Digestive Health

Bloating, cramping, nausea, heartburn -- many people keep a load of products on hand to treat these problems. In this video, Dr. Oz unveils a top drugstore pick that relieves gastrointestinal issues inexpensively and effectively. Full Answer

As part of the bile system, the gallbladder stores bile, which are the digestive fluids produced by the liver. The gallbladder regulates the release of bile, depending on how much we eat. Full Answer

Bacteria in the gut produce foul-smelling gases when they ferment undigested foods that have not been absorbed in the small intestine. These foods consist mostly of carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. The carbohydrates found in high-fiber foods, such as... Full Answer

Factors such as disturbances in motility (the ability of the digestive tract to propel its contents) or metabolism, influence how often and how much flatulence or flatus (gas that escapes from the rectum) is passed. For instance, people with slowed... Full Answer

Bilirubin is the yellow breakdown product of heme catabolism (heme is the principal component of hemoglobin, present in red blood cells). Bilirubin is excreted in bile, and its levels are elevated in certain diseases. Full Answer

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder that usually occurs when gallstones block fluid (bile) inside the gallbladder. If bile is blocked, it builds up inside the gallbladder, causing swelling and pain. Symptoms of cholecystitis include fever,... Full Answer

Bile is a green liquid material made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It surrounds and emulsifies the fat you gobbled down at last night's dinner. After having a pleasant visit in your stomach, food moves into the small intestine and mixes... Full Answer

Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an... Full Answer

Your doctor may destroy tiny colon polyps by fulguration (burning) or by removing them with wire loops called snares or with biopsy instruments. Your doctor will use a technique called "snare polypectomy" to remove larger polyps. Your doctor will... Full Answer

Polyp removal (or polypectomy) during colonoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure. Possible complications, which are uncommon, include bleeding from the polypectomy site and perforation (a hole or tear) of the colon. Bleeding from the... Full Answer