Digestion

Acid Reflux From Chronic Heartburn May Damage Teeth

THURSDAY, March 8 -- If you have chronic heartburn, it's not only your esophagus that you should be worried about. New research reveals how the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your tee...

Clostridium difficile on the Rise: Is Your Doctor To Blame?

Not Just a Hospital Problem: Deadly C. Diff in Doctor's Offices, Clinics By Daniel J. DeNoonWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD March 6, 2012 -- America's deadly C. diff epidemic is spreading not just in hospitals, but in doctor's of...

Children Now Eligible for Screening Test for Bacterium

FRIDAY, Feb. 24 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded approval for a breath test that screens for a common ulcer-causing germ, to include children aged 3 years to 17.The Helicobacter pylori bacterium causes stomach in...

Health Tip: Fruit Juices and Kids

-- While sugary fruit juices may be a favorite for kids, too much can lead to obesity and tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.The academy offers these recommendations for fruit juice in kids' diets:Children younger t...

Health Tip: Exercising During Pregnancy

-- Exercise is a great way to manage the aches and pains of pregnancy, and help prepare your body for the birth of your child.The Nemours Foundation, noting you should first get your doctor's approval, says the potential benefits o...

Raw Milk Causes Most Illness From Dairy Products: CDC

TUESDAY, Feb. 21 -- Raw, or unpasteurized, milk causes 150 times more dairy product-related disease outbreaks than pasteurized milk. And states where the sale of raw milk is legal have twice as many outbreaks as states where it is il...

Gluten Sensitivity: Fact or Fad?

Analysis Questions Benefits of Gluten-Free Diet for Many By Salynn BoylesWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Feb. 20, 2012 -- Move over fat, salt, and sugar. There's a new dietary villain in town and its name is gluten.Scan the groce...

Health Tip: Healthier Ways to Prepare Potatoes

-- Potatoes are a great source potassium, fiber and vitamin C, but many popular recipes also load on the calories.The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests how to enjoy the nutritional benefits of potatoes without piling on the...

sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, Bactrim, Septra

GENERIC NAMES: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim; cotrimoxazole BRAND NAMES: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Bactrim is a combination of two synthetic (man-made) antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. B...

Health Tip: Keep Heartburn Under Control

-- Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus.The American Gastroenterological Association offers these suggestions ...

Study: Constipation May Cause Bed-wetting

Some Kids With Bed-wetting May Have Undiagnosed, Unrecognized Constipation By Salynn BoylesWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Jan. 30, 2012 -- A surprising new study suggests that for many children who wet the bed, the cause may sta...

Common Gastro Disease Occurs Even With High-Fiber Diet

FRIDAY, Jan. 27 -- Eating a high-fiber diet does not lower a person's risk of diverticulosis, but a low-fiber diet might, according to a new study that contradicts what doctors have believed for decades.Diverticulosis is a disease of...

More Newborns Suffering Drug Withdrawal at Birth

MONDAY, Jan. 30 -- A dramatic rise in newborns experiencing drug withdrawal after being exposed in the womb poses challenges for clinicians on how to detox these tiny victims, a new report indicates.The American Academy of Pediatrics...

5 Potential Complications of Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Karina Lichtenstein MedicineNet.com Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can have serious consequences. Avoid these five potential complications by diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis early ...

Blood Test Shows Promise in Spotting Pancreatic Cancers Early

TUESDAY, Jan. 17 -- A new blood test may hold promise as a means of early detection and diagnosis for often deadly pancreatic cancers.Reporting Tuesday at the annual Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, researchers sa...

As Nations Develop, So May Bowel Disease

FRIDAY, Jan. 6 -- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming more common around the world, according to a new study.Researchers who analyzed data from all population-based studies about the incidence and/or prevalence of IBD found ...

Bottom Line: Overeating Boosts Fat, Whatever the Protein Level

But Diets High in Protein Put on Less Fat, More Lean Body Mass By Kathleen DohenyWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Jan. 3, 2012 -- Here's a new study we really could have used before the holidays: If you are going to overeat, be su...

Some 'Gluten-Free' Beers Really Aren't: Study

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 28 -- Regular beer and even some brands of beer labeled "low-gluten" contain high levels of gluten and could cause problems for people with celiac disease, a new study says.Beer is made using barely, which contains a ...

Health Tip: Eat Right During Pregnancy

-- When you're pregnant, eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for you and your baby.The American Dietetic Association lists these key nutrients for pregnant women:Folic acid, found in fortified breads and cereals, can help pr...

Study Finds Bacteria in Unused Paper Towels

Recycled Paper Towels Had the Highest Bacterial Counts By Brenda Goodman, MAWebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Dec. 28, 2011 -- Grabbing a paper towel in a public restroom may leave more on your hands than you bargained for.Researchers...

As Obesity Rises, More Suffer From Acid Reflux

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 21 -- As the obesity epidemic spreads around the world more people are suffering from acid reflux, likely increasing the number of those who will develop esophageal cancer, a new study suggests.In Norway, the prevalen...

USDA Issues New Safety Rules for Beef

Zero Tolerance for Toxic E. coli; Beef Held Until Tests Done By Daniel J. DeNoonWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Dec. 21, 2011 -- The USDA today announced two new rules to make U.S. beef safer.The announcement accompanied the firs...

Health Tip: Don't Let Holiday Turkey Make You Sick

-- A case of food poisoning can ruin anyone's holidays. So take care with your turkey to reduce your risk of food-borne illness.The American Dietetic Association offers these suggestions for buying and cooking turkey:When buying the ...

Raw Cookie Dough Ready to Bake, Not Ready to Eat

2009 E. Coli Outbreak Serves as a Reminder of Risks of Eating Raw Cookie Dough By Denise MannWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Dec. 8, 2011 -- Raw cookie dough, whether it's homemade or store-bought, should be destined for your ove...

Progress Made on Vaccine for So-Called Cruise Ship' Virus

Norovirus Spreads Through Crowded Populations, With Children, Seniors at Risk of Becoming Severely Ill By Laird HarrisonWebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD Dec. 7, 2011 -- An experimental vaccine has passed an important test in preve...

Mid-Morning Snacks May Thwart Diets

TUESDAY, Nov. 29 -- Dieters may want to reconsider that mid-morning snack.In a 12-month study of 123 overweight or obese women, those who snacked between breakfast and lunch lost less weight than those who skipped a mid-morning nosh....

More Blacks Die in Hospital After Diverticulitis Surgery

TUESDAY, Nov. 22 -- Elderly black patients who require surgery for an intestinal condition called diverticulitis are much more likely to die in the hospital than white patients, a new study has found.This increased risk of death was ...

Health Tip: How to Look for Whole Grains

-- Whole grains are fiber-rich, heart-healthy foods. But it may be a challenge to find good sources.The American Diabetes Association cites these common whole-grain choices:Whole wheat flour, whole oats or whole oatmeal.Popcorn, whol...

For Nutritional Punch, You Can't Beat Plant-Based Foods

FRIDAY, Nov. 18 -- Those in the know consider fruits and vegetables among the healthiest foods around. U.S. government health experts now encourage Americans to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables. Weight Watchers' new ...

Southeast U.S. Still Using High Levels of Antibiotics, Study Shows

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16 -- Overall outpatient use of antibiotics in the United States fell about 12% between 1999 and 2007, but alarmingly high use in the Southeast could speed the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers...