Digestive Health
The overall well-being and proper functioning of the digestive system plays a crucial role in the digestion, absorption, and elimination of nutrients, contributing to overall physical health and vitality.
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In this section
Causes
Digestive health issues can arise due to various factors, such as poor diet, stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Definition
Learn the basic digestive system parts and function definitions to increase gut health literacy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing digestive health issues may involve medical history assessment, physical examination and testing.
Management
Managing your digestive health may include anything from simple lifestyle changes to surgical intervention.
Prevention
Preventing digestive health issues involves maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices.
Recovery
Recovering from a digestive health issue requires appropriate treatment and time for the body to heal.
Related Conditions
Various internal conditions can have a large impact on digestive health in a many different of ways.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a digestive health issue may include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Featured
Causes
Colorectal Cancer: Risk Factors
Some risk factors are out of your control, such as your age or family history. But some risk factors — such as diet and exercise — are factors you can control.
Types
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a long-term, chronic illness that's part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.
Test your digestive and stomach health knowledge
Food Quiz
Following a sensible diet for your digestive needs is a cornerstone of holistic health. Find out how much you know about healthy eating with this quiz based on information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Appendix Quiz
The human appendix is a 3- to 6-inch narrow tube located where the small and large intestines join. It's mostly known for becoming inflamed and requiring emergency abdominal surgery.
Gout Quiz
For anyone who has had gout, the experience is not one that's easily forgotten. It causes sudden, intense pain and joint tenderness in one or multiple joints. Find out more about gout by taking this quiz.
Diagnosing Digestive Issues
Digestive Health
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a procedure that lets your healthcare provider check the inside of your entire large intestine or colon.
Digestive Health
Upper GI Endoscopy
An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Read on to learn more about the procedure, including why you might need it, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after.
Digestive Health
Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.
Common Digestive Conditions
Digestive Health
Hiatal Hernia
In a hiatal hernia, part of your stomach pushes up into an opening (the hiatus) in your diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between your stomach and your chest.
Digestive Health
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects your large intestine or colon. When you have IBS your colon looks normal. But it does not work the way it should.
Digestive Health
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that happens when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased.
