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Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): What to know

ARFID is a newly recognized eating disorder that features in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 defines mental disorders to help doctors and psychiatrists improve diagnosis and treatment.

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Do I have a stomach virus or food poisoning?

Sickness and pain in the abdomen is often passed off as either stomach flu or food poisoning. However, since the symptoms are similar, people often confuse the two conditions.

Knowing the difference between the two can support an accurate diagnosis.

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What is the difference between animal and plant proteins?

Protein is an essential part of the diet. It helps to build, repair, and maintain the body’s structures. Foods derived from plants and animals can both provide protein, but there are some differences.

Protein exists throughout the body, in everything from the muscles and organs to the bones, skin, and hair. The body does not store protein like it does other macronutrients, so this protein has to come from the diet.

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Gut bacteria and the brain: Are we controlled by microbes?

Although the interaction between our brain and gut has been studied for years, its complexities run deeper than initially thought. It seems that our minds are, in some part, controlled by the bacteria in our bowels.

The gut has defenses against pathogens, but, at the same time, it encourages the survival and growth of “healthy” gut bacteria. 

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Lactose intolerance: What you need to know

People with lactose intolerance cannot metabolize lactose properly, because their digestive system produces too little of an enzyme known as lactase. If they consume foods containing lactose, they may experience bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.

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What can cause stomach churning?

Stomach churning is an uncomfortable sensation in the abdomen that may occur alongside nausea and other digestive symptoms. Although stomach churning is often only temporary, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition.

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Everything you need to know about pinworms

The pinworm, also known as threadworm, is a very common intestinal parasite. The medical condition associated with pinworm infestation is known as enterobiasis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pinworms are the most common type of worm infection in the United States.

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Pale stool: Causes and treatments

Many things can change the color of stool, including vitamins, infections, and certain foods. Some underlying medical problems, such as gallbladder and liver disease, can also change stool color. Pale stool, especially if it is white or clay colored, can indicate a serious health problem.

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What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease symptoms vary depending on which part of the gut is affected. Symptoms often include:

• Pain: The level of pain varies between individuals and depends on where the inflammation is in the gut. Most commonly, pain will be felt at the lower-right side of the abdomen.
• Ulcers in the gut: Ulcers are raw areas in the gut that may bleed. If they do bleed, the patient might notice blood in their stools.
• Mouth ulcers: These are a common symptom.
• Diarrhea: This can range from mild to severe. Sometimes there may be mucus, blood, or pus. The patient may get the urge to go but find nothing comes out.
• Fatigue: Individuals often feel extremely tired. Fever is also possible during fatigue.
• Altered appetite: There may be time when the appetite is very low.
• Weight loss: This can result from a loss of appetite.
• Anemia: A loss of blood can lead to anemia.
• Rectal bleeding and anal fissures: The skin of the anus becomes cracked, leading to pain and bleeding.

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