The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a progressive infection that causes immune system degradation. As of 2010, there is no cure for HIV, although medications are available to help control symptoms of HIV. Gastrointestinal symptoms of an...
Diarrhea is problematic enough on its own, but the presence of bloody diarrhea signals that something more serious is going on with the body. Bloody diarrhea serves as a warning sign for internal trauma, ulcers, infections and even cancer....
Street foods from carts or trucks can be found in many urban areas all over the world. People who eat street food are often drawn to the low price, the short wait for food and the sheer variety of food available from different vendors. Eating...
Communicable diseases, also referred to an as infectious or contagious diseases, are caused by bacteria organisms, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Communicable diseases such as the common cold, influenza or gastroenteritis are spread by direct...
As your child grows and develops, he comes into contact with a wide range of bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause diseases and health conditions as his immune system grows and strengthens. Different conditions can affect his gastrointestinal...
Abdominal pain may be severe or mild, and can have serious or benign causes. If you have mild abdominal pain, you may be able to treat it at home with rest, extra fluids, over-the-counter medications and a bland diet. If you have severe, worsening...
Allergy-prone individuals who avoid grains, such as wheat, often benefit from the mild effects of using grapefruit seed extract for intestinal problems and constipation. A variety of physical conditions, including acne, allergies, body odor,...
Calcium is an important mineral for healthy growth and development of strong teeth and bones, and toddlers need 500 mg of calcium daily; however, getting the recommended daily intake of calcium can be difficult if children experience temporary...
The colon, also called the large intestine, is a five-foot long tube that connects to the small intestine at one end and the rectum at the other end. The colon absorbs up to three pints of water a day plus nutrients, and consolidates waste...
Friendly bacteria are a normal part of the human system, where they promote intestinal and genital health and protect against harmful types of bacteria. When the balance between good and bad bacteria is disrupted, an infection can result. The...
Although a change in diet or medicine can cause a sudden attack of mild diarrhea, bacterial infection and food poisoning are more likely associated with an acute case of diarrhea. Salmonella and E. coli -- bacteria found in raw, unwashed or...
A serving of yogurt contains about 15 grams of milk protein and also contains a significant amount of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and magnesium. It is also a great source of vitamins B-2 and B-12. Due to its acidity, the intestines can...
The presence of blood in an infant's stool is alarming for any parent. While there may be a number of causes, noting symptoms and important characteristics are key in helping a doctor properly diagnose and treat an infant. Pinpointing possible...
Communicable diseases are everywhere--on your hands, the doorknobs, the faucets, your friends' faces and in your children's noses. Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be passed from person to person, either by direct contact or...
Probiotics are live microorganisms that behave similarly to the healthy, or good, bacteria already present in your body. They are often taken in supplement form to support gut health and digestion. Different strains of probiotics work in different...
Antibiotics are medications used for the treatment of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections and skin infections. They are derived wholly or partially from bacteria or molds...
Probiotics, also referred to as "good" bacteria, are live microorganisms that have many health benefits. Good bacteria help your body in the digestive process and in fighting off harmful bacteria. Most of the probiotics used in health supplements...
Bacteria have earned an unfair reputation as disease-spreading "bugs." In reality, many health-promoting bacteria live in your body, where they support your immune system, ward off pathogens and suppress allergic reactions. When you take...
According to the Sugar Association, raw sugar can be processed in many different ways. Ordinary sugar, called white sugar or extra fine, is the most commonly used sugar kept in American kitchens and used for baking and recipes. Other formulations,...
Acidophilus Pearls are probiotics manufactured by Enzymatic Therapy to improve digestive health. Taking probiotics supplements may help prevent harmful bacteria from fostering gastrointestinal trouble. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration...
Gastrointestinal or GI problems are among the most common medical conditions in children. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, IFFGD, functional gastrointestinal disorders, which are conditions that...
Miso, a culinary staple in the Japanese culture, is made by fermenting soybeans with barley or brown rice and mixing with salt and a fungus source. The final product is made into a paste that can be used in soups, salad dressing and sauces. Miso,...
Blueberry's cousin, the cranberry, can improve bladder health and help prevent bladder infections, according to the website WHfoods. Native to Southern Canada and the northern United States, cranberries may also prevent gastrointestinal infections...
Barberry or Berberis is an evergreen shrub native to Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and North America. The stem, red berries and bark of the Barberry plant called alkaloids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Laboratory...
Most everyone has experienced diarrhea at some point in their life. While the term diarrhea generally describes loose, even watery stools, explosive diarrhea refers to forceful and very urgent loose stools. Explosive diarrhea is typically...
Common causes of diarrhea in infants are gastrointestinal infections, colds, food intolerance and antibiotic treatment, according to Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician and co-author of "The Baby Book." The main concern with diarrhea, especially in...
Diarrhea occurs when food and drink pass through your colon too quickly or in amounts that are too large, resulting in loose, watery stools. It isn't uncommon to have occasional diarrhea; many people experience a bout one or twice a year. But...
The National Institutes of Health describe irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, as group of symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation caused by abnormal bowel function. Doctors call IBS a syndrome rather...
Marshmallow is an herb that is native to Europe, although it is now grown in parts of North and South America. This herb thrives in marshes and wetlands. Although marshmallow was used in the Middle Ages as a food source, extracts of this herb's...
Bloating is the common term for gas buildup in the stomach and intestines. It's often accompanied by abdominal pain which may be either mild and dull or sharp and intense. Passing gas or having a bowel movement may relieve the pain. Learn about...
Ascariasis is caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides worm, which lives in the intestine. Learn how to treat ascariasis in this video.
Candidiasis or a yeast infection is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies. Learn about the...
