Digestive Health Archive

Articles

Yoga and similar exercises can improve incontinence in older women

A 2024 study found that older women with urinary incontinence experienced significant improvements in symptoms after engaging in low-impact yoga or stretching and strengthening exercises three times a week for three months.

Inflammatory bowel disease's gender bias

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects roughly equal numbers of women and men. But the condition imposes a disproportionate burden on women—shaping symptoms, affecting reproductive decisions, and increasing risks of ominous downstream health effects. IBD can ramp up symptoms during menstruation, cause painful sex, and raise risks for iron-deficiency anemia and osteoporosis. Plus, some drugs used for IBD may raise the risk for cervical cancer.

Digestive health changes: When to seek medical care

People with new gastrointestinal problems should consider if symptoms indicate a chronic or serious condition. If symptoms don't include bloody stools, fever, loss of bowel control, severe pain, or severe dehydration, doctors advise trying home remedies first. For example, heartburn might respond to over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes (such as avoiding certain foods, eating smaller meals, and staying upright after eating), and then seeking help if symptoms don't resolve within a few weeks.

Can probiotics help calm inflammatory bowel disease?

Approximately three million Americans have an inflammatory bowel disease. Current therapies for IBD suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation, but some preliminary studies have investigated whether probiotics are beneficial for people with IBD.

Celiac disease: Exploring four myths

While medical knowledge on celiac disease has evolved over the past few decades, there are still aspects that remain poorly understood. Perhaps not surprisingly, misconceptions are widespread among the general public.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

10 Ways to Fight Chronic Inflammation is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle with ways to keep inflammation under control … lessen digestion problems … learn simple exercises to improve your balance…understand your options for cataract treatment … all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.