Health problems or disorders
You can contact the gastroenterologist at Humanitas Hospital to get medical assistance during health disorders or any other health problem.
Reality
While spicy foods have a bad reputation, the truth is that they can improve your gut health and help prevent illness. They are a natural part of a healthy diet.
Fans of spicy foods may also enjoy the fact that hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and reduce the risk of ulcers. Capsaicin also helps break down the fat in spicy foods, which can reduce the amount of fat you consume.
It’s also believed that capsaicin in spices can trigger your hypothalamus, which is the brain’s control over hunger and satiety, but should be consumed in moderation. This can make you feel more satisfied when you eat, which can help you consume fewer calories throughout the day.
This chemical, capsaicin, binds to pain receptors, causing the brain to register heat and causing the stomach to release gas.
Reality
It is one, but not the only, cause. Hernias can also occur due to long-term constipation or coughing.
Hernias occur when there is both pressure and weakness in the muscles lining the abdomen.
An organ or fat then comes out through the opening. They are most common in the groin, belly button or upper stomach.
Reality
It is true that alcoholism is the most common cause of cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. But there are other causes, such as hepatitis B and C, autoimmune, etc.
Although too much consumption almost always causes liver damage, it does not always lead to cirrhosis.
Reality
In the past, doctors told people with this condition, in which the pouches in the colon wall become inflamed and infected, to avoid nuts, corn, popcorn and small-seeded foods such as strawberries.
The fear was that pieces of these foods would sit in the pouches and cause pain. But new studies suggest otherwise – that people who eat a high-fibre diet have a lower risk of getting sick.
Reality
Beans may not be the ‘magic vegetable’ you thought they were. But dairy produces more gas than other foods, especially as we get older and our bodies are less able to absorb milk sugar (lactose).
To ease the problem, look for lactose-free products or take the over-the-counter lactase medicine before eating dairy.
Reality
People with lactose intolerance differ in the amount of dairy they can consume.
While one person may have symptoms from one glass of milk, others may drink up to two. Some people may enjoy yogurt or ice cream, but never pure milk.
Ripened cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, are often better choices. It’s usually a matter of trial and error.
Reality
People are more prone to constipation as they get older, but the ageing body itself is not to blame.
Older adults often take medications that can slow down the digestive tract.
Also add insufficient movement, low-fibre and low-fluid diet, all of which contribute to maintaining normal transit.
Reality
Initially, it wouldn’t make sense, that fiber, which is so well known for relieving constipation, could also help with the flip side: diarrhea. But it’s true. The nutrient helps prevent the stool from being too hard or too soft. It works by either drawing water out of the colon to soften stools (for constipation), or by absorbing some of the fluid from the gut to harden them (for diarrhea).
Reality
Colon cancer often has no symptoms until the advanced stages, which makes early detection so important. In general, most people at average risk should start getting screened at age 45.
Routine colorectal checkups should include fecal tests every year, a colonoscopy every 5 years.
Reality
Colonoscopy isn’t actually as awful as you might think.
The procedure, which doctors use to diagnose and treat problems in the colon and rectum, usually only takes about 30-60 minutes and you sleep while it’s happening.
But it’s the colon cleansing solution that might change people’s minds.
Reality
Although foods can trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, dietary changes are generally not enough to stop the condition. Sometimes, just the act of eating can cause the pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation for which the condition is known.
Stress and anxiety can also add to the problem. A food and symptom diary can help you identify your specific triggers.
Reality
While stress can worsen many health conditions, the cause of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is unknown.
Genetics seems to play a role in who gets the disease, as do changes in the body’s immune system, possibly from a bacteria or virus.
Reality
The most common symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, gas and diarrhoea, but many people with the condition never experience any of these problems.
Doctors can misdiagnose gluten-protein intolerance when looking only for the classic signs.
Other symptoms can include: anaemia, osteoporosis, depression, growth problems and a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.
Reality
Your body has several natural detoxification systems to eliminate toxins and no special products or diets are needed.
Your liver and kidneys are your most important detoxification machines. They are responsible for removing waste from your cells and metabolising all the nutrients you consume. They are also responsible for storing glycogen so you can have energy when you need it.
You can also support your body’s natural detoxification processes by making sure you get plenty of water, drink lots of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
Reality
One of the most common misconceptions about digestive systems is that you need supplements to improve them. While some nutrients have benefits, it’s best to focus on a healthy diet and get the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals through whole foods rather than supplements.
You need a few key vitamins to make sure your body gets enough, especially foods rich in B vitamins and vitamin D. These vitamins are found in seafood, poultry, legumes, dairy products, seeds, leafy greens, etc. These vitamins support the immune system and fight inflammation. They also help your body form red blood cells and get energy from food.
The best way to get the vitamins your body needs is to eat foods rich in vitamins, fibre, protein and healthy fats. This will not only make sure you get the nutrients your body needs, but it will also help keep your gut happy.