Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Archive

Your immune system constantly defends you from harmful germs like bacteria and viruses, but your body also hosts trillions of helpful microbes-your microbiome-that live on your skin, in your gut, and elsewhere. These "good" germs help digest food, make vitamins, protect you from harmful invaders, and help regulate inflammation.

Sinusitis occurs when blocked sinuses cannot drain and the backed-up mucus gets infected. The simplest and often most effective treatment is daily nasal irrigation. It can also help to drink a lot of water, inhale steam, and sleep with the head elevated.

The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis (mono) usually infects people during their childhood or the teenage years. The virus stays with people for life.

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.

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

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.

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.

Monthly vitamin B₁₂ shots for pernicious anemia can be a hassle. Explore whether high‑dose vitamin B₁₂ pills or other non‑injection treatments might be an option.

Dairy-related diarrhea, constipation, and ongoing gut discomfort may point to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, or another condition.