Digestive Health Archive

While many health symptoms resolve quickly on their own, others linger and make people wonder if they need to see a doctor. Symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit include drawn-out cold symptoms such as fatigue, cough, and low-grade fever; a fever lasting more than four days; unexpected symptoms when starting a new medication or after surgery; certain digestive problems; and new or worsening mental health issues.

In a 2025 study of more than 85,000 people (average age 63), followed for six years, those who were the most active-even if they were simply doing light-intensity activities-had a 26% lower risk for cancer, compared with those who were least active.

A 2025 study suggested that boosting dietary calcium intake may reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer, while drinking more alcohol may raise risks for the disease.

A small randomized controlled trial published in February 2025 suggests that eliminating oligosaccharides from the diet might be enough to ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as opposed to eliminating all the categories of food known as FODMAPs.

If you've ever had food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria, you know it's unpleasant but typically goes away within two to three days. You may not know that these bacteria sicken more than a million people in the US each year - and can be deadly for some. You can take steps to avoid getting sick.

Diverticula-little pockets that develop in the lining of the colon-can become inflamed or infected and cause bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the lower left abdomen. The problem, called diverticulitis, might go away on its own, but first-time sufferers should report symptoms to the doctor right away. People with a history of diverticulitis can likely wait a day or two, but then call a doctor if symptoms don't improve. Treatment for diverticulitis ranges from rest, a clear liquid diet, and antibiotics to hospitalization or surgery.

Cancer survivors are more likely to die of heart disease than from cancer-related complications. One reason is that certain cancer treatments can cause cardiovascular complications. But the two diseases share many root causes, including tobacco use and obesity, as well as diabetes and high cholesterol. Growing evidence suggests that people with heart disease may be more likely to develop cancer.

A portion of the two million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year choose to keep the news private or tell only a select few people. These patients may wish to avoid extra attention, sympathy, or different treatment; bypass burdening or alarming others; protect their job; feel in control of an uncertain situation; or sidestep judgment if their cancer is related to lifestyle choices. But opting for secrecy can pose several disadvantages, depriving patients of practical and emotional support and aggravating stress, anxiety, and depression.

Although a clinical trial showed daily aspirin use didn't help women with breast cancer avoid recurrence or improve survival, other evidence-backed measures might. Exercise, weight control, and a healthy diet are linked with lower recurrence and longer survival, but alcohol use, smoking, and supplement use are not. While it's not always clear how lifestyle approaches help lower the odds of recurrence or death from breast cancer, healthy measures can improve women's ability to keep other conditions at bay or manage them more effectively.