Category Archives: Colon And Digestive

Unbeknownst to most people, our intestines are full of bacteria. Most of our Western culture has demonized bacteria, blaming them for causing infections and inconvenience. However, we as a species would not be able to survive without them, as they help to break down the food we eat into molecules your body recognizes. Intestinal ecosystem ...click here to read more

Have you ever experienced a sensation in your stomach that felt like knots being tied? Have you suddenly had a strong urge to rush to the bathroom before publicly speaking? Has the urge to vomit ever occurred during times of intense stress? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are like ...click here to read more

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, can worsen as a result of a fungus known as Candida tropicalis. This fungus triggers gut inflammation, which can cause symptoms of Crohn’s disease to become exacerbated. The findings come from researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the findings were presented at Digestive ...click here to read more

We all get bloated from time to time. We feel sluggish, are not motivated to do anything, and even have trouble buttoning up our pants because our stomach has grown in size. While uncomfortable, bloating can be the result of any number of things, from the food we eat to hormonal fluctuations of your bodies. ...click here to read more

Although numerous studies point to the fact that exercise may assist in promoting healthy bowels, the latest findings suggest that high-intensity exercise can result in gut damage. The researchers say that gut function shuts down during vigorous exercise. Lead author Ricardo Costa explained, “The redistribution of blood flow away from the gut and towards working ...click here to read more

Epigastric pain is located in a region of the upper abdomen. It is experienced in the area of the abdomen that is approximately in the middle, just below the nipple line. The term epigastric is in reference to an area located in the abdomen meaning “above the stomach.” A few different things could cause this ...click here to read more

If there is one organ in our body that can be dubbed a troublemaker, it’s the colon. The final part of the digestive tract, the colon is responsible for essential functions such as fluid reabsorption as well as waste processing and elimination. The organ is populated by myriad bacteria that promote healthy digestive functioning. Despite ...click here to read more

Obstipation is a condition characterized by severe constipation. It results from an obstruction in the intestines, leading to a state where the intestines can’t fully empty. While normal bowel movement patterns vary from person to person, the ideal frequency is about once a day. The medical criteria for a constipation diagnosis is passing stool less ...click here to read more

Your body is a diverse network of cells that all work together to create life. However, this would be impossible to do alone, as we harbor millions of bacteria in our intestinal system that help us break down and digest food. Called “probiotics,” these organisms have been found to not only relieve gastrointestinal upset but ...click here to read more

Digestive troubles are on the rise. It seems like everyone you talk to is dealing with some digestion-related issue. Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, heartburn, cramping… the list of uncomfortable problems goes on and on. The moral of the story is that digestive problems suck and can really put a damper on your day. The good ...click here to read more

In between the ribs and pelvic bone lie your flanks, of which there are two (one on each side of the body). There are a few parts of the flank, but the easiest way to identify it is through the lower part of the flank. Fat accumulates in this region and form “love handles.” However, ...click here to read more

When we consume food, it is broken down and digested in the digestive system. Vital minerals and nutrients are extracted from your food until only waste is left. This is called your stool. It is composed of digested and metabolized byproducts not found useful by the body and left for excretion. Other terms used to ...click here to read more

Hernia’s are not talked about often though they are pretty common. This is why the month of June is Hernia Awareness Month. Hernias typically occur when an organ or internal tissue slips through a weakness or tear in the abdominal area or other part of the body. We at Bel Marra feel that we need ...click here to read more

Diverticulitis is a condition that results from the inflammation of diverticula—pouch-like bulges that are found in the lower part of the large intestine. Diverticula in themselves are not harmful and are actually commonly found in adults over the age of 40, but when these pouches become infected, it can lead to the diagnosis of diverticulitis. ...click here to read more