Chemotherapy is a treatment largely used to treat cancer by destroying fast-growing cancer cells. However, it can also damage healthy cells in the body, particularly the more fragile and fast-growing cells that line the mouth, nasal cavity and the...
The digestive system is a complex group of organs, hormones and glands located in the abdominal cavity. Digestive problems are often caused by stress and can cause pain and discomfort. Specific exercises or a self-massage may help bring relief and...
Crohn's disease is a condition caused by inflammation of the digestive tract. Any part of the digestive tract, from the anus to the mouth, may be affected by Crohn's disease. While symptoms affecting the small intestine are most commonly reported,...
Yeast infections can range in severity from minor discomfort to a life-threatening ailment, depending on your immune system, the type of yeast, the location of the yeast and the way you combat it. Yeast infections can also lead to weight loss in...
Small pouches that develop on the intestines, called diverticula, can become infected, a condition known as diverticulitis. Around 50 percent of people over age 60 have diverticula, which most commonly affect the large intestine, the National...
Immune deficiency has many causes. Primary immunodeficiency consists of malfunctioning immunity usually due to rare diseases that are genetically linked, which greatly increase risks of infection from childhood onward. Acquired immunodeficiency...
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of grapes and some other plants and berries. Polyphenolic compounds like resveratrol have antioxidant properties and impart color to some fruits, vegetables and flowers. Studies have shown...
Vitamin C displays a variety of properties within the body, but it is probably best known for its immune-boosting and antioxidant roles. Stimulating the immune system and eliminating harmful free radicals are important elements for maintaining...
Elevated liver enzymes can signify damage to the liver caused by a variety of triggers, from medications to hepatitis or heart attack. They can also indicate disease of the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located near the liver in the...
Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. This leads to death of pancreatic tissue and the formation of lesions, causing extensive bleeding. The pancreas is a digestive organ behind the stomach that secretes...
Food has several general components. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats, each with subcategories. Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals and other chemicals needed in small amounts. Nutrients are typically bound together in...
A burning sensation accompanied by chest pain can be a symptom of many diseases or conditions. Some may be related to the heart, and others may be caused by the digestive system or neurological responses within the chest cavity. Treatment for...
Olive oil and garlic may do wonders for salad dressing and pasta sauces, but you'd be hard pressed to find credible evidence that they confer any benefit to the liver. Liver "cleanses," or "flushes" as they are often called, are pitched to very...
Neuropathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes that is caused by a progressive weakening of blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Diabetic neuropathy affects nerves that sense pain, are involved in motor control and...
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco is the single most common cause of cancer in the world today. In the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates that about 30 percent of all cancer deaths are caused by tobacco use, principally...
Any time you have an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in your body, you're at risk of developing secondary infections. Children are the most prone to develop food allergies, such as a gluten allergy that could cause an ear infection. If...
Gall bladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is the removal of the gall bladder, a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver in the right upper abdomen, as stated in the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a website supported...
No research proves that alcohol consumption directly causes stomach ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, if you drink excessive amounts of beer or other alcoholic beverages, you are at an increased risk of...
The abdomen describes the region of the body that expands from the chest cavity to the pelvis. Because so many organs reside in the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain can occur due to many different conditions. The intensity of the abdominal pain...
While humans start life with excess kidney function, disease often robs some patients of this capability. As kidney function dwindles to a point where it is no longer possible to sustain life, doctors often speak to patients about possible...
The pancreas is located behind your stomach in the abdominal cavity. It is a vital organ responsible for producing digestive juices and enzymes that flow to the intestines and mix with food so your body can properly absorb nutrients. Your pancreas...
Abdominal pain that is in sync with ovulation is generally associated with the non-emergency event known as Mittelschmerz. The exact cause of Mittelschmerz, or the pain of ovulation, has not been determined, but excess stretching of the ovaries...
Digestion is the process of breaking food down both mechanically and chemically so the nutrients it contains can be absorbed and used by your body. Optimal nutrition requires a properly functioning gastrointestinal system. A defect in any of...
The digestive tract can be afflicted by a number of ailments that cause pain after eating. These conditions can range from minor discomfort to unbearable pain. The pain in your stomach can be a sign of serious health problems and you should...
Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is commonly used as an anesthetic in dentists' office, where it can safely carry more powerful anesthesia into the body. It's mixed with air to ensure that it remains safe. Car enthusiasts also use it as...
The mouth is the first stop on the digestive path, and it is where the teeth and tongue begin the process of condensing food into manageable portions that are easy to swallow. Teeth are made of multiple layers of strong tissues that protect the...
Chewing gum does not help you digest your food, but it can help keep you from overeating. Certain types of gum can even help prevent cavities. There are ways to improve the performance of your digestive tract and make sure your body is functioning...
Colon cleansing is generally categorized into five procedures. The various types of cleansing can vary in efficiency and should be performed according to the manufacturer's directions or by a professional. Learn about the various technologies for...
The salivary glands, located in your mouth and throat, secrete saliva to keep your mouth moist, help your digestion and protect your teeth from cavities. Swollen salivary glands are associated with a range of disorders, including viral infections,...
