Tag: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology

A team of researchers analyzed the potential side effects of a common blood pressure drug and found that it may increase the risk of a potentially severe bowel condition. Some hypertension drugs may raise the risk of certain gastrointestinal conditions, new research suggests. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic heart […]

The microbiome plays a vital role in health. A recent study has investigated how viruses that kill gut bacteria influence these microbes. The findings make an already complicated picture much more so. Bacteriophages (depicted here) are more numerous than bacteria. The microbiome is both fascinating and fashionable. The increase in public interest has provided a […]

Pooping regularly is a sign of a healthy digestive tract. Everyone’s bowel habits are slightly different, but going too long without pooping can be a sign of an underlying health condition that may require medical attention. There is no specific number of times a person should poop per day, since everyone’s bowel habits are different. […]

Some drugs work well for one person but are ineffective for another; some also produce adverse events for certain individuals but not others. A study, using human gut bacteria and a mouse model, investigates whether our gut bacteria might help explain why. Do the microbes in our intestines influence how well a drug will work? […]

The intestines of mammals allow nutrients to pass through to the rest of the body while stopping most harmful bacteria from doing the same. New research in mice now reveals how this is possible, suggesting implications for drug design and delivery. Researchers have studied the guts of mice to learn more about the intestines’ ability […]

Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Looking after the health of the gut and maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms is vital for physical and mental health, immunity, and more. These bacteria, yeasts, and viruses — of which there are around 100 trillion — are also […]

According to a preliminary trial, massaging the connective tissue surrounding the diaphragm could significantly reduce acid reflux for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Researchers have tested a type of massage to help reduce symptoms of GERD. In this era of antibiotic resistance and opioid addiction, finding alternatives to drugs is of growing interest to scientists, […]

Whatever you call it — poop, bowel movements, stool, or feces — it can reveal a lot about a person’s health. Floating poop is common and not usually a sign that anything is wrong. Gas, changes in the diet, and minor infections may cause poop to float. Some underlying medical conditions can also cause persistent […]