike lumps of bile or other digestive fluids that block bile ducts) usually occurs in a distinct pattern. Gallstone attacks typically provoke steady, intense pain in the upper right abdomen that can radiate to the shoulder or back.

People who have diverticular disease have tiny pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon that can bleed or perforate and develop infection (called diverticulitis). People with diverticular disease should eat a healthy diet rich in fiber, drink lots of water, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, avoid straining in the bathroom, and report bleeding or pain to a doctor. However, it's not necessary to avoid eating nuts, seeds, or popcorn, which were once believed to lodge in diverticula and cause problems. That old advice turned out to be wrong.

Home microbiome tests are pricey and not yet scientifically reliable. Stay on top of your gut health by skipping the test and focusing instead on following a fiber-rich, Mediterranean-style diet that minimizes meat and processed foods.

After removal of precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon, return for a follow-up colon exam in three, five, or 10 years, depending on the number and types of growths that the doctor found and removed. A healthy diet can help prevent cancer.

Women under 40 are at much greater risk of developing gallstones than men, due to the actions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Diarrhea may be caused by a number of factors. When it comes to diet, foods that are sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried can cause loose stools or make them worse. Dairy foods and foods with gluten can also cause loose stools.

Digestive troubles are no one's idea of fun, but having them occur while traveling or vacationing is even worse. Here's a closer look at three common digestive upsets, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have one.