Digestive Health Archive

Gynecologic cancers, which affect the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, or vulva, are less common than breast cancer. Women can guard against these cancers by learning the risk factors for each type, which include obesity, exposure to human papillomavirus, and smoking. Women should also continue pelvic exams and cervical cancer screenings after a hysterectomy or menopause, as well as watch for unusual symptoms. Women with a strong family history of gynecologic or certain other cancers should consider genetic testing.

Colon cleanses are marketed to help detoxify the body, boost weight loss and immune function, and increase energy. But the colon removes toxins on its own. Colon cleanses also pose multiple health risks.

Eating a plant-based diet may help people lower their risk for chronic constipation, according to a 2025 study. This effect may be due, at least in part, to the high fiber content of plant-based diets.

A 2025 Harvard study found that people who most closely adhered to a Mediterranean or a plant-based diet had up to a 20% lower risk for chronic constipation, compared with people who followed other eating patterns.

Evidence suggests that chewing gum can help people feel more focused and less stressed. Chewing sugar-free versions can hinder cavities. But constant gum-chewing can tire jaw muscles, and xylitol-containing gum can trigger abdominal distress.

A 2025 research review found that adhering to the DASH diet-which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products-is linked to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.

In a 2025 study of about 900 people treated for colon cancer (followed for an average of eight years), people who took part in a supervised exercise program for three years had about 30% better odds of surviving, compared with people who weren't in the program.

The digestion process slows as one ages, causing digested food to take its time moving along the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach through the intestines. The longer food stays in the digestive tract, the more opportunity there is for gas to be produced and build up, resulting in bloating. Recurrent bloating also can be caused by people's reactions to certain foods, especially those that contain sugars called FODMAPs. Adjusting one's diet to avoid trigger foods and taking over-the-counter remedies can help prevent and manage problem bloating.

In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid washes backward into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn, an acidic or metallic taste in the mouth, hoarse voice, chest pain, dry cough, post-nasal drip, or trouble swallowing. Symptoms can overlap with those of several other conditions. These include hiatal hernia, functional dyspepsia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal spasms, or heart attack. Distinguishing GERD from other conditions may involve various tests, including an endoscopy to view the esophagus lining.

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.