Liver health Archive

Pain from gallstones (hardened, stonelike lumps of bile or other digestive fluids that block bile ducts) usually occurs in a distinct pattern. Gallstone attacks typically provoke steady, intense pain in the upper right abdomen that can radiate to the shoulder or back.

Lactose trouble that appears in midlife—plus growing sensitivities to other foods—can hint at changes in the small intestine that warrant a doctor's look.

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.

Gallstones can trigger painful attacks and concern about surgery. See how calorie control and low fat eating might ease symptoms and delay the need for surgery.

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

A sluggish gallbladder can cause belly pain even without stones. Explore how diet changes and other factors may help and when surgery is advised.