Health and wellness advice, facts, and tips for living a well-balanced and comfortable lifestyle.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include bloating, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea, making it an uncomfortable and unpleasant health issue. Because IBS is chronic, it needs to be managed over the long term. But unlike other disorders which affect the gut—for instance, Crohn’s
When someone who has celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune reaction in the small intestine. Celiac disease symptoms include bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, among others. In some cases, though, it doesn’t cause any digestive symptoms at all. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, spelt, bulgur, and barley.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a type of disorder that involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two most common forms of IBD. The symptoms associated with IBD usually include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloody stools and unintended weight loss. IBD can have very serious effects on a
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition that involves the stomach and the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter is a circle-shaped band of muscle. During normal digestion, it opens so that food can enter the stomach and closes to ensure that food and stomach acid don’t return to the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs
Most people experience digestive problems—whether it’s an upset stomach, heartburn, or diarrhea—from time to time. Often, these digestive problems aren’t serious. They either go away on their own or can be managed with over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes. The following article can help you to understand more about your digestive tract, including why symptoms arise,
Being overweight is becoming more common among both children and adults; however, it’s not a category many of us would like to fall into. But, being overweight isn’t just a cosmetic concern, it’s also a contributing factor to many unwanted health risks. Although people typically gain weight from eating more calories than they burn, having
Are you or someone you love struggling with being overweight or obese? Canadian obesity has increased dramatically over the years. A study published by the Public Health Agency of Canada indicates that more than 50% of Canadians are overweight or obese. Learning how to calculate your BMI to determine if you are overweight or obese can help
Maintaining your ideal weight, eating healthy, and staying physically fit can be a challenge. Especially with today’s busy lifestyle demands. It’s imperative to know if you are overweight or at risk of becoming obese. Both these conditions are linked to many health concerns and can negatively affect your quality of life. Obesity in adults
Do you find yourself asking “Am I Overweight?” It is becoming ever more common for adults to fall into the categories of being overweight or obese. If you fall into either category, you may be putting yourself at risk for various health problems. Although we need some body fat for healthy bodily functions such as providing
People watching their weight and blood sugar levels often use sugar substitutes in place of table sugar (sucrose). But is this a healthy choice? Can sugar substitutes actually lead to unwanted weight gain and/or increased blood sugar levels? Read on to learn more about sugar substitutes and their possible effects on your body. What Are
