Digestive Health Archive

Dietary changes can make a big difference for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods to limit or avoid include chocolate, onions, and tomato sauce. Adjusting eating habits-by eating smaller portions, for example-might also help people avoid heartburn and other symptoms.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy have the strongest evidence for treating these IBS-related issues. Other interventions like aerobic exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and biofeedback also may be helpful.

With advances beyond blood tests to screen for prostate cancer, men and their doctors now have additional-and better-information to guide diagnosis and potential treatment. Examples include MRI scans and also urine tests that look for biological markers of cancer.

Pelvic floor exercises can involve strengthening or stretching the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and core. The exercises can lead to better bladder and bowel control. They can also help improve sexual function.

Mammogram screening guidelines for women 74 and older vary considerably. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not examined the implications of screening mammograms in women 70 and older, and treating tumors unlikely to reduce life expectancy can harm women.

Early signs of cervical cancer can include blood-tinged vaginal discharge, heavier discharge than usual, spotting or bleeding between periods, menstrual flow that’s heavier or lasts longer than usual, bleeding or pain during or after intercourse, and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive condition triggered by gluten, a sticky protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is typically diagnosed later in life, and occurs more often in women. Symptoms include intestinal distress, weight loss, rashes, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Celiac patients must adopt a strictly gluten-free diet, which can be challenging after decades of eating gluten. Helpful strategies include creating gluten-free kitchen areas, buying naturally gluten-free items, and examining food labels.

Bowel preparation (prep) is considered the most unpleasant part of the colonoscopy process, but it's also crucial. A clean bowel helps the gastroenterologist more easily locate and remove polyps, small growths that can develop into cancer. If the prep is inadequate, the patient will have to repeat the process. Updated guidelines for gastroenterologists, published in 2025, can help them guide their patients to have more successful preps.

The gut microbiota contains trillions of microbes, including both good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria help digest food and absorb nutrients, regulate appetite, synthesize vitamins, and support the immune system. When the gut microbiota becomes unbalanced because of an increasing number of bad bacteria, problems can arise. Keeping the gut balanced and healthy involves eating more probiotics (foods containing good bacteria) and prebiotics (foods that help existing good bacteria grow).

The BRAT diet - which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast - has long been recommended for people coping with diarrhea and vomiting. But adding oatmeal, cooked carrots, skinless chicken, and other bland foods is fine and provides nutrients needed to help people recover. People who have an upset stomach should avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, sugary foods, and foods that are deep-fried, acidic, spicy, or high in fiber. They should also be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water, broth, diluted fruit juice, or weak, decaffeinated tea.