Gastrointestinal Health topics
Constipation, diarrhoea and digestion problems
Click on the links below to learn about some common gastrointestinal complaints.
Animation: carbohydrate digestion
See how your body digests carbohydrates to make glucose, and view insulin's role in using the glucose for energy.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Most bad breath (halitosis) originates in the mouth and is caused by the breakdown of food particles by bacteria.
Constipation
If you have difficulty in emptying the bowel, despite feeling a need to, you have constipation.
Constipation: causes and symptoms
Constipation is not the same as having irregular bowel habits. It is when you have to strain to pass a bowel motion.
Constipation: nutritional help
Constipation means difficulty moving your bowels. Read what causes constipation and what dietary changes can help with constipation.
Constipation: treatment options
Constipation can be treated with faecal softeners, or with bulk forming, osmotic or stimulant laxatives.
Constipation: what you need to know
Find out about constipation, including the common causes and treatments, and when to see your doctor.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become more watery or more frequent than usual, or both.
Diarrhoea recovery faster with probiotics
Probiotics (live 'friendly' bacteria) can shorten episodes of infectious diarrhoea, a Cochrane review has found, but which probiotic is best to use is still unclear.
Diarrhoea treatments
What (and what not) to drink and eat when you have diarrhoea. Also medicines that can help relieve symptoms and when to see the doctor.
Diarrhoea: causes and symptoms
Diarrhoea: find out the common causes, how to help, serious symptoms and when to see the doctor.
Dietary fibre
A diet that's high in fibre is good for your health. Find out how to get enough fibre in your diet.
Faecal incontinence may respond to diet change
Increasing fibre and fluid intake could help the one in 10 elderly women who experience regular faecal incontinence, a researcher says.
Flatulence
Find out about the symptoms and causes of that potentially embarrassing problem of flatulence.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common form of indigestion caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux - reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus (gullet).
Heartburn treatments
Find out about the treatment options for heartburn - a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Hiccups
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly contracts and the epiglottis closes. They are usually harmless, but see your doctor if they are persistent or severe.
How your food is digested
See how your body digests your food in this diagram of the digestive or gastrointestinal system.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a term used to cover several medical conditions.
Lactose intolerance
Find out about the symptoms, tests and treatments for lactose intolerance.
Slideshow: Constipation - tips for relief
Constipation is a common problem that can cause abdominal bloating and discomfort. Discover some tips on how to stay regular.
Travellers' diarrhoea
Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of stomach or intestinal illness while travelling.
Travellers' diarrhoea prevented by cows milk extract
Bovine colostrum tablets (Travelan) protect against certain bacteria that can cause traveller's diarrhoea, a study shows.
See how your body digests carbohydrates to make glucose, and view insulin's role in using the glucose for energy.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Most bad breath (halitosis) originates in the mouth and is caused by the breakdown of food particles by bacteria.
Constipation
If you have difficulty in emptying the bowel, despite feeling a need to, you have constipation.
Constipation: causes and symptoms
Constipation is not the same as having irregular bowel habits. It is when you have to strain to pass a bowel motion.
Constipation: nutritional help
Constipation means difficulty moving your bowels. Read what causes constipation and what dietary changes can help with constipation.
Constipation: treatment options
Constipation can be treated with faecal softeners, or with bulk forming, osmotic or stimulant laxatives.
Constipation: what you need to know
Find out about constipation, including the common causes and treatments, and when to see your doctor.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is when your bowel movements become more watery or more frequent than usual, or both.
Diarrhoea recovery faster with probiotics
Probiotics (live 'friendly' bacteria) can shorten episodes of infectious diarrhoea, a Cochrane review has found, but which probiotic is best to use is still unclear.
Diarrhoea treatments
What (and what not) to drink and eat when you have diarrhoea. Also medicines that can help relieve symptoms and when to see the doctor.
Diarrhoea: causes and symptoms
Diarrhoea: find out the common causes, how to help, serious symptoms and when to see the doctor.
Dietary fibre
A diet that's high in fibre is good for your health. Find out how to get enough fibre in your diet.
Faecal incontinence may respond to diet change
Increasing fibre and fluid intake could help the one in 10 elderly women who experience regular faecal incontinence, a researcher says.
Flatulence
Find out about the symptoms and causes of that potentially embarrassing problem of flatulence.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common form of indigestion caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux - reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus (gullet).
Heartburn treatments
Find out about the treatment options for heartburn - a symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Hiccups
Hiccups occur when the diaphragm suddenly contracts and the epiglottis closes. They are usually harmless, but see your doctor if they are persistent or severe.
How your food is digested
See how your body digests your food in this diagram of the digestive or gastrointestinal system.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a term used to cover several medical conditions.
Lactose intolerance
Find out about the symptoms, tests and treatments for lactose intolerance.
Slideshow: Constipation - tips for relief
Constipation is a common problem that can cause abdominal bloating and discomfort. Discover some tips on how to stay regular.
Travellers' diarrhoea
Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of stomach or intestinal illness while travelling.
Travellers' diarrhoea prevented by cows milk extract
Bovine colostrum tablets (Travelan) protect against certain bacteria that can cause traveller's diarrhoea, a study shows.
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