Enzymes are an essential component of digestion that break down different types of foods into molecules that can be absorbed by the body. Enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of foods made from carbohydrates, fats and protein, but are typically...
The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the gallbladder. It functions to produce digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. These are delivered to the digestive system via the common bile duct, which...
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located at the base of the bladder in men. The prostate gland's main role is to manufacture the liquid component of semen. The prostate gland can become infected, leading to a condition known as prostatitis....
The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood and for processing fats. If the liver gets damaged, fat can accumulate in the liver tissue, causing large light-colored blotches to appear. This condition, known as fatty liver, can be reversed...
Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver disease. The fibrous tissue caused by cirrhosis prevents your liver from functioning properly, including metabolizing and storing nutrients. One of the nutrients affected by cirrhosis is protein. The cirrhotic...
Diet can help to control some of the symptoms of carcinoid cancer, but food tolerance is very individual, so you may have to use trial and error to see which options work best for you. Healthy food choices also help to support your overall...
Kidney stones send around 500,000 Americans to the emergency room each year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, or NIDDK. Painful and often recurring, kidney stones come in several different...
Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes the inner lining of the large bowel to become inflamed, according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Sometimes, the lining may develop sores or ulcers as a result of the ulcerative...
Most people pass gas between 14 and 23 times a day, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders states. While passing gas is embarrassing and often slightly odorous, truly foul-smelling gas is more uncommon. Most...
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal condition that causes symptoms such as abdominal cramps, gas, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. IBS is mostly influenced by your diet, but gastric distress can also be caused by the size...
Autism is a complex and mysterious disorder, affecting an average of 1 in 110 children in America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states. There are theories surrounding possible treatments for autism, but none have been...
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that can make it difficult for your small intestine to absorb necessary nutrients from your diet. This condition is caused by an allergy to a protein in rye, barley and wheat, called gluten. Gluten is a...
Celiac sprue disease, also called celiac disease or gluten intolerance, is an inherited autoimmune digestive disorder that can affect children and adults. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease affects nearly 1 in 133...
Cutting back on calories while increasing physical activity helps with weight loss. Eliminating gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley, can prompt weight loss in some people. A gluten-free diet is not a proven way to lose weight,...
Gas in the stomach, beginning in the esophagus and extending to the small and large intestines, can come from swallowing air while eating or drinking. It also occurs when stomach acid and bicarbonate mix, as well as during the normal breakdown of...
Diverticulosis is a digestive disorder caused by small pouch-like herniations located along your gastrointestinal tract wall, according to John Hopkins University. Exercise to improve diverticulosis that is done at least 30 minutes on five or more...
