Your dietitian might suggest this simple test involving baking soda and water, known as ‘The Baking Soda Test’. Here is why. Your stomach is like a chemical factory, churning out various acids to break down the food you eat. Sometimes, this acid production can get out of balance. Some folks end up with too much stomach acid, leading to reflux issues. Others might have too little stomach acid, which can mimic reflux symptoms such as bloating, fullness, and discomfort. Now, let’s dive into some basic chemistry: Baking soda is a base (or alkaline substance), and it reacts with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas. If you take baking soda on an empty stomach, it should trigger a burp within a few minutes due to the gas formation. If you don’t burp, it could be a sign that your stomach[Discover More…]

[Last updated 7th of March, 2023]

Fecal impaction is fairly common, particularly in older adults and people who are bedridden.

In fact, one study found that 42% of seniors in a geriatric ward had experienced it (1).

It’s not usually a big deal once its resolved, but untreated impaction can result in very serious medical complications. It can also increase the risk of future impactions.

So what is fecal impaction, and can it be treated at home? Let’s take a look at the evidence.

[Last updated 7th March, 2023]

Any sort of abdominal pain can be frustrating.

Add bloody stool to the mix, and it can turn downright scary.

Often these types of symptoms are linked to an issue in the gut, and they may be tricky to diagnose and ultimately treat.

Ischemic colitis is one of these conditions, and it’s often confused with other inflammatory bowel diseases.

This article clears up any confusion about what ischemic colitis is and the best short- and long-term treatments and dietary plans to keep symptoms at bay.

Chronic and frequent diarrhea can make anyone’s life miserable.

This is what those with microscopic colitis deal with on a nearly daily basis.

This inflammatory condition of the colon, broken down into two forms—collagenous and lymphocytic colitis—is becoming increasingly common, with more people seeking quick relief.

Here, we explore the best treatments for both forms of microscopic colitis and how diet and lifestyle changes may be your best long-term course of action.

[Last updated 14th August, 2018]

A fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a procedure where fecal matter, or stool, is collected from a healthy donor and transplanted to a recipient.

Its purpose is to replace good bacteria in the colon and help restore the individual back to good health.

While it may sound like an extreme approach, FMT can provide astonishing results when used appropriately.

This article reviews how FMT works, the risks involved, and who may benefit. You’ll also learn about the future applications of this intriguing therapy.

Pseudomembranous colitis refers to inflammation in the gut that is associated with an overgrowth of C. diff bacteria.

This condition can cause very uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms that are very serious if not managed properly.

Unfortunately, pseudomembranous colitis is becoming more common with people often experiencing it more than once.

This article explores what to eat and drink during a C. diff infection, and what diet can help prevent pseudomembranous colitis from recurring.

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the food in your stomach empties at a delayed rate.

This can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms and even lead to malnutrition.

While there are medical treatment options, a new diet is typically the most effective way to manage symptoms.

This article looks at what is the best diet for gastroparesis based on current knowledge and evidence. It includes a sample diet plan and some thoughts about the low FODMAP diet too.

[Last updated 14th August, 2018]

Pyroluria is not a mainstream medical condition.

However, an increasing number of people claim to be diagnosed.

Bus it pyroluria even real?

This article takes an unbiased look at the available research.