Ginger root, or Zingiber officianale, is a rhizome plant whose chemical properties are generally beneficial for the stomach. Gingerols and shogaols are the active ingredients that primarily affect the digestive system, although they may also...
Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy with many purported benefits. You can drink it diluted with water or take it as a supplement in tablets or capsules to avoid the flavor. Apple cider vinegar in any form has the potential to cause side effects...
Coffee activates the production of stomach acid. This may result in an irritation of the stomach lining that can lead to more serious problems. People with a history of ulcers, acid reflux and heartburn or gastric discomfort after drinking coffee...
Barrett's esophagus is a condition that occurs when the tissues of the lining of the esophagus are constantly damaged by stomach acid, according to MedlinePlus. The tissues of the lining of the esophagus change and become similar to tissues of the...
Yes, gastritis describes different diseases, not just one disease. It could refer to various conditions that are all related to the inflammation of the stomach lining as a result of bacterial infection. Gastritis can be caused by prolonged use of...
A balanced diet for ulcers can include nuts, as long as you can digest them without pain. If you have stomach pain after eating raw or roasted nuts, consider replacing whole nuts with creamy peanut butter or almond butter to benefit from the...
A stomach ulcer, medically known as a gastric ulcer, describes an open sore that occurs in the stomach wall. Your diet does not cause the ulcer, but eating certain types of foods may irritate the ulcer and cause your symptoms to become worse....
The abdomen houses the digestive tract, liver, kidneys and several other vital organs. Abdominal pain can stem from a range of causes, most of which are transient and relatively mild. On the other hand, persistent or very severe abdominal pain can...
Barrett's esophagus is a disorder that affects the lining of your esophagus. The lining becomes damaged by stomach acid, which is typically caused by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Barrett's esophagus doesn't usually...
Heartburn occurs when food or stomach acid is refluxed into the esophagus. The esophagus is separated from the stomach by a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. This valve normally lets food into the stomach, then closes to prevent it from...
Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach, or mucosa, is inflamed. The lining of the stomach contains parietal cells, which produce acid, various enzymes and mucus. The acid and enzymes are responsible for breaking apart food and...
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries by many cultures around the world. According to Dr. Michael Murray, a naturopathic doctor, author and expert in botanical medicine, herbal remedies have been subjected to extensive research over the...
When you go to sleep or go into a reclining position, gravity no longer pulls everything in your abdomen straight down. If you have a full stomach, this can cause acid reflux, potentially resulting in long-term damage to your esophagus. If you...
Black licorice candy was traditionally flavored with natural licorice root, a plant that is native to Asia and which has a sweet, somewhat spicy flavor reminiscent of anise or fennel. Licorice root has been used medicinally in China for more than...
Barrett's esophagus occurs when the lining of the esophagus is damaged by stomach acid that has backed up from the stomach, usually as a result of constant heartburn, which slowly damages the esophagus over time. It is a serious condition because...
In a hiatus hernia, also called hiatal hernia, the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. A hiatal hernia may develop from an injury to the chest or diaphragm area, increased pressure in the abdomen, or from...
Gastritis is an inflammation in your stomach lining. The Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the most common cause of gastritis, which also can result from overuse of anti-inflammatory medications, excessive bile in your stomach or an autoimmune...
Acidic foods and drinks can irritate or permanently harm your digestive system and intestinal tract, especially if you consume them regularly or excessively. If you are sensitive to acidic food and drinks, you may experience mild symptoms at...
Aluminum is a salt commonly found in many antacid medications. It can be used as a digestive aid for those who suffer from gastrointestinal problems like heartburn or similar conditions. Aluminum aids digestion and relieves discomfort by...
Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain as opposed to the spinal cord. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves with motor and sensory functions. Problems with cranial nerves may affect a motor nerve, called a cranial nerve...
Stomach acid, also known as digestive juice, exists at a pH of 1.5 to 3.5, according to MedLinePlus. At that acidity, stomach acid can destroy the sensitive tissue in the stomach wall. To prevent this, a thick layer of mucus lines the digestive...
Acid reflux is when stomach acid or bile flows back up into the esophagus, which can irritate the esophageal lining. Signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, include both acid reflux and heartburn and may also include chest...
Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is a condition in which acid in your stomach travels into the esophagus. The acid can irritate your esophagus and cause burning and pain. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million...
Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin that is essential for the formation of blood, energy, growth and cell function. Unlike other water-soluble vitamins, it is stored in the liver, kidney and tissues, so a deficiency might hide for 5 to 6 years....
Autonomic neuropathy refers to a group of symptoms resulting from damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system is the network of nerves that regulate many unconscious processes in the body such as heart rate, blood...
Peptic ulcers are a sores in the lining of your stomach, esophagus or duodenum -- the first part of your small intestine. Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by emotional stress, worrying, spicy foods or a rich diet. However, the two...
Cells in the lining of your stomach produce stomach acid to aid in the breakdown of food particles. A thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effects of the stomach acid. When the mucus lining becomes damaged, stomach acid can...
According to the Mayo Clinic, heartburn is a burning sensation behind your breastbone, caused by stomach acid backing up in your esophagus. The esophageal sphincter should seal the acid inside your stomach, but if it relaxes or weakens, acid can...
All B vitamins are necessary to metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates. B-12 is also necessary for a healthy nervous system and, along with folate, helps form red blood cells. Your body uses B-12 when making DNA and RNA. Most B vitamins cannot...
